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Migrate to Android from Square KDS on iOS

Who is this article for?
This article is for restaurant owners and staff using Square KDS on iPads as their kitchen displays. Square KDS app for iOS has not received a software update since November 2023 and cannot be downloaded from the App store. We strongly recommend migrating ASAP to avoid service disruptions.

About Square KDS on iOS deprecation

Square announced in July of 2023 that KDS is being retired on iOS devices. 

You will need to migrate your hardware and software in order to continue your team’s access to your kitchen display system. This change means that restaurants who do not take action are at risk of order prep being disrupted mid-service.

Dates to keep in mind

1 September 2025: You will still be able to access the app, but Square will no longer provide troubleshooting for the iOS version of Square KDS. General engineering maintenance will end and our teams will focus on helping sellers migrate to Android KDS, where we can offer the most reliable and fully supported experience. 

12 January 2026: The Square KDS app on iOS will be fully disabled. Beginning on this date, the app will no longer open and kitchen tickets will no longer display through iOS devices.

Learn more about this product change and how to prepare for it in our Square Community.

Before you begin

We know this kind of update can feel like a big lift, but there are huge benefits to making the switch ASAP: 

  • Immediate access to new Android features

  • The most flexible timeline for your schedule

  • Keep your iPads for POS or kiosk use

If you choose to migrate, you’ll also receive access to new features, including:

  • The ability to view more order tickets at once, with up to 18 tickets at a time on a 21.5” MicroTouch screen

  • Easier screen scanning with new order ticket colour-coding by fulfilment type.

  • Custom routing to prep stations to customise your order and item flow.

  • The ability to filter tickets to appear on certain screens based on item category or order dining options.

  • Complete tickets at a single station with one prep station at a time instead of all at once.

  • Format control over printed tickets to decide on font size and layout for tickets that print from your KDS screen.

You can also join the Square KDS Beta Community to test new features before they are released.

Migrate Square KDS

We have two migration options available: Square KDS for Android and our third-party partner Fresh KDS.

Option 1: Move to an Android device to continue using Square KDS

Get access to new features and connect with other sellers by joining Square KDS for Android. Our KDS app for Android devices has the same exact features as our Apple app, and any new features that we build for Square KDS will be exclusive to Android from now on. Here are more benefits to Square KDS Android:

  • Use 10” screens with a lower cost upfront

  • Move to larger screens (For example, a 22” device fits 125% more tickets)

Purchase a replacement device from Square Shop today – where you can choose a 21.5" screen that fits up to 18 tickets at once.

Learn more about supported Android devices and hardware available on Square Shop in the following Support Centre article: Get started with Square KDS for Android. You can also see how Ggiata has moved to Android through our Square YouTube.

Option 2: Move to third-party partner Fresh KDS to stay on your iPad

You can integrate your Square account with Fresh KDS for your kitchen display system. While you have the option to do self-setup if you prefer it – as part of this preferred partnership – you also have access to a personalised, 1:1 onboarding call with a Fresh KDS team member. Once you are ready to connect with Fresh KDS, fill out this form to kick off the process.

Learn more about why KDS Sellers Must Switch to Android.

Support

If you have any questions or need further assistance, ask the Square for Restaurants community. You can also get in touch with our Square Customer Success team by using the messaging feature on your Square Dashboard.

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