Please see this guide regarding hardware requirements for Duo.
Step 1: Link your computer to your iPad
On your iPad, download the Boulevard Duo app from the App Store.
Open the Duo app and follow the prompts until a 6-digit code appears.
On your computer, go to Manage > Hardware in your Boulevard dashboard.
Click Link new iPad.
Enter the 6-digit code shown on the iPad screen.
Step 2: Pair your Boulevard Duo reader to your iPad
On the iPad, follow the on-screen instructions to pair the Duo reader.
When prompted to grant access to Bluetooth and Location Services, tap Allow While Using the App.
⚠️ Important: Location services must be enabled
If Location Services are turned off in iOS Settings, tapping Continue will not work. An alert will explain that Location Services must be manually re-enabled.
To fix this:Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
Enable Location Services for the Duo app
Return to the Duo app and tap Continue
Power on your Duo:
Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps
Then, rapidly press the power button three times, holding on the third press
Continue holding until blue lights blink back and forth in sequence
The Duo app will prompt you to enter a Bluetooth Pairing Code. This 6-digit code is printed on the bottom of the Duo device.
Enter the code and tap Pair.
Once successfully paired, tap Launch client experience to start accepting payments.
Duo Hardware Overview
Power button: Located on the left side when lights are facing you
Charging port: Located on the back of the device. Use only the included cord and block to charge the device.
Reset hole: A small pinhole on the top-back side of the reader
Check Charging Status, Battery Level, and Bluetooth Signal
To check your Duo’s connection and battery:
Open the Boulevard Duo app
Press and hold the “Boulevard” logo at the bottom of the screen
You’ll see:
Bluetooth signal strength (examples below)
Battery level
Charging status
You can also check battery level directly on the device by tapping the power button and observing the four indicator lights at the top.
Bluetooth Signal Strength
Signal Strength and Battery Level Icons in the Duo app Settings Screen
Signal Strength and Battery Level Details in the Duo Settings Drawer
Duo Lights and Meanings
The image below shows Duo light patterns and their corresponding meanings. The rectangle on the left indicates the power button light.
Important: Do not charge your Duo through a computer
Charge your Duo via a wall outlet using the included power cord and power block. Charging your Duo any other way may damage the device and render it unusable.