Identify Your Square Reader
Square Reader for Magstripe
Square Reader has gone through several iterations over its 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 magstripe 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 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.
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.