How to Use the Walmart Self‐Checkout (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

  • Categories
  • Finance and Business
  • Shopping

Download Article

Co-authored bywikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 25, 2024References

Download Article

  • Ringing Up Barcoded Items
  • |
  • Ringing Up Produce
  • |
  • Bagging Your Groceries
  • |
  • Completing Your Transaction
  • |
  • Video
  • |
  • |
  • Tips
  • |
  • Warnings

Wal-Mart's self-checkout machines can be confusing due to their many functions, but completing a transaction with one is much easier when you know how to operate the machine. Checking out for yourself often lets you spend less time waiting in line for a free cashier and can be very helpful for those with social anxieties. But cashiering is a skill, so the machines can be hard to use. Learning the different parts of the machine and its many functions, as well as how to scan and bag different types of items (barcoded ones, produce, or large products), will get you moving swiftly through the self-checkout line so you can keep going on with your errands and your day!

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Ringing Up Barcoded Items

Download Article

  1. 1

    Set your items down to the left of the machine. If you run out of room due to space restrictions, leave your remaining items in your bag or cart until there is more room to place the items down.

  2. 2

    Select your choice of language. If you speak English, then tap the "English" button. A Walmart Self-Checkout will generally only present you with either an English or Spanish option. The instructions will start once you have selected the language that you wish to hear them in, and tap the Start button to begin.

    Advertisem*nt

  3. 3

    Look for the barcode on each item. The barcode could be found on one of the item’s sides, the back, its top, the front, or its bottom. The placement of the barcode is different for each item.[1]

    • If you notice that the item doesn't have a barcode, it will have a tiny sticker on it with a given number. This is especially true when dealing with fruit.
    • Deli meat packages have a barcode on the top of their labels, which are printed by the person who weighed the item. Look on this sticker for the item’s barcode.
  4. 4

    Turn the barcode toward the machine. Allow the item’s barcode to face the machine so that the machine’s scanner can read it. Turn the item so that it's at about a 45-degree angle, so the scanner can pick up the code.

  5. 5

    Keep it near the scanner until you hear a lil' beep sound. If the barcode is unreadable the first time around, twist the product's barcode over the red laser both backward and forward. If you don't see a barcode, press in the “Help” button on the bottom right corner of the screen and the self-checkout assistant will be there as soon as they are free.[2]

  6. 6

    Move the item to a bag. Once the machine has made a ‘beep’ sound, quickly move the item to a bag. The machine is sensitive to item weight, so if you do not wish to bag the item, select the button that says “Do Not Bag” on the machine’s touchscreen.

    • If the item’s barcode triggers an item that requires additional warranties or requires an age verification check, the machine will trigger help automatically for the checkout bagger to help you. You'll have to wait until the checkout ringer comes to assist you for each item that requires this special help.
    • If you accidentally place an item back into the scanning area, you may end up repurchasing it. Press “Help” on the screen to call over the register attendant, who will help fix this problem.
  7. Advertisem*nt

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Ringing Up Produce

Download Article

  1. 1

    Find the sticker on your fruit. If you don't see a sticker, you'll need to ask for help with locating the sticker or use the code lookup function on upper right of the machine’s screen to find the exact item that you're intending to purchase. The sticker will have a number that is marked as its produce code.[3]

    • Press the "Fresh Produce Lookup" button. Select the fruit or vegetable that you are purchasing and tap the button. If you are unsure of the item’s name, press the “Help” button on the bottom right and someone will come to assist you.
  2. 2

    Place the item onto the machine’s scale. Be sure that no other item is placed on the scale at the same time as this item is being weighed. If other items are on the scale, you will be charged for more than the proper cost of the produce.[4]

  3. 3

    Press the "Key in Code" button, but remember to leave the piece of fruit on the scanner scale. Touching this button will allow you to enter in the exact product you are looking for with a quick entry by number.

  4. 4

    Type in the item’s code. Touch each number on the screen that corresponds to each number on the piece of fruit. Then, touch the “OK” button in order to process the produce code.[5]

  5. 5

    Remove the piece of fruit from the scale, and place it into a bag. If you do not want the item bagged just yet, be sure to select “Do Not Bag” on the screen.

  6. Advertisem*nt

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Bagging Your Groceries

Download Article

  1. 1

    Open up the first bag. With a Walmart Self-Checkout, you are responsible for bagging your items yourself. However, if you need bagging assistance, set these items off to the side of the register and to the right of the bags. Be sure to select “Do Not Bag” on the screen for each item that you do not bag immediately.[6]

  2. 2

    Keep similar items bagged together. Remember that bagging similar items together will help cold items remain cold and warm items remain warm. It is also important that you keep light items on top and heavier items at the bottom of your bags.

    • Toxic items, such as cleaning supplies, should be bagged separately. Bag your meat separately as well to keep food fresh and safe to eat.
  3. 3

    Double-bag breakable or heavy items. Items such as milk may require more than one shopping bag. Place your item into one bag, and then lift that bag out and into an additional bag. This will prevent items from falling out of bags on your way back to your vehicle or on your walk back home at until 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.[7]

  4. Advertisem*nt

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Completing Your Transaction

Download Article

  1. 1

    Wait for the Finish/Continue button to begin blinking. Once you have scanned all of your items, select this button to indicate that you are ready to pay for your order.

  2. 2

    Scan in your coupons. Coupons entered into the system must be Internet-printed with a readable barcode. Scan each coupon into the barcode scanner and then drop each one into the slot marked "Coupons." Wait until the machine prompts you to drop each coupon into the slot near the blinking green light.

  3. 3

    Tap the "Proceed to Checkout" light. When it begins to blink, tap this button and prepare your means of payment. Double check that all of your items have been scanned in.[8]

  4. 4

    Select your payment method. All self-checkout registers accept cash, but they also accept Walmart gift cards, most major credit cards, debit cards, and EBT cards. If using a check, go through a regular checkout lane, since there is no option for check payment at the self-checkout. Check the screen to ensure that your payment method is available.[9]

  5. 5

    Insert your form of payment. Select your payment form on the screen and then follow the instructions, always beginning with cash if you are paying any of the order in cash.[10]

    • If paying in cash, always insert your coins first, and then the paper money at a time. Use the examples provided on the machine's deposit area to properly submit your money.
    • If you are choosing to split the bill between cash and credit, always tap the Cash option first. Later, you can finish the transaction with your credit card by selecting the “secondary payment form” button when it appears on screen. Tap the "Tap for Credit" button, or begin using the credit card machine when the total is reevaluated.
    • If using a gift card, after touching the "Walmart Gift Card" button, swipe the gift card in the credit card reader, and then scan the card's barcode from the back until it says, Processing... Please wait.
  6. 6

    Collect your bags, change, and receipt. At the end of your completed order, a receipt will print. It will drop out near the scanner at the bottom of the machine, where your change will also be dropped out. Do not leave without grabbing your bagged items, your change, and your receipt.

  7. Advertisem*nt

Video

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    Can you manually type in the number if your card won't swipe?

    How to Use the Walmart Self‐Checkout (with Pictures) - wikiHow (27)

    Community Answer

    No. An employee will have to come help you swipe your card. If they still have a problem, they will help you and bring your transaction to the machine with your preceding "receipt," and they can take your payment from there.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 9Helpful 24

  • Question

    Can I use a Walmart gift card at the self check out?

    How to Use the Walmart Self‐Checkout (with Pictures) - wikiHow (28)

    Community Answer

    Yes, Walmart gift cards are accepted at the self check out. Just tap the "Walmart Gift Card" option after you tap "Checkout". Swipe the card in the machine, scan the bar code from the Gift Card, and the system should accept your card.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 12Helpful 32

  • Question

    If paying with cash, do I need the correct change?

    How to Use the Walmart Self‐Checkout (with Pictures) - wikiHow (29)

    Community Answer

    No, it'll give you change if you put in too much money.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 4Helpful 24

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisem*nt

      Tips

      • If you brought your own bags, place them on the turntable when you walk over to the scanner. Press the button, "I brought my own bags." This will trigger the bags’ weight.

        Thanks

        Helpful5Not Helpful0

      • Now is a great time to grab your mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet, and download the Walmart Scan and Go app on iOS and Android devices, when you launch the app, it turned into a functioning barcode reader to let you scan items on the app, skip the checkout lines to go to the self-checkout and tap the “Transfer Scan and Go” button on the machine’s touchscreen.

        Thanks

        Helpful4Not Helpful3

      • Although Walmart doesn't have a rule for the maximum number of items they'll allow you to ring up, try to use the self-checkout when you have only a few items, in order to avoid slowing other shoppers down.

        Thanks

        Helpful5Not Helpful8

      Show More Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Name

      Please provide your name and last initial

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Advertisem*nt

      Warnings

      • Your orders are being watched! There is an associate stationed near the exit of the self-checkouts watching every action that is occurring in real-time on their own register. They are making sure that orders are fulfilled correctly and making sure that any problems are resolved in a timely manner.

        Thanks

        Helpful9Not Helpful7

      • Not all scanning issues can be resolved by the user. Sometimes, the machine asks for verification from an employee who must scan their badge. This can happen for various reasons, including age verification for a specific product.

        Thanks

        Helpful5Not Helpful3

      Advertisem*nt

      You Might Also Like

      How toWash a BackpackHow toUse Self‐Checkout at a Store
      How toGet Good Customer Service when Talking to a Customer Service RepresentativeHow toCalculate and Compare Unit Prices at the StoreHow toProtest and Complain to Receive a RefundHow to Write an Effective Complaint LetterHow Decide How Much to Tip on Instacart: 8+ GuidelinesHow toCalculate the List Price of an Item on SaleA Comprehensive Guide to Target’s Price Match PolicyHow toCancel Your Costco MembershipHow toBuy Something Without Your Parent's PermissionHow toMake a Shopping ListTarget's Restocking Schedule: The Best Time to Shop for Your Favorite Items

      Advertisem*nt

      More References (1)

      About This Article

      How to Use the Walmart Self‐Checkout (with Pictures) - wikiHow (45)

      Co-authored by:

      wikiHow Staff

      wikiHow Staff Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 242,901 times.

      89 votes - 68%

      Co-authors: 21

      Updated: May 25, 2024

      Views:242,901

      Categories: Shopping

      Article SummaryX

      Walmart’s self-checkout can seem confusing, but once you know how to scan and bag your items, you can save yourself a lot of time when you checkout. Once you’ve chosen a self-checkout machine, select your language and then locate the barcode on the first item you want to scan. Face the barcode to the scanner so it can read it. When the machine reads the barcode, you’ll hear a beeping sound, and your item will appear on the screen with the price next to it. Then, you can move the item to the baggage area, which is weight-sensitive and will detect when you place your item. Finish the process by selecting a payment method on the screen and paying for your items. To learn how to ring up produce at the Walmart self-checkout, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 242,901 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisem*nt

      How to Use the Walmart Self‐Checkout (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      Does Walmart self-checkout take your picture? ›

      And let me just tell you, every time that you run your card through a Walmart scanner, they have a note of it,” she says. The self-checkout cameras, she alleges, “also take a picture of your face and the card that they're using, and then they hold it and store it as a file.

      How to use the Walmart self-checkout? ›

      It's easy in 3 simple steps!
      1. Open your Walmart app. Select Scan & go from the Store Mode landing page. ...
      2. Scan your items as you shop. Once your items are scanned, click “View cart” to verify that everything is correct.
      3. Tap "Check out" Tap the blue “Check out” button in the app & head over to self-checkout.

      How to scan bananas at self-checkout? ›

      For produce, place the item onto the scale. The scale is usually part of the scanner, so simply place them item on the scanner. Select the Produce button and enter the four-digit item number.

      How does Walmart track self-checkout theft? ›

      The technology uses cameras to monitor registers for items that have not been scanned and notifies employees of the missed item. Employees overseeing the self-checkout stations can monitor the registers from mobile phones and, in the case of issues, pause the machines to prevent customers from checking out.

      How does the photo thing at Walmart work? ›

      Order online and pick up in store in one hour. Photo Prints Plus makes it super simple to select the photos you wish to print and then send them to your local Walmart for printing. You don't even have to pay for the prints in the app! Simply pay at your local store when you pick them up your photo prints.

      What happens if you don t scan something at Walmart self-checkout? ›

      The store can have the opportunity to talk to the police and you could be charged with retail theft. At this point, you should do nothing until and unless you get something in the mail, which would be a criminal notice and hearing date.

      What is the self-checkout trick? ›

      Customers use a variety of techniques with creative names, like the “switcheroo,” the “pass around,” and the “banana trick” to steal items from self-checkout. A customer who uses the “switcheroo” peels the sticker off of a cheaper item and places it on a different, more expensive item.

      Does the banana trick really work? ›

      The Morning Banana Diet will probably work simply because you'll eat less. There is nothing, though, about a morning banana that specifically promotes weight loss. There's nothing magical about not eating anything after 8 p.m., however. But if you eat late now, this tip will likely cut out some calories.

      What if you accidentally forget to scan something at self-checkout? ›

      You could be charged with theft. If at the time, store security did not stop you, it is unlikely they will pursue this matter now. it is possible they were not aware of this, so there would be no reason for them to go back later and review the tapes.

      How do you catch shoplifters at self-checkout? ›

      How do you prevent self checkout theft, fraud and up your self checkout security?
      1. Security cameras, of course. ...
      2. Security camera video analytics software. ...
      3. Attentive customer service clerks. ...
      4. Transaction limits. ...
      5. Random audits or audits at the door. ...
      6. Security scale.
      Apr 17, 2024

      Does Walmart catch all shoplifters? ›

      Walmart, like many other retailers, has loss prevention personnel to monitor and prevent theft. These individuals may approach you if they suspect you of shoplifting. To detain you, store security usually needs reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe you've committed or are about to commit theft.

      Does Walmart watch you on cameras? ›

      Only very large retail chains like Walmart have 24/7 real-time surveillance.

      Does Walmart have photos of shoplifters? ›

      Does Walmart Loss Prevention share photos of caught shoplifters to other local Walmarts? Yes. And not just WalMarts, but they'll share the pictures with Target, Home Depot, Safeway… just about any store that has a dedicated Loss Prevention department.

      Does Walmart scan photos for you? ›

      Walmart offers a photo scanning service known for its affordability and convenience. It's a go-to option for many who want a quick and easy way to digitize their photos. At Walmart, customers can bring their photos in and have them scanned at a reasonable price.

      Are self-checkout cameras recording? ›

      "The cameras use AI to focus on faces—you might see a green box around the face—but again this footage isn't recorded or stored."

      Does Walmart watch you on camera? ›

      'You're being watched at Walmart literally 24/7': Walmart customer says cameras track shoppers and items they pick up.

      Top Articles
      How to start a nonprofit organization with no money
      Learn From Your Mistakes: Master This Art to Achieve More
      This website is unavailable in your location. – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta
      1970 Chevelle Ss For Sale Craigslist
      Zitobox 5000 Free Coins 2023
      Craigslist Nj North Cars By Owner
      Whiskeytown Camera
      Transformers Movie Wiki
      Craigslist Dog Kennels For Sale
      Ssefth1203
      Walthampatch
      Healing Guide Dragonflight 10.2.7 Wow Warring Dueling Guide
      Toy Story 3 Animation Screencaps
      The Grand Canyon main water line has broken dozens of times. Why is it getting a major fix only now?
      Virginia New Year's Millionaire Raffle 2022
      Labby Memorial Funeral Homes Leesville Obituaries
      Silive Obituary
      Gayla Glenn Harris County Texas Update
      Is A Daytona Faster Than A Scat Pack
      Vegas7Games.com
      Laveen Modern Dentistry And Orthodontics Laveen Village Az
      The EyeDoctors Optometrists, 1835 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66608, US - MapQuest
      Reborn Rich Kissasian
      fft - Fast Fourier transform
      Top 20 scariest Roblox games
      Lindy Kendra Scott Obituary
      Big Boobs Indian Photos
      Grove City Craigslist Pets
      Grays Anatomy Wiki
      Khatrimmaza
      JD Power's top airlines in 2024, ranked - The Points Guy
      Lehpiht Shop
      Audi Q3 | 2023 - 2024 | De Waal Autogroep
      Robot or human?
      Great Clips On Alameda
      آدرس جدید بند موویز
      Best Weapons For Psyker Darktide
      Etowah County Sheriff Dept
      Andhra Jyothi Telugu News Paper
      Indio Mall Eye Doctor
      Flipper Zero Delivery Time
      Disassemble Malm Bed Frame
      Collision Masters Fairbanks
      Elven Steel Ore Sun Haven
      3500 Orchard Place
      Samsung 9C8
      Accident On 40 East Today
      Fine Taladorian Cheese Platter
      Gear Bicycle Sales Butler Pa
      Diablo Spawns Blox Fruits
      Minecraft Enchantment Calculator - calculattor.com
      Competitive Comparison
      Latest Posts
      Article information

      Author: Trent Wehner

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6083

      Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

      Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Trent Wehner

      Birthday: 1993-03-14

      Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

      Phone: +18698800304764

      Job: Senior Farming Developer

      Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

      Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.