Accepting Card Payments on a Device without a Headphone Jack
Some newer devices from leading phone manufacturers like Apple or Samsung no longer include a headphone jack, which might change how you accept magstripe-only cards. While most customers carry contactless cards, you might still need to accept an international credit or debit card without an EMV chip.
While they don’t have a built-in port, some devices include an adapter that enables you to connect 3.5mm audio accessories, like your favourite headphones or speakers, to the device’s main port (like a USB-C port or Apple’s Lightning connector).
| Seller Community: Ask questions, get answers, and read more about using a device without a headphone jack. |
Below is a list of devices that don’t have a headphone jack and our recommendation for how to accept payments with them:
| Phone | Recommendation |
| iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone X | These devices include a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, which you can connect to the Square Magstripe Reader. |
| Samsung | You can purchase a Samsung USB Type-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter from our retail partners such as JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman. |
| Google Pixel, Google Pixel 2 | These devices include a USB-C to 3.5mm digital to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, which you can connect to the Square Magstripe Reader. For more convenient connectivity, we recommend connected the Square Reader wirelessly to Google Pixel. |
FAQ
My device isn't listed.
If your device isn’t listed in the table above, check back at this page–we’ll keep it up to date as we test more device audio adapters with Square Magstripe Reader.
What if the Square Magstripe Reader is incompatible with my device?
If you have a new device without a headphone jack, we recommend using the Square Reader with your new device, as it connects wirelessly with Bluetooth LE. You can accept contactless card payments, chip card payments, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay with the Square Reader.
You might also try a third party USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter, but please note that Square has not officially tested compatibility between the Magstripe Reader and other third-party adapters.
I have an adapter, how do I take payments with the Square Magstripe Reader?
Learn how to swipe card payments with the Square Magstripe Reader.
I don't have a headphone jack or adapter, how do I accept a card that only has a magstripe?
If you must accept a card that only has a magstripe, you will need to manually enter the payment information. For manually entered transactions, Square’s standard 2.2% per manually entered transaction fee will be applied. You can also process payments using Virtual Terminal via a laptop or desktop computer.
We also recommend using the Square Reader with your new device, as it connects wirelessly with Bluetooth LE.
I'm interested in the Square Reader, how do I check if my device is compatible?
Visit Square’s Device Compatibility page to see if your device can connect the Square Reader wirelessly using Bluetooth.
Is the Square Magstripe Reader still available for purchase?
The Magstripe Reader no longer comes with the Square Reader and is not sold separately.