There are 2 main reasons why a terminal will need to be replaced...
If your terminal is showing a message saying 'Tamper', the device will need to be replaced
If the terminal is not powering on, to determine whether this is a battery issue or if the terminal itself has a problem, we would recommend resetting the PDQ while plugged in. If, after doing this, it still doesn’t work, the device will need to be replaced
Tips to help to prevent a terminal going into "Tamper" state:
"Tamper" is an unrecoverable state that only occurs if the terminal detects a possible security breach. There are several sensors that detect tampering (both physical or software).
There are some common accidental triggers for a terminal to enter tamper mode:
When cleaning the terminal
Here is a link to advised safe cleaning procedures. Please read through this and advise the team to do so as this should hopefully prevent "Tamper" mode from occurring.
When moving around with the terminal, swinging the terminal as you move or dropping the device
We would advise the team to be careful when handling it to not shake, swing or drop the device which could put it into Tamper mode.
Overall, we would advise taking care when cleaning the terminal and moving around as this should hopefully help to prevent the terminal going into "Tamper" mode accidentally.
Tips to help to prevent a terminal having battery issues:
To prevent terminals' batteries from failing, it is critical to follow specific maintenance and storage guidelines. Proper power management and environmental conditions are key to avoiding permanent battery damage or degradation.
Maintenance Guidelines
Optimal Charge Levels: When storing terminals for long periods, keep the battery charge level between 40% and 70%. Avoid storing them when fully charged or fully discharged.
Regular Inspection: Every six months, inspect the batteries for any signs of leakage or swelling. Recharge them to the optimal level if needed.
Proper Charging: Ensure terminals are charged properly using the correct charger and cable. Make sure the connectors are free of dust or debris. If the battery is removable, check the space between the battery connector and the terminal for cleanliness.
Software Updates: Ensure the terminal is updating to the latest version, this could enable power management features like sleep mode to save battery life.
Network Management: Minimise unnecessary network traffic, as it can prevent terminals from entering sleep mode. Cellular and Wi-Fi connections generally offer good battery performance.
Storage Conditions
Store terminals in a cool, dry place.
Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources