Terminology SoftPos Support

Terminology

SoftPOS payment application

Help & Support — Accept contactless payments directly on your Android device.

✓ PCI MPoC Certified ✓ Android 11+ ✓ No Extra Hardware
🚀 Getting Started 📱 Requirements 🔧 Troubleshooting ❓ FAQ 📩 Contact Us
Getting Started

Terminology turns your compatible Android device into a contactless payment terminal. Follow these steps to get up and running.

1

Download the App

Search for "Terminology" on the Google Play Store and install it. Make sure you are downloading the official app published by Terminology, Inc.

2

Enter Your Activation Code

On first launch you will see the Welcome screen. Enter the activation code provided to you by your account representative or in your merchant onboarding email. This code links the app to your merchant account.

3

Allow Permissions

The app will request permission to use NFC. This is required for contactless card reading. Tap Allow when prompted. You may also be asked to enable location services, which is required by card network rules for payment acceptance.

4

Accept Your First Payment

Enter a transaction amount, then ask the customer to tap their contactless card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) against the back of your device near the NFC antenna. The app will process the transaction and display a confirmation.

Tip: The NFC antenna location varies by device. On most phones it is in the upper-center of the back panel. If a tap is not reading, try adjusting the card position slightly.
Device Requirements

Terminology requires a compatible Android device with NFC hardware. Confirm your device meets the following before installation.

Operating System
Android 11 or higher
NFC
Built-in NFC required
Internet
Wi-Fi or mobile data (active connection required)
Google Play Services
Up to date (required for security attestation)
Device Security
Screen lock must be enabled (PIN, pattern, or biometric)
Root / Jailbreak
Not supported — rooted devices will fail security checks
Note: Some carrier-branded or heavily customized Android devices may have NFC restrictions that prevent the app from functioning. If you are unsure whether your device is compatible, contact us before purchasing hardware.
Troubleshooting

If you experience issues, start here before contacting support.

IssueWhat to Try
App fails to start or shows a startup error 1. Confirm you have an active internet connection.
2. Make sure Google Play Services is up to date via the Play Store.
3. Restart the app. If the error persists, restart the device.
4. Verify your device is not rooted or running a custom ROM.
Card tap not detected 1. Verify NFC is enabled in your device settings (the exact path varies by manufacturer; look under Connections, Connected Devices, or the quick settings panel).
2. Remove any thick phone case — it can block NFC signal.
3. Ask the customer to hold the card flat against the device for 2–3 seconds.
4. Try repositioning the card — NFC antenna location varies by device.
Transaction declined 1. This is typically a cardholder/issuer issue, not a terminal issue.
2. Ask the customer to try a different card.
3. Check that the amount does not exceed the contactless limit set by the card issuer.
4. If multiple cards are declining, verify your internet connection is stable.
Activation code not accepted 1. Double-check the code for typos — codes are case-sensitive.
2. Ensure you are entering the code assigned to your specific merchant account.
3. Try copying and pasting from your onboarding email.
4. Contact your account representative if the code still doesn’t work — it may need to be re-issued.
App crashes or freezes 1. Force-close the app and reopen it.
2. Make sure you are running the latest version from the Play Store.
3. Clear the app’s cache from your device’s Apps / Storage settings.
4. If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall. You will need to re-enter your activation code.
App reports device security or attestation error 1. Your device may have failed Google’s Play Integrity attestation.
2. Make sure your device is not rooted and is not running a custom ROM.
3. Update Google Play Services and Google Play Store to the latest version.
4. Disable USB debugging in developer options and retry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cards does Terminology accept? ▼
Terminology accepts contactless (NFC/tap) payments from Visa, Mastercard, and other supported card networks. This includes physical contactless cards as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Chip-insert and magnetic stripe transactions are not supported — this is a tap-only solution.
Is there a maximum transaction amount? ▼
The contactless transaction limit depends on the cardholder’s issuing bank and local regulations, not the app itself. In many markets, higher-value contactless transactions may require the cardholder to verify with a PIN per their card issuer’s rules. Your processor may also set per-transaction or daily limits — contact your account representative for details.
Do I need a separate card reader or hardware? ▼
No. Terminology uses the NFC antenna already built into your Android device. No dongles, card readers, or additional hardware are required. Your Android phone is the payment terminal.
Can I use Terminology on multiple devices? ▼
Each device requires its own activation code and is registered individually to your merchant account. Contact your Terminology account representative to request additional activation codes.
Where can I view my transaction history and reports? ▼
Transaction history is available within the app. For more detailed reporting, reconciliation, and settlement information, log in to your merchant portal or contact your account representative for access credentials.
How do I process a refund? ▼
Refunds can be initiated from within the app against the original transaction. Refund processing times are subject to your processor’s policies. For same-day voids (before settlement), the transaction is typically reversed immediately. If you cannot locate the refund option for a given transaction, contact support.
Is the app PCI compliant? ▼
Yes. Terminology is built on a certified platform that meets the PCI Mobile Payments on COTS (MPoC) security standard. Card data is encrypted at the point of capture and is never stored on your device. The app undergoes regular security audits and attestation checks at each launch.
The app updated and now I need to re-activate. Is that normal? ▼
Occasionally, a major app update may require re-activation for security reasons. This is expected behavior. Enter the same activation code you used originally. If you no longer have your code, contact your account representative to have it re-issued.
Still Need Help?

Contact Terminology Support

If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and the issue persists, our support team is here to help. Please include your device model, Android version, and a brief description of the issue.

Email Support
support@terminologyinc.com
© 2026 Terminology, Inc. — Terminals-as-a-Service
This Terminology SoftPos application is powered by Switchio certified payment technology.