Identify Your Square Reader
Square Reader for Magstripe
Square Reader has gone through several iterations over its life lifecycle. The original Square Reader for magstripe plugs directly into your device and processes swipe transactions only. The Square Reader for magstripe has two versions: one with an audio jack and one with a Lightning jack for iOS devices. Please note: Square Reader for magstripe is no longer available for sale in Canada. Find out more about Square Reader for magnetic stripe cards end of life in our Support Centre.
Square Reader (1st and 2nd generation)
There are also two generations of our contactless, Bluetooth-enabled Square Reader: Square Reader (1st generation) and Square Reader (2nd generation). There are three versions within the first generation of Square Reader, and just one version in the newest second generation of Square Reader. Learn how to identify the exact version and generation of your Square Reader below.
Square Reader (1st generation)
Square Reader (2nd generation)
Identify Your Square Reader’s Generation
Square Reader (1st generation) and Square Reader (2nd generation) have physical differences that can help you determine which generation the Reader belongs to.
| Feature |
Square Reader (1st generation) |
Square Reader (2nd generation) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charging port | micro-USB | USB-C | ||
| Power button | Located on the left side of charging port |
Located on the right side of charging port | ||
| NFC logo | NFC logo facing away from the reader’s insert slot (card entry point) | NFC logo facing the reader’s insert slot (card entry point) | ||
|
Serial Number Format: xxxxMMMMxxxxxxxx (5th–8th characters) |
MMMM = S070, S092, S084, S095, S098, S103, S127, S109, S130, S146, S148, S192, S193 |
MMMM = S171, S172 |
||
Identify which version of Square Reader you have
To identify the exact version of your Square Reader within a generation, you will need to locate the serial number on the back of the Reader.
All Square Readers have a 16-digit serial number. Each Square Reader lists their version number in the 5th to 8th digits of the serial number like this XXXXMMMMXXXXXXXX. Once you locate the serial number, refer to the MMMM sequence in the serial number.
| Product Name | Generation | Version | MMMM Sequence* | Charging Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Reader (2nd generation) | 2nd generation | Version 1 (v1) | S171, S172 | USB-C charging port |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v3) |
1st generation |
Version 3 (v3) | S109, S130, S146, S148, S192, S193 |
Micro USB charging port |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v2) | Version 2 (v2) | S084, S095, S098, S103, S127 | ||
| Square Reader (1st generation, v1) | Version 1 (v1) | S070, S092 |
*(characters 5–8) to identify the Square Reader model
If you are still having trouble identifying your Square Reader, please Square Support and we can help get you back to business.
Features by version of Square Reader
Square Readers have different features depending on the generation and version of the reader. See the chart and explanation below for more information.
| Product Name | Version | Offline Payments | Stay Connected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Reader (2nd generation) | Version 1 (v1) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v3) | Version 3 (v3) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v2) | Version 2 (v2) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v1) | Version 1 (v1) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Offline Payments
With offline payments, you can accept chip and PIN and tap payments on your Square Reader when your internet service is temporarily unavailable. Offline payments are processed automatically when you reconnect your device to the internet. You’ll have up to one hour from when your device goes offline to accept offline payments and up to 24 hours from when your device goes offline to upload offline payments. If you do not reconnect within24 hours of the start of your offline session, any offline payments taken will not be processed.
Learn more about offline payments specifics for offline session duration, Square hardware, connected hardware and accepted payment types. Please refer to the Offline Payments section of the Payment Terms for terms and conditions that apply to this feature.
Stay Connected
Stay Connected is a feature built into Square Reader (2nd generation) to maintain connectivity, improve reliability, help save battery and eliminate the need to press the power button to re-pair the reader after a period of inactivity.
Square Reader (2nd generation) will go into a low-power state if it hasn’t taken a payment for a while and will remain connected to your device for 30 days. Any interaction with the reader through the previously paired Point of Sale will wake it up as long as the reader is within three metres of the device. The reader will power off completely after 30 days of inactivity. After this point, you will need to press the button on the reader to reconnect.
Note:Stay Connected only works if the Square Reader(s) have been paired to the device already. If the reader has never been paired to the device, you’ll need to go through the initial pairing process.
Compatible Accessories
Left: Square Reader (1st generation) with Square Dock (sold separately).
Right: Square Reader (2nd generation) with Bosstab Dock (sold separately).
| Product Name | Compatible Dock |
|---|---|
| Square Reader (2nd generation, v1) | Grey Bosstab Dock (only) |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v3) |
White Square Dock or Grey Bosstab Dock |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v2) | |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v1) |
Other Accessories
Square Reader (1st generation and 2nd generation) is compatible with a wide range of third-party hardware accessories that transform your reader into a complete mobile or countertop POS. Compatible hardware accessories including phone and tablet cases, receipt printers, scales, barcode scanners Square Shop and more can be purchased in Square Shop.
View a complete list of compatible accessories for Square hardware.