Verify Your Controller Is Online and Test the Payment Page
Verify Your Controller Is Online and Test the Payment Page
After installing and powering on your ArcadePay Controller for the first time, here is how to confirm it is connected and your QR code is ready to use.
Pro tip: First-time cellular provision takes 10–30 minutes. Power the controller on at home, your shop, or your warehouse and confirm it is online before you go on-site. See Power on your controller at home before you go on-site.
Lights: one blue = powered on; two solid red = connecting to cellular; blinking red = connected.
Quick Checklist
- Machines list shows Online.
- QR icon or sticker opens the payment page with buy options.
- Apply QR / Tap to Pay stickers only after that page works.
Step 1 — Check the Dashboard
Open your ArcadePay dashboard and go to Machines.
Your controller should appear in the list automatically. On first boot, first-time cellular provision takes 10–30 minutes. Once connected, the status shows Online.
Note: If you only have one controller, there will be one machine listed. If you have several, each will appear here with its device ID. Rename devices to location names once they are online.
Step 2 — Test the QR Code
Tap the QR code icon next to your machine in the list, or scan the QR sticker with your phone. This opens the payment page for that machine.
A working payment page looks like your branded checkout screen with pricing and payment options (cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
If the page loads correctly, the QR code is linked and your machine is ready to take payments.
Step 3 — Apply QR Stickers
Once you have confirmed the payment page loads correctly, place the QR sticker(s) on the machine where customers can easily scan them.
Do not apply stickers before verifying — this ensures customers always scan a code that is live and ready.
Common Questions
Q: My machine does not appear in the dashboard.
A: Give the controller 10–30 minutes on first boot. If it still does not appear after that, power cycle the controller (unplug and replug the 12V power connection), wait a few minutes, and check again. If still missing, contact support with the device's serial number.
Q: I just received my ArcadePay Controller and scanning the QR code says "no usable data found." Is something wrong?
A: No — this is completely normal before installation. The QR code only activates once the controller has been installed in a machine and powered on. Follow the installation guide in the box (or at arcadepay.app/pages/arcadepay-controller-installation), then power on the machine. Once the controller connects to the network, the QR code will open your payment page.
Q: The QR code opens a blank page or an error after installation.
A: This usually means the controller is still connecting. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, contact support with the machine name and device ID from the dashboard.
Q: How do I know which machine ID goes with which physical machine?
A: The device ID is printed on the ArcadePay Controller label. In the dashboard under Machines, you can rename each device to match its physical location to make it easier to track.
Q: How do I find the direct payment page link for each of my machines?
A: Every ArcadePay Controller has its own payment page URL. Use the machine ID shown in your dashboard under Machines. You can open that link to test a machine's payment page, share it with staff, or bookmark it for quick access. If you need the exact URL format for your account, contact ArcadePay Support.
Q: Is ArcadePay QR-only, or can customers tap their credit card directly on the sticker?
A: ArcadePay is QR-initiated (or phone NFC tap to open the same page) — customers open the payment page on their phone. Physical credit or debit card tap directly on the sticker is not supported.
Once the payment page opens on the customer's phone, they can pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit or debit card, PayPal, Venmo, or Amazon Pay. No app download required.
About NFC Tap-to-Pay Stickers
All ArcadePay Controllers shipping with the current batch include the new Tap to Pay + QR sticker set. Customers can scan the QR code or hold their phone near the NFC area to open the payment page automatically.
This is phone NFC tap — your customer taps their phone near the sticker (not a physical card).
Existing operators: This is a sticker upgrade for ArcadePay Controllers you already have — not new ACPAYX hardware. We hope to have all updated stickers in for existing units by October 1. Email notifications will go out to all existing users when they are available.
NFC tags must not be applied on metal; glass is OK.
If you are unsure whether your stickers include NFC, contact ArcadePay Support.