Troubleshooting steps for a Poynt terminal displaying an Invalid Certificate error. Focus on external causes & safe handling procedures in a retail environment.
Verify the network connection using other devices on the same network.
Check the date and time settings in the terminal's configuration menu.
Determine if a recent firmware update was installed and if it coincided with the error. Contact Poynt support for known issues.
Certificate validation relies on cryptographic algorithms and secure key exchange. Failure can stem from clock drift (NTP issues), corrupted certificate stores, or failed TLS/SSL handshakes. The terminal's internal Real-Time Clock (RTC) accuracy is critical. Communication with the certificate authority (CA) server may fail due to network issues. Power fluctuations can corrupt temporary memory stores, including certificate caches.
Terminal displays "Invalid Certificate" error message.
Safe Handling: Unplug the terminal from the power outlet before performing any physical inspection or cable adjustments. Avoid touching the metal connectors on cables to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD). Do not attempt to open the terminal casing. This will void the warranty and may trigger anti-tamper mechanisms.
Regularly check and update the terminal's firmware. Ensure a stable and reliable network connection. Implement network security best practices (firewall, intrusion detection). Implement a process to regularly verify date/time accuracy.
If the Invalid Certificate error persists after a reboot, try clearing the terminal's cache. This option may be available in the settings menu. If the terminal is unable to synchronize time via NTP, manually setting the time, even temporarily, may allow certificate validation to proceed.