POS Terminals Error Code
Systems & Devices
POS Terminals
ICC READ | Chip read error
Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/pos-terminals/error-codes/chip-read-error/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary
The terminal could not read the EMV chip data from the card.
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What This Code Means
Chip read errors occur when the terminal cannot reliably read EMV (ICC) data from the card. This can be caused by a damaged chip, dirty contacts, or a worn reader.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- During chip insert transactions
- Older terminals with worn chip slots
Why This Code Appears
- Card chip is damaged or contaminated
- Terminal chip reader is worn or dirty
- Card is removed too early
What Typically Happens Next
- Terminal prompts to retry insert or use fallback/payment alternative
What This Code Is Not
- It is not automatically an issuer decline
- It is not an internet outage
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Retry with a steady insert and keep the card inserted
- □ Clean the reader per vendor guidelines
- □ Try contactless/tap if supported
Notes And Edge Cases
Repeated chip read failures across many cards often indicates a terminal hardware issue.
Related Codes
8 links
- SWIPE READ CodeMagstripe read error
- EMV FALLBACK CodeChip fallback
- COMMUNICATION ERROR CodeHost communication failed
- DECLINED CodeIssuer declined
- INVALID TID CodeTerminal ID invalid
- MAC ERROR CodeMessage authentication error
- BATCH NOT CLOSED CodeSettlement pending
- KEYS NOT LOADED CodeEncryption keys missing
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