Why the Cipherlab 1D USB Barcode Scanner Is Not Compatible With Clover POS

Why the Cipherlab 1D USB Barcode Scanner Is Not Compatible With Clover POS

Products Described: Cipherlab 1D USB Barcode Scanner 

Why the Cipherlab 1D USB Barcode Scanner Is Not Compatible With Clover POS


Question

A small retail business wants to reduce checkout time and improve accuracy by scanning  variable-priced barcodes from label-printing scales. To keep costs down, the business considers using a generic Cipherlab 1D USB Barcode Scanner with Clover POS. The scanner powers on and scans barcodes, so from an operational standpoint it appears to work. However, critical Clover apps that the business depends on—such as variable or weight-embedded barcode processing—do not function as expected. Why does this happen, and why is this scanner not compatible with Clover for these use cases?


Answer

The Cipherlab 1D USB Barcode Scanner operates strictly as an HID (Human Interface Device) keyboard when connected to Clover. This is the core limitation.


When used in HID keyboard mode, the scanner simply “types” barcode data into whatever field currently has focus on the screen—exactly like a physical keyboard. While this allows basic item lookups in simple text fields, it does not provide proper scanner interfacing that Clover apps rely on for advanced functionality.

Because of this limitation:

  1. No Direct Integration With Clover Scanner APIs
    Clover-compatible apps expect scanner input through Clover’s supported scanner interfaces. HID keyboard scanners bypass this entirely, so apps cannot distinguish:

    • Where the scan originated

    • What type of data was scanned

    • How to parse or validate that data

  2. Driver’s License Scanning Will Not Work
    Apps that scan driver’s licenses require structured data (such as AAMVA formats) and event-based scanning. An HID keyboard scanner only injects raw text, making it impossible for ID-scanning apps to:

    • Reliably detect a license scan

    • Parse name, DOB, or ID number correctly

    • Trigger age-verification workflows

  3. Variable-Priced Barcode Parsing Is Not Supported
    Apps like Variable Price Barcode Parser and Weight Embedded Barcode Parser depend on proper scanner input events so they can:

    • Identify barcode segments

    • Extract price or weight values

    • Apply that data dynamically to the transaction

    With an HID keyboard scanner, the barcode is treated as plain text, leaving no way for the app to safely intercept, interpret, or validate the embedded pricing or weight logic.

  4. Inconsistent and Unreliable Behavior
    Since the scanner only types characters:

    • Scans may land in the wrong field

    • Timing issues can cause failed scans

    • Background apps cannot listen for scan events

    This leads to checkout delays and cashier confusion—the opposite of what the business is trying to achieve.

For businesses that rely on advanced scanning workflows, Clover requires properly supported scanner hardware or scale-based barcode solutions, not HID keyboard scanners.

Supported and Compatible Solutions Include: www.clover.com/pos/accessories