> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.verifone.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.verifone.com/support-uk/p630/errors/not-detecting-inserted-cards.md).

# Not Detecting Inserted Cards

What to do when a P630 isn't reading inserted (chip) cards, including testing and cleaning the chip reader.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Use this page when** the terminal isn't reading cards inserted into the chip reader.
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Keywords</summary>

Also called: cards not being detected, not detecting inserted cards, chip not reading, card not detected, chip reader not working. Search terms: card not detected, chip, chip reader, not reading, insert, card reader.

</details>

## Symptoms

You may see one or more of the following:

* Cards inserted into the chip reader aren't detected or read.
* The terminal doesn't respond when a card is inserted.
* Chip transactions fail, but contactless may still work.

**Most likely cause:** a dirty or faulty chip reader (or a damaged card).

## Resolution

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Check the card

Make sure the card is inserted **fully**, with the **chip first and facing up**. Try a **different card** to rule out a damaged chip.

✅ **Issue fixed — stop here.** ❌ **Still not working — continue to Step 2.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Test the chip reader

Run the card reader test to check whether the chip reader is working — see [How to Test the Chip Reader](/support-uk/p630/how-tos/how-to-test-the-chip-reader.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Clean the chip reader

If the test fails, clean the reader:

1. **Power off the terminal.** Hold the power button (on the left, above the volume-up button) until the device turns off.
2. **Clean the reader.** Take a card (ideally one with raised numbers). Insert it **upside down and back to front**, so the chip is **not** in the reader. Remove and reinsert it **10 times**, wiggling it each time to dislodge dirt inside the reader.
3. **Power the terminal back on.** Hold the power button until the device turns on.
4. **Try a test transaction** to confirm the chip reader is working.

✅ **Issue fixed — stop here.** ❌ **Still not working — see below.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Still not working?

{% hint style="info" %}
**The chip reader may be damaged.**

If cleaning hasn't resolved it, [contact Support to log a replacement terminal](https://verifoneuk.github.io/CONTACT-FORM./Contact%20Form%20V1.0.1). In the meantime, you can still take payments by **contactless** or another method.
{% endhint %}


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