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Reader Hardware Compatibility Considerations

Learn the importance of checking hardware compatibility before making new purchases.

Written by Agent Support Bot

Reader Hardware Compatibility Overview

Before purchasing new hardware components, it is important to make sure the new hardware will be compatible with your existing setup. The most common incompatibility issues arise when purchasing new card readers or purchasing handhelds for the first time. If you are unsure what hardware you already have on hand, you can reference What Kind of Hardware Do I Have? to confirm.

If you are looking to purchase a new card reader and have confirmed the hardware to which you would like to add this reader, you can then reference the valid card reader configurations for the different terminal setups outlined below.

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Standalone Employee Terminal

Only one card reader can be used on a device that doesn't have a GFD. Any of the following models are compatible with this kind of terminal:

Model

Compatible Terminal

Elo Devices

  • USB Magtek eDynamo (EMV)

  • Toast Tap On-Counter (NFC/EMV)

  • Toast Tap Direct Attach

  • USB Dynamag MSR (swipe only)

  • Toast MSR (swipe only)

In-Store Kiosk (Elo)

  • Toast Tap On-Counter

  • USB Magtek eDynamo

    • Note: The MagTek eDynamo card readers will sunset on June 30, 2025.

  • USB Elo MSR

Toast Flex Terminal

  • Toast Tap Direct Attach

  • Toast Tap On-Counter (NFC/EMV)

  • USB Magtek eDynamo (EMV)

  • USB Elo MSR (swipe only)

  • Toast MSR (swipe only)

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Elo Terminals with GFD

Elo Terminals with GFD

Notes

Employee Terminal with Direct-Attach GFD

  • If two readers: Swipe-only card reader (MSR) must go on the employee side, set to Employee Pay under Device Setup. EMV-enabled reader faces guest side (eDynamo EMV attached to GFD or Toast Tap On-Counter* on the counter facing the guest).

  • If one reader: EMV-enabled reader (eDynamo or Toast Tap On-Counter)

Employee Terminal with Wedge Mount GFD

  • If two readers: Swipe-only card reader on the employee side, EMV-enabled reader on the guest side (eDynamo EMV or Toast Tap On-Counter)

  • If one reader: EMV-enabled reader (eDynamo or Toast Tap On-Counter*)

Notes:

  • For best results, connect Toast Tap On-Counter to an available micro-USB port on the employee-side terminal using a micro-USB to micro-USB cable provided and set on the counter facing the guest.

  • Toast Tap On-Counter and Toast Tap Direct Attach are NOT compatible on the same device.

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Toast Flex with GFD

Toast Flex with GFD

Notes

Flex Terminal with Direct Attach GFD

  • If two readers: Swipe-only card reader (MSR) must go on the employee side, set to Employee Pay under Device Setup. EMV-enabled reader-faced guest side (Toast Tap On-Counter*).

  • If one reader: EMV-enabled reader (eDynamo, Toast Tap On-Counter, or Toast Tap Direct Attach*)

Flex Terminal with Flex Counter GFD

  • If two readers: Swipe-only card reader on the employee side (MSR), EMV-enabled reader on the guest side (Toast Tap On-Counter)

  • If one reader: EMV-enabled reader (eDynamo, Toast Tap Direct Attach, Toast Tap On-Counter*)

Notes:

  • Toast Tap On-Counter card reader that's connected DIRECTLY to the guest-facing display will ONLY work if the GFD is connected to its power source.

  • Toast Tap Direct Attach is only for Toast Flex terminals and can only be attached to the employee-side screen.

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Related Articles
EMV Payments FAQ
Identify Your Card Reader Type
Toast Tap™ (On-Counter) Installation Guide
Guest Pay Reader Functionality With Toast Tap™
Get Help With Elo Guest-Facing Display
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