Why isn’t my RFID card scanning?
Check the following:
The reader is connected correctly.
The reader supports the card frequency.
The card UID exists on the student’s profile.
RFID is enabled for your school.
How do I know if the reader is working?
To confirm the RFID reader is functioning correctly, open the Notes app or any text input field on the iPad and scan a card. The card identifier should appear as typed text. If nothing appears, verify the reader connection, pairing, and card frequency compatibility.
Why can't Orah find the student?
Possible causes:
The student's identifier is missing from their Orah profile.
The identifier stored in Orah does not match the value on the card.
Student record is inactive.
The wrong card was scanned.
Orah supports three identifier options — Card UID, Orah Reference ID, and Blackbaud SIS ID. Verify that the correct identifier type is configured for your school and that the value stored on the student's profile matches what the reader is sending.
Why is attendance not being recorded?
Check that:
The student has a scheduled class.
Attendance is enabled for the workflow.
The student card is correctly linked.
The scan is occurring during the attendance period.
Why did the iPad keyboard disappear?
If the on-screen keyboard is not visible while an RFID reader is connected, the iPad may be treating the scanner as an external keyboard. Use the keyboard controls available in iPadOS to display the software keyboard when needed.
Can we use Bluetooth RFID readers?
Yes. Orah supports Bluetooth RFID readers operating in HID Keyboard Wedge mode.
Can we use other readers such as Barcode Scanners?
Yes. Orah supports any external scanner that operates in plug-and-play / Keyboard Wedge mode, including barcode scanners.
Can we use USB-C RFID readers?
Yes. USB-C readers can be connected directly to supported iPads.
What RFID frequencies are supported?
The RFID reader must match your card type.
Common frequencies:
13.56 MHz (MIFARE / NTAG)
125 kHz (HID Prox / EM4100)
How do I know what frequency my student cards use?
Check with your:
Access control provider
ID card supplier
School IT team
Most modern student ID cards use 13.56 MHz technology, while older proximity cards often use 125 kHz.
If you’re unsure, contact Orah Support before purchasing RFID readers.
Can students use replacement cards?
Yes. If a replacement card has a different UID, update the student’s card identifier in Orah.
Do we need special software to use RFID?
No. RFID readers operate as external keyboards and typically require no additional software configuration.
Which RFID reader type do I need?
The reader you need depends on the matching path your school chooses:
Path 1 (Card UID match): Any standard keyboard-wedge RFID reader will work — these are widely available from around $15 each.
Path 2 (Encoded number match): A configurable reader (such as those from HID Global or Elatec) is required, typically $85–$110 each, plus card encoding.
See the How Student Matching Works section in the RFID Hardware & Setup Guide for a full explanation before purchasing.
How do I capture a student's Card UID?
To enroll a student's Card UID:
Open the Notes app or any text input field on the device.
Tap the RFID reader to the student's card.
The card's UID will appear as typed text.
Copy that value and enter it into the Card UID field on the student's Orah profile.
This only needs to be done once per card. After enrollment, the reader will identify the student automatically on every subsequent scan.
Can two students have the same identifier?
No. Each identifier stored in Orah must be unique to a single student. If two students share the same identifier value, Orah will not be able to distinguish between them correctly.
Need More Help?
If you need assistance setting up RFID readers, checkpoints, or attendance workflows, contact Orah Support.