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Installing the Scanner App

Step-by-step guide to installing the Scanner App on iOS and Android devices. Learn how to add to home screen as PWA, troubleshoot installation issues, and deploy to staff.

Michael Francis avatar
Written by Michael Francis
Updated this week

Installing the Scanner App

Overview

Install the Scanner App on your mobile device for quick, easy access to scan customer loyalty cards. The app installs directly to your home screen in just a few taps—no app store required.

What you'll get:

  • Scanner App icon on your home screen

  • One-tap access to start scanning

  • Works like a native mobile app

  • Fast, convenient transaction processing

  • No app store download needed

Requirements:

  • Mobile device (phone or tablet)

  • iOS (Safari) or Android (Chrome) browser

  • Internet connection

  • Valid login credentials


Before you begin

Get your Scanner App URL

Finding your white label Scanner App URL

Step 1: Log in to your account Use your custom domain to access your account.

Step 2: Access Scanner App

  1. Click your profile picture (top-right corner)

  2. Select Scanner App from the menu

  3. You'll be directed to the Scanner App

Step 3: Copy your URL Copy the URL from your browser address bar—this is your white label Scanner App URL.


Installing on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Requirements

  • iOS device (iPhone or iPad)

  • Safari browser (recommended)

  • iOS 11.3 or later

Installation process

Step 1: Open Scanner App URL

  1. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad

  2. Enter the Scanner App URL in the address bar

  3. Press Go

  4. The Scanner App login screen loads

Step 2: Add to Home Screen

  1. Tap the Share button (square with arrow pointing up)

    • Located at the bottom center of Safari (iPhone)

    • Located at the top-right of Safari (iPad)

  2. Scroll down in the share menu

  3. Tap Add to Home Screen

Step 3: Customize and add

  1. A preview appears showing the app icon and name

  2. You can edit the name if desired (or keep "Scanner App")

  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner

Step 4: Access from Home Screen

  1. The Scanner App icon appears on your home screen

  2. Tap the icon to launch the Scanner App

  3. Log in with your credentials

  4. Start scanning customer cards

iOS installation tips

Share button not showing?

  • Ensure you're using Safari (not Chrome or other browsers)

  • Update Safari to the latest version

  • Restart Safari and try again

Add to Home Screen option missing?

  • Scroll down in the share menu—it may be below the first row

  • Check that you have sufficient storage space

  • Update iOS to the latest version

Icon doesn't appear after adding?

  • Check additional home screen pages (swipe right)

  • Look in your App Library (swipe to the last page)

  • Try the installation process again


Installing on Android

Requirements

  • Android device (phone or tablet)

  • Chrome browser (recommended)

  • Android 5.0 or later

Installation process

Step 1: Open Scanner App URL

  1. Open Chrome on your Android device

  2. Enter the Scanner App URL in the address bar

  3. Press Go or tap the search button

  4. The Scanner App login screen loads

Step 2: Install prompt (automatic)

Method A: Automatic install prompt

  1. A popup appears at the bottom: "Add Scanner App to Home screen"

  2. Tap Install or Add

  3. Confirm installation

  4. The app installs immediately

Method B: Manual installation (if prompt doesn't appear)

  1. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner

  2. Select Add to Home screen or Install app

  3. Confirm the installation

  4. The app adds to your home screen

Step 3: Access from Home Screen

  1. The Scanner App icon appears on your home screen

  2. Tap the icon to launch the Scanner App

  3. Log in with your credentials

  4. Start scanning customer cards

Android installation tips

Install prompt doesn't appear?

  • Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select "Add to Home screen"

  • Ensure you're using Chrome browser

  • Clear Chrome cache and try again

  • Check that you have sufficient storage space

Can't find "Add to Home screen" option?

  • Look for "Install app" instead

  • Update Chrome to the latest version

  • Try closing and reopening Chrome

  • Restart your device

Installation fails?

  • Check internet connection

  • Ensure sufficient storage space (at least 50MB free)

  • Clear Chrome cache: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data

  • Try uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome


After installation

First launch

Step 1: Open the Scanner App Tap the Scanner App icon on your home screen.

Step 2: Log in

  1. Enter your email address

  2. Enter your password

  3. Tap Sign In

Login options:

  • Main account: Use your primary account credentials

  • Manager account: Use assigned manager credentials

Step 3: Grant permissions (if prompted)

  • Camera access: Required for scanning QR codes

  • Notifications: Optional, for app updates and alerts

Step 4: Start scanning The Scanner App is ready to use—point your camera at customer loyalty cards to scan.

App icon and display

What the icon looks like:

  • Scanner App logo/icon

  • Name: "Scanner App" (or your custom name)

  • Same appearance as native apps

Tap to open: Just like any other app, tap the icon to launch the Scanner App instantly.

Updating the app

Automatic updates: The Scanner App updates automatically when you open it with an internet connection. No manual updates required.

Force update: If you experience issues:

  1. Close the Scanner App completely

  2. Clear browser cache

  3. Reopen the Scanner App

  4. Latest version loads automatically


Installing on multiple devices

Same account on multiple devices

Yes, you can install the Scanner App on:

  • Multiple staff phones

  • Multiple tablets

  • Checkout stations

  • Backup devices

All devices use the same URL:

  • Share the Scanner App URL with all staff

  • Each person follows installation steps for their device

  • Everyone can log in with their credentials

Manager accounts for staff

Best practice:

  • Create separate manager accounts for each staff member

  • Each manager logs in with their own credentials

  • Better tracking and accountability

  • Easier permission management

To create manager accounts:

  1. Log in to your main account

  2. Navigate to Managers section

  3. Add new managers with email and password

  4. Assign Scanner App permissions

  5. Share credentials with staff


Removing the Scanner App

Uninstalling from iOS

Step 1: Locate the icon Find the Scanner App icon on your home screen.

Step 2: Remove the app

  1. Press and hold the Scanner App icon

  2. Tap Remove App

  3. Select Delete App

  4. Confirm deletion

The Scanner App is removed from your device.

Uninstalling from Android

Step 1: Locate the icon Find the Scanner App icon on your home screen.

Step 2: Remove the app

  1. Press and hold the Scanner App icon

  2. Drag to Uninstall or tap Remove

  3. Confirm uninstallation

The Scanner App is removed from your device.

Reinstalling

To reinstall, simply follow the installation steps again using the same Scanner App URL.


Troubleshooting

Installation issues

Can't access Scanner App URL:

  • Check internet connection

  • Verify URL is typed correctly

  • Try copying and pasting URL instead of typing

  • For white label: Ensure using correct custom domain

Installation option not available:

  • Update your browser to the latest version

  • Clear browser cache and cookies

  • Try using recommended browser (Safari for iOS, Chrome for Android)

  • Restart your device and try again

App won't install:

  • Check available storage space (need at least 50MB)

  • Close other apps to free up memory

  • Update device operating system

  • Try different browser

Icon doesn't appear after installation:

  • Check all home screen pages (swipe through screens)

  • Look in App Library or App Drawer

  • Search for "Scanner" in device search

  • Try installation process again

Login issues after installation

Can't log in:

  • Verify email and password are correct

  • Check Caps Lock isn't enabled

  • Ensure internet connection is active

  • Try main account credentials if using manager account

  • Reset password if needed

App opens to blank screen:

  • Close and reopen the app

  • Check internet connection

  • Clear browser cache

  • Reinstall the Scanner App

Camera not working:

  • Grant camera permissions when prompted

  • Check Settings → Privacy → Camera → Scanner App (enabled)

  • Restart the app

  • Reinstall if issues persist

White label issues

Scanner App URL not working:

  • Verify white label domain is correct

  • Ensure white label features are active on your account

  • Try standard Perkstar URL temporarily

  • Contact support to verify white label configuration

Custom domain not loading:

  • Check domain is properly configured

  • Verify DNS settings are correct

  • Try accessing from different device

  • Contact support for domain issues


Best practices

Initial setup

Test before rolling out:

  • Install on your device first

  • Test login and scanning

  • Verify all features work properly

  • Document any issues before staff training

Prepare installation guide:

  • Create step-by-step instructions specific to your devices

  • Include screenshots from your actual devices

  • Note your white label URL if applicable

  • Share with staff before training

Staff deployment

Group training:

  • Walk through installation together

  • Have everyone install on their devices simultaneously

  • Test scanning with real cards

  • Answer questions in real-time

Device recommendations:

  • Use similar devices for consistency

  • Ensure all devices are updated

  • Check battery capacity for shift length

  • Consider backup devices

Documentation:

  • Provide written installation guide

  • Include troubleshooting steps

  • List support contacts

  • Keep guides accessible (printed or digital)

Ongoing maintenance

Regular checks:

  • Verify Scanner App works at shift start

  • Update devices and browsers regularly

  • Test camera functionality

  • Monitor for any app issues

Backup plan:

  • Keep backup device ready

  • Have alternative scanning method

  • Document workarounds for common issues

  • Know when to contact support


Frequently asked questions

Do I need to download from an app store? No, the Scanner App installs directly from your browser. No app store download required.

Can I install on both iOS and Android? Yes, the Scanner App works on both platforms. Follow the platform-specific instructions above.

Will installation affect my other apps? No, installing the Scanner App doesn't affect any other apps on your device.

How much storage space does it require? Minimal storage required—typically less than 10MB. Ensure at least 50MB free space for smooth installation.

Can multiple people use the same installation? Yes, multiple staff members can log in and out of the same Scanner App installation. However, separate devices per person is recommended.

Do I need to update the Scanner App? No, the app updates automatically when you open it with internet connection. No manual updates needed.

Can I change the app icon name? On iOS, you can customize the name during installation. On Android, the name is predefined.

What if I get a new phone? Simply install the Scanner App on your new device following the same steps. Your account and data remain intact.

Will the app work offline? No, internet connection is required to scan cards and update customer data in real-time.

Can I install without logging in first? Yes, installation happens before login. After installing, you'll log in when you first open the app.

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