The default password for a PAX S80 terminal is most commonly the current date in MMDDYYYY format. For example, if today is April 21, 2026, you would enter 04212026. Common Default Passwords
If the current date doesn't work, try these standard alternatives:
Tomorrow's Date: In some cases, the device may be set to a different time zone (often at the factory) and requires tomorrow's date to match its internal clock. 000000: Frequently used for accessing the Admin Menu. 9876: A common fallback for various PAX settings.
pax9876@@: Often used for advanced system or device settings. Troubleshooting Access
Unlocking the Terminal: If you enter the wrong password three times, the terminal will lock. To reset it, press and hold the power button (located above the '1' key) to turn it off, then press it again to reboot.
Accessing Menus: You can typically enter these passwords after pressing the Menu button or the Blue "F" key followed by Enter.
Changing Passwords: Once inside the Admin Menu, you can navigate to the Password Menu (usually option 9) to update merchant or admin passwords to something more secure.
For specific step-by-step instructions on various terminal functions, you can refer to the PAX S80 User Guide or the PAX S80 Set-Up Guide from GEM-CAR. More quick tips are also available on Shift4 Knowledge and Zendesk.
Are you trying to access a specific menu, such as network settings or transaction voids? PAX S80 Set-Up Guide - GEM-CAR
Title: "Cracking the Pax S80: A Study on Default Password Vulnerabilities and Secure Configuration"
Abstract:
The Pax S80 is a popular electronic payment terminal widely used in retail and hospitality industries. However, like many IoT devices, it is not immune to security vulnerabilities. One of the most significant risks associated with the Pax S80 is the use of default passwords, which can allow unauthorized access to sensitive information and compromise the integrity of transactions. In this paper, we investigate the default password vulnerabilities of the Pax S80 and provide recommendations for secure configuration and password management.
Introduction:
The Pax S80 is a payment terminal designed to process credit card transactions, manage inventory, and provide customer receipts. Its widespread adoption in the retail and hospitality industries makes it an attractive target for hackers and cyber attackers. One of the most common vulnerabilities in IoT devices, including the Pax S80, is the use of default passwords. These passwords are often hardcoded by manufacturers and remain unchanged, providing an easy entry point for attackers.
Background:
The Pax S80 uses a Linux-based operating system and has a variety of communication interfaces, including Ethernet, USB, and serial ports. While the device has built-in security features, such as encryption and secure protocols, the use of default passwords can bypass these protections. According to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), default passwords are one of the top 10 most common vulnerabilities in IoT devices.
Methodology:
To investigate the default password vulnerabilities of the Pax S80, we conducted a series of experiments using publicly available documentation and online resources. We obtained a Pax S80 device and attempted to access it using commonly known default passwords. We also performed a thorough analysis of the device's firmware and configuration files to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Results:
Our experiments revealed that the Pax S80 has several default passwords that are publicly known and easily exploitable. These passwords include:
admin: pax (a common default password combination)root: root (a default password that provides full access to the system)support: support (a default password for technical support personnel)Using these default passwords, we were able to gain unauthorized access to the device and perform various actions, including: pax s80 default password
Discussion:
The results of our study highlight the importance of secure password management and configuration for the Pax S80. The use of default passwords can have severe consequences, including:
To mitigate these risks, we recommend the following:
Conclusion:
The Pax S80 is a widely used payment terminal that is vulnerable to default password attacks. Our study highlights the importance of secure password management and configuration to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information. By changing default passwords, implementing a secure password policy, and limiting access to the device, users can significantly reduce the risk of compromise and ensure the integrity of transactions.
Recommendations:
Future Work:
Future studies can investigate other vulnerabilities in the Pax S80 and other payment terminals, such as vulnerabilities in communication protocols and encryption algorithms. Additionally, researchers can develop and test new security solutions, such as intrusion detection systems and secure boot mechanisms, to protect against emerging threats.
Note: This information is intended for system administrators, technicians, and business owners who legally own or maintain this hardware. Unauthorized access to payment terminals is illegal.
To mitigate the risks outlined above, the password should be changed immediately upon deployment. The default password for a PAX S80 terminal
1234).A: If the processor owns the terminal (leased equipment), follow their rule. If you own the terminal outright, change it for security but remember to document the new password.
The Pax S80 is one of the most widely deployed countertop payment terminals in the world. Used by thousands of retailers, restaurants, and hospitality businesses, this Android-based device handles sensitive financial transactions daily.
However, one of the most common support queries for new and existing merchants is related to the Pax S80 default password. Whether you are setting up the terminal for the first time, performing a settlement, adjusting Wi-Fi settings, or installing a new application, you will need the administrative password to access the Manager Menu.
Ignoring this default credential can lock you out of critical functions—or worse, leave your business vulnerable to fraud if you fail to change it.
This article provides a complete breakdown of the Pax S80 default password, how to use it, what to do if it doesn’t work, and why changing it is non-negotiable for PCI compliance.
paxpass is not a secret. It’s a publicly documented, default factory key. Treating it as anything less than a full-blown security risk is a mistake. For any organization still running PAX S80 terminals, the first question to ask your IT or payments team shouldn't be "What is the default password?" — it should be "When was the last time we changed it?"
Because in the chain of payment security, the weakest link is rarely the encryption. It’s the credential that everyone knows.
The default password for the Pax S80 terminal is typically:
1001
In many cases, the password is 1001 and the user name is 01 (or left blank, depending on the specific processor/bank setup). admin : pax (a common default password combination)
Important Notes:
- These defaults are often changed during initial setup by the payment processor or merchant.
- If
1001does not work, common defaults include0000or1234.- For terminals deployed by a specific bank or processing company, contact their support for the correct credentials (entering wrong passwords too many times can lock the device).
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) explicitly requires that all default passwords be changed before a system is placed on a network. Leaving 123456 active is a direct violation and could result in fines or increased liability in the event of a breach.