The Smartbox hub connects the iPad Mini and MagTek reader using USB-C cables. Correct cable placement and secure connections are required for the iPad to charge and for the MagTek reader to work properly.
Use this article to troubleshoot the following issues:
- The iPad is not charging.
- The iPad is charging, but the MagTek reader is not connecting with the iPad.
Required Equipment
Before troubleshooting, confirm the following equipment is available:
- iPad Mini 7
- MagTek reader
- 3-inch USB-C to USB-C right-angle cables
- Smartbox hub
- USB-C wall charger
Troubleshooting steps
The iPad is not charging
Each step may resolve the charging issue. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.
- Restart the iPad and confirm whether charging resumes
- Confirm that the USB-C cable is firmly seated on both ends and connected to the correct Smartbox port
- If the iPad still does not charge through the Smartbox hub, unplug it from the Hub and connect it directly to a USB-C wall charger
In case of a wall charger
If the iPad charges from the wall charger, the issue is likely related to the Smartbox hub or USB-C cable.
- Reconnect the iPad to the Smartbox using a known working USB-C cable
- Check whether the iPad begins charging:
- Charging works: The original USB-C cable may need to be replaced. Contact Tabit Support for replacement assistance
- Charging does not work: The issue is likely related to the Smartbox hub hardware. Contact Tabit Support for replacement assistance
- When the iPad does not charge from the wall charger even after restarting, the charging port may be damaged and require repair or replacement
iPad charges, but MagTek doesn't connect with the iPad
On the PAD, check the credit card icon at the bottom of the screen:
- A green credit card icon means the MagTek reader is connected
- A red credit card icon means the MagTek reader is not connected
Each step may resolve the connection issue. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.
- Make sure the MagTek reader is connected to the CR port on the Smartbox hub
- Reseat the MagTek cable by disconnecting it from both the MagTek reader and the Smartbox hub, then reconnecting both ends firmly
- Restart the iPad while keeping the MagTek reader connected. After the iPad fully restarts, check the credit card icon again
- Replace the MagTek USB-C cable with a known working USB-C cable
- Check whether the MagTek reader connects:
- Connection works: The original USB-C cable may need to be replaced. Contact Tabit Support for replacement assistance
- Connection does not work: Continue to the next step
- Connect a known working MagTek reader to the same Smartbox hub and cable
- Check whether the known working MagTek reader connects:
- Connection works: Test the original MagTek reader with a different hub and cable
- Connection does not work: The issue appears to be related to the Smartbox hub hardware. Contact Tabit Support for replacement assistance
- Check whether the original MagTek reader connects with the different hub and cable:
- Connection works: Continue using the working hub and cable to isolate the issue
- Connection does not work: The issue appears to be related to the MagTek reader hardware. Contact Tabit Support for replacement assistance
Smartbox Hub Connection Reference
Use the following connection reference when reviewing the Smartbox setup:
- Host port: Connects to the iPad Mini
- CR port: Connects to the MagTek reader
- Right-angle cable orientation: The longer side plugs into the hub
- White sticker end: Plugs into the Smartbox
A secure connection is required on both ends of each USB-C cable. If either cable is loose, reversed, or connected to the wrong port, the iPad may not charge, or the MagTek reader may not connect with the iPad.
When hardware may need replacement
The USB-C cable may need replacement when:
- The iPad begins charging with a known working cable
- The MagTek reader connects with a known working cable
The Smartbox hub may need replacement when:
- The iPad charges from a wall charger but does not charge through the Smartbox using a known working cable
- A known working MagTek reader does not connect through the Smartbox
The iPad may need repair or replacement when:
- The iPad does not charge from a wall charger after restarting
- The charging issue continues when the iPad is tested with known working cables and power sources
The MagTek reader may need replacement when:
- A known working MagTek reader connects successfully, but the original MagTek reader does not connect when tested with multiple hubs and cables
Once the issue has been isolated to a specific hardware component, contact Tabit Support for replacement assistance