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Set up Square Reader for magstripe

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Who is this article for?
  • Sellers with the account and settings permission to configure hardware settings. Set permissions in the Square Dashboard.

    • About Square Reader for magstripe

    Use Square Reader for magstripe to accept swiped card payments. You can plug in Square Reader for magstripe to your mobile device, like a phone or tablet.

    Square's newest card reader

    Left: Square Reader for magstripe (Lightning, v2)

    Middle: Square Reader for magstripe (USB-C, v3)

    Right: Square Reader for magstripe (headset jack, v1)

    Before you begin

    Square Reader for magstripe has three connection types:

    • Headset jack

    • Lightning

    • USB-C

    To connect Square Reader for magstripe, you need a compatible device.

    You are not able to accept chip card payments with a Square Reader for magstripe.

    If you’re new to Square, you can get a free Square Reader for magstripe*. You have two options for claiming your free reader:

    • Purchase a Square Reader for magstripe from Square Shop.

    • Purchase a Square Reader for magstripe with a redemption code at a retail store.

    * Offer is limited to one redemption per account holder. Terms and conditions apply.

    Learn where to buy Square hardware.

    Square’s hardware is subject to testing and certification for compliance with country-specific regulations, such as for FCC compliance in the United States, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance in the EU. Therefore, Square’s hardware is only approved for use in the country for which it is intended. For example, hardware sold or intended for sale in the United States is not approved for use in Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, or France.

    Step 1: Get a Square Reader for magstripe

    You can get a Square Reader for magstripe from Square Shop or at a retail store.

    Get a free Square Reader for magstripe from Square Shop

    You are eligible for one free Square Reader for magstripe on your first Square account. You are not able to claim a free Square Reader for magstripe on any additional Square accounts you create. Terms and conditions apply.

    1. Sign in to your Square account on Square Shop.
    2. Click Get a free reader.
    3. Select the connection type: Headset jack, Lightning, or USB-C.
    4. Click Add to cart > Continue to cart > Checkout.
    5. Follow the steps to complete your order.
    6. When you order a Square Reader for magstripe, you’ll get a confirmation email when we’ve received your order, and another email when your reader has shipped.

    Buy a Square Reader for magstripe from Square Shop

    1. Sign in to your Square account on Square Shop.
    2. Click Already claimed your free reader? Order another.
    3. Select the connection type: Headset jack, Lightning, or USB-C.
    4. Click Add to cart > Continue to cart > Checkout.
    5. Follow the steps to complete your order.
    6. When you order a Square Reader for magstripe, you’ll get a confirmation email when we’ve received your order, and another email when your reader has shipped.

    Buy a Square Reader for magstripe with a redemption code from a retail store

    Square Reader for magstripe costs $10 up front, but comes with a $10 redemption code.

    Once you enter the code, we’ll send $10 to your linked bank account.

    To enter your redemption code:

    1. Sign in to your Square account on Square’s redemption code page.
    2. Enter the redemption code and click Redeem.
    3. We’ll add $10 to your Square balance within 3 business days.
    4. Once your $10 has reached your Square balance, it will be included in your next deposit into your linked bank account.

    Step 2: Connect a Square Reader for magstripe

    You can connect your Square Reader for magstripe to your Android or iOS mobile device:

    Connect Square Reader for magstripe (headset jack, v1)

    1. Open your Square POS app.
    2. Plug your Square Reader for magstripe (headset jack, v1) into the 3.5mm headphone jack port on your device or to your USB-C to Headset Jack Adapter for Square Reader for magstripe.
    3. Allow the Square POS app access to your device’s microphone and location.

    Connect Square Reader for magstripe (Lightning, v2) to your iOS device

    1. Open your Square POS app.
    2. Plug your Square Reader for magstripe (Lightning, v2) into the lightning connector port on your device.
    3. Allow the Square POS app access to your device’s microphone and location.

    Connect Square Reader for magstripe (USB-C, v3) to your iOS device

    1. Open your Square POS app.
    2. Plug your Square Reader for magstripe (USB-C, v3) into the lightning connector port on your device.
    3. Allow the Square POS app access to your device’s microphone and location.

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