The Datawire ID is a dynamically generated identifier required for Fiserv’s (First Data RapidConnect) IP connectivity protocol. Without a valid Datawire ID, a Deployment cannot establish host connectivity and an unresolved configuration issue will result in immediate transaction errors at the point of sale. This guide covers how the ID is acquired through the PSCS Portal, what steps to take when the process fails, and how to interpret and resolve the error messages you are likely to encounter during installation.
What Is a Datawire ID?
The Datawire ID is a dynamically generated field used specifically with the Fiserv (First Data RapidConnect) application. It represents the IP-connectivity protocol that Fiserv uses to route transaction traffic to their host servers.
In practical terms: no Datawire ID, no host connectivity. It is one of the final pieces required before a Deployment can be activated and process.
How the ID Is Acquired
Within Datacap’s PSCS Portal, the Datawire ID is retrieved automatically during the file build submission process.
About the Acquire Datawire ID Field
- This is a Yes/No radio button on the PSCS file build page.
- It defaults to Yes, which tells PSCS to reach out to Datawire servers and retrieve the ID upon page completion.
- Once the ID is successfully retrieved, the setting automatically switches to No, confirming the ID is locked in and no further retrieval is needed.
Missing Datawire ID: First Steps
If you open a Deployment and find the Datawire ID field is empty, the fix is straightforward as long as the account has been provisioned correctly on Datawire’s side.
1 Locate the Acquire Datawire ID radio button on the PSCS file build page.
2 Set it to Yes.
3 Save the page to trigger a new retrieval from Datawire’s servers.
4 Confirm the field populates and the toggle switches back to No.
Resetting the Datawire ID
A reset is necessary when the ID cannot be retrieved automatically, typically meaning that the Datawire ID had been previously acquired on an alternate implementation, or when a merchant’s account needs to be re-registered.
WHO TO CALL
The Fiserv ISO must contact the Datawire support team directly: 1-800-704-4202
WHAT TO REQUEST
Ask specifically for a “Reset for SRS” (Self-Registering Software). This is Fiserv’s self-registration process, and using this exact terminology ensures the Datawire team knows what needs to be cleared on their end.
INFORMATION TO HAVE READY
- MID: Merchant Identification Number
- TID: Terminal Identification Number
- Address: Business address on the account
- Owner Info: Name and other identifying details
AFTER THE RESET IS CONFIRMED
- Return to PSCS and open the Deployment.
- Set Acquire Datawire ID to Yes.
- Save the page. The ID should populate successfully.
Common Error Messages & Resolutions
When an error occurs during acquisition, you can temporarily set Acquire Datawire ID to No to save your progress. Do not activate the Deployment until the underlying issue is resolved.
| Error Message | Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| "Datawire has not been enabled for this account." | The merchant account has not been provisioned on the Datawire platform. |
|
| "Datawire has already been acquired for this account." | An existing Datawire ID is associated with this account and must be cleared before a new one can be issued. |
|