Before You Start
To use RFID, your school will need:
An RFID reader
RFID-enabled student cards
An iPad running the Orah Checkpoint app
RFID enabled for your school
📌 RFID functionality must be enabled for your school before setup can begin.
Supported RFID Readers
Orah supports RFID readers that operate in:
HID Keyboard Wedge mode
In this mode, the RFID reader behaves like an external keyboard and automatically sends the scanned card identifier to Orah.
Supported connection types include:
USB-C RFID readers
Bluetooth RFID readers
No additional software is required for the RFID reader itself. RFID readers operate in HID Keyboard Wedge (plug-and-play) mode and behave like an external keyboard.
Schools will still need to complete the required Orah configuration, including enabling RFID for the school, configuring checkpoints or attendance workflows, and ensuring student Card UID values are populated.
RFID Frequencies
The RFID reader must support the same frequency as your student cards.
Common frequencies include:
Card Type | Frequency |
MIFARE / NTAG | 13.56 MHz |
HID Prox / EM4100 | 125 kHz |
Most modern school ID cards use 13.56 MHz technology (MIFARE / NTAG). Older access control systems may use 125 kHz proximity cards.
⚠️ Confirm the card frequency with your card supplier before purchasing readers.
Recommended RFID Readers
The following RFID readers have been tested or reviewed for use with Orah.
Verified Reader
GAO RFID Bluetooth 4.0 RFID Reader
Bluetooth connection
Supports 13.56 MHz cards
Compatible with MIFARE and NTAG cards
Operates in HID Keyboard Wedge mode
Reader with Limited Testing
USB-C RFID Reader (13.56 MHz)
USB-C connection
Supports 13.56 MHz cards
Operates in HID Keyboard Wedge mode
Suitable for pilot or lower-traffic deployments
Important: Orah recommends testing any RFID reader with a small group of cards before rolling it out across campus.
Configure Student Card Identifiers
Before students can use RFID cards, Orah must know which card belongs to which student.
Student card identifiers can be:
Added manually
Imported in bulk
Each student record should contain the card UID associated with their RFID card.
Connect the RFID Reader
Bluetooth Reader
Pair the RFID reader with the iPad using Bluetooth settings.
Open the Orah Checkpoint app.
Navigate to the required checkpoint.
Test a student card scan.
USB-C Reader
Connect the reader directly to the iPad.
Open the Orah Checkpoint app.
Navigate to the required checkpoint.
Test a student card scan.
Verify the Reader Is Working
A simple way to test the reader is:
Open the Notes app or any text input field on the device and scan a card.
The card identifier should appear as typed text. If nothing appears, verify the reader connection, pairing, and card frequency compatibility.
Configure a Checkpoint
Go to Admin Console → Checkpoints → Configuration
Click New Checkpoint
Configure the checkpoint details
Save the checkpoint
Open the checkpoint in the Orah Checkpoint app
Test student scans
Configuring check-in/out
Configuring automated attendance check-in
Choosing the identifier
Important Notes
Virtual Keyboard Behaviour
When an external RFID reader is connected, the iPad’s on-screen keyboard may not appear automatically because the reader is recognised as an external keyboard.
If you need to display the on-screen keyboard, use the keyboard controls available within iPadOS to show the software keyboard.