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Barcode Scanning Device Buyer's Guide: https://help.pm.leapevent.tech/a/1151493
You're ready to start scanning tickets? You'll need the PatronManager scanning app running on a compatible Apple or Android device.
This article will cover:
How to choose an Android device
To scan tickets in PatronManager you will need an Android Mobile device capable of running the PatronManager scanning app, available from the Google Play store.
As of July 2025, the minimum required operating system for the app is Android 9 or higher, however we anticipate that will change to Android 11 or higher soon.
If you're shopping for a new device:
- Choose one with a good camera, particularly in low light settings if the lighting where you scan tickets is dim
- Choose a device that runs Android 11 or higher
Most Android devices running a current Android OS version will work just fine; if you have other or older Android devices on hand, you can certainly give them a try.
If you choose devices that aren't on our verified list, we'd suggest purchasing just one to start (with a good return policy), or borrowing one and testing it out.
In particular, test that it works as expected in your planned environment (e.g. use it in the light level you'd have in a lobby pre-show), and if you plan to use optional scanners, test that it connects to them properly.
Can you help me set up or troubleshoot my Android device?
No. We do not provide device-specific support or troubleshooting.
Our team tests newer Android devices periodically that we believe are a good fit for our clients' needs. We select devices based on cost, camera quality (particularly the camera's ability to function in low light), hardware spec, and expected longevity (the length of time we expect the device to receive OS updates and support from the manufacturer). We also test each release with our most recently listed device to ensure ongoing compatibility.
We are sure that our current tested device works as expected, and comparable or newer devices should work as well.
Suggested Android devices
Google Pixel 6a
We currently test updates with the Google Pixel 6a. It has an excellent camera that works well for scanning even in low light, and is more affordable than many devices of similar quality.
The devices below have been retired by the manufacturers, but were previously tested and verified compatible. If you have any on hand, they will likely still work, but if you're purchasing new devices we suggest our current verified device above.
Built-In Camera with Auto-Focus
If you decide to use the Android device's built-in camera for barcode scanning, make sure that the camera has auto-focus. This is a requirement for barcode scanning if you're not using an additional bluetooth scanner.
Google Pixel 4a
The Google Pixel 4a was our previously recommended device. As of July 2025 it still works just fine, and it's upgradeable to Android 13 so we don't expect it to stop working for a while. As it's becoming more difficult to source, we now recommend the Pixel 6a instead, but if you have a 4a, you can keep using it for now.
How to choose an Apple device
To use the iOS ticket scanning app for PatronManager you will need an Apple mobile device capable of running the app available from the App store.
As of July 2025, the minimum required operating system is iOS 15.
With any device, we recommend testing that it works as expected in your planned environment (e.g. use it in the light level you'd have in a lobby pre-show).
Can you help me set up or troubleshoot my Apple device?
No. We do not provide device-specific support or troubleshooting.
How to use your device
Once you purchase your device, head over here to learn how to download and use the scanning app!
Once you've set your device(s) up, we recommend keeping both the scanning app and your device OS up to date to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly.