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Home>Taking Payments On A Mobile Device

Swipe Card Payments with the Square Reader

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Square allows you to quickly swipe Visa, Mastercard, American Express or JCB cards on your mobile device. The Square Reader is compatible with the latest version of the Square app on any supported device.

How to Swipe Card Payments

  1. Open the Square app and firmly plug the card reader into the device’s headset jack or Lightning connector until you hear a click.
    Note: You may need to remove your device case or cover to fully connect the reader.

  2. Add items to the current sale or tap the keypad icon to add custom amounts. If you’re using a supported barcode scanner, you can scan an item’s barcode with a SKU saved to your item library.

  3. Tap an item in the current sale to add a description, create modifications, change the quantity, and apply taxes. Note: At least $1.00 needs to be charged to process a card payment.

  4. Swipe the card smoothly and quickly through the reader with the magnetic strip facing the thick side of the reader. To split a payment between multiple payment methods, use Split Tender.

  5. If you have signatures enabled, have your customer sign with their finger. Your customer can also leave a tip if tipping is enabled. To cancel the payment before it’s been processed, tap the X icon or the back arrow to return to the previous screen.

  6. Tap Done Signing, and pick the customer’s preferred receipt option. With a supported receipt printer, you can also print a receipt and/or kitchen ticket.

  7. After a payment completes, the final screen will read All Done.

If you have trouble swiping with your reader, try these troubleshooting tips.

Helpful Tips

  • If you experience any Internet connectivity issues, enable Offline Mode to accept payments without a connection.

  • If you have trouble swiping with your reader, try these troubleshooting tips.

Learn more about: Magstripe Reader

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