Unless you are using a specialized tablet with a built-in barcode scanner, you'll need to connect a barcode scanner with a cable or via a wireless Bluetooth connection to your computer to scan Evidence Manager barcode labels or driver's license and state ID cards with Informant's ID Card Reader feature.


Use this article as a guide for setting up your barcode scanner.


Note: This article focuses on the barcode scanners that are officially supported for use with Informant: this includes the Zebra DS2208 corded barcode scanner and the Zebra DS2278 cordless barcode scanner, and equivalent models from Zebra. If you have a different barcode scanner, you may need to consult the scanner's product manual for specific instructions on how to connect it to your computer.


Table of contents



How do I find my barcode scanner's make and model?


Most barcode scanners will have a label with the make and model number. On some hardware, you may see "Part Number" or "P/N": if so, this is the equivalent of the modal number.


Setting up a Zebra or Symbol-branded corded scanner (DS2208 and others)


Follow these steps if you have a corded scanner from Zebra/Symbol:


  1. If you have a corded scanner, it will have a cable connected to it: plug the cable into an available USB port on the computer.

    Note: Most corded barcode scanners use the larger standard USB connector (USB-A) but many newer laptops and most tablets don't have a standard USB port and instead have smaller USB-C ports. If your device doens't have a standard USB port, you may need to purchase a USB to USB-C adapter.

  2. The scanner should beep when plugged in. After a few moments, Windows should automatically detect and install the barcode scanner. You'll see a notification when this occurs.
  3. Scan the "Set Factory Defaults" barcode below to reset the barcode scanner to its default settings. The barcode scanner should beep and the LED indicator should turn green.
  4. Test your barcode scanner by scanning a barcode into Notepad.


Setting up a Zebra or Symbol-branded cordless Bluetooth scanner (DS2278 and others)


Follow these steps if you have a cordless (wireless) scanner from Zebra/Symbol:


Charge your barcode scanner


Charge your barcode scanner before first use:

  1. Plug the barcode cradle into a computer using the supplied USB cable, or plug it into a wall if using a standard power cord.
  2. Place the barcode scanner into the cradle.
  3. Charge the barcode scanner for at least one hour.


Option 1: Use your scanner wirelessly via the cradle


Your Zebra barcode scanner can be used wirelessly by connecting it directly to your computer using Bluetooth (see the next section) or via the cradle. In the latter case, the cradle is paired with the scanner and provides wireless communication. This option requires less setup, but the cradle must be plugged into your computer whenever you need to scan a barcode and this option requires your device to have a standard USB port.


  1. Plug the cradle into your computer using the supplied USB cable and wait a few seconds for Windows to detect the device.
  2. Scan the "Set Factory Defaults" barcode below to reset the barcode scanner to its default settings. The barcode scanner should beep and the LED indicator should turn green.
  3. Place the barcode scanner into the cradle. After a few moments, the barcode scanner will beep several times to indicate it is paired with the cradle.
  4. At this point, the barcode scanner should work.
  5. Test your barcode scanner by scanning a barcode into Notepad.


Option 2: Use your scanner wireless via direct Bluetooth connection (no cradle required)


You can set up your Zebra barcode scanner to work wirelessly without the cradle. This may be more convenient and may even be necessary if your device doesn't have a standard USB port for connecting the cradle.


  1. Remove the scanner from the cradle.
  2. Scan the "Set Factory Defaults" barcode below to reset the barcode scanner to its default settings. The barcode scanner should beep and the LED indicator should turn green.
  3. Scan the following barcodes to set up the scanner for Bluetooth pairing:

  4. In Windows, open your Bluetooth devices and add a new device. Look for the barcode scanner - it's usually identified by its model number in the list of available devices - and click on it to add it.

  5. If you are presented with a PIN number, scan the PIN number with the barcode scanner by scanning each digit of the PIN code using the barcodes below. You have around 30 seconds to scan the number, so if you aren't able to scan the PIN number the first time or make a mistake, simply start again from step 1.


  6. Once the PIN has been entered successfully, the barcode scanner should appear as a connected device.
  7. Test your barcode scanner by scanning a barcode into Notepad.


Setting up a non-Zebra or non-Symbol barcode scanner


If you have a barcode scanner that is not one of our supported Zebra/Symbol-branded models, you may still be able to use the scanner in Informant; however, we will not be able to provide specific instructions for setting up your barcode scanner in this case.


  • For Evidence Manager, we recommend a Zebra barcode scanner, as most off-the-shelf scanners won't be able to scan the barcodes generated by the Evidence Manager. Check with our team for current recommendations.
  • For the ID Card Reader, most barcode scanners that can read 2D barcodes and PDF417 barcodes will work.


Troubleshooting barcode scanner issues


This section discusses common barcode scanner issues and how to resolve them.


My wireless Zebra/Symbol scanner beeps and the LED indicator light turns red when scanning a barcode


This usually means the barcode scanner hasn't been paired to a device (a computer, laptop, or tablet) or is no longer paired with its cradle.


How to fix this depends on how you are using the barcode scanner:



When I scan a barcode, nothing happens (no beep, nothing lights up)


If the scanner doesn't audibly beep or light up, or if you don't see the targeting crosshairs from the barcode scanner's laser when you pull the barcode scanner trigger, the scanner may not have power.


  • If you have a corded (wired) barcode scanner: Make sure it is plugged into your device (usually via a USB cable) and make sure that the USB port it is plugged into actually provides power (sometimes, only specific USB ports on a device can power devices).
  • If you have a cordless (wireless) barcode scanner: Make sure the barcode scanner's battery is charged. Try placing the barcode scanner into its charging station/cradle and letting in charge for at least one hour before using it. The battery in the barcode scanner may also have died and might need to be replaced. Consult the barcode scanner's make/model and manual for instructions on replacing the battery.