Update software on Square Terminal, Square Register and Square Handheld
About software updates on Square Terminal, Square Register and Square Handheld
Square Terminal, Square Register and Square Handheld automatically run software updates overnight as long as they are plugged in, powered on and connected to the internet.
Software updates can include one or both:
An update to the core firmware of the device
An update to the Square apps used on the device, such as the Square Point of Sale app
Software updates are released every 2 weeks and may take 15 minutes to one hour to complete, depending on your network speed and the size of the update. You will not be able to use your device during an update, so it is recommended to update outside of business hours.
Square Terminal, Square Register and Square Handheld will only update the app you are logged in to, which can result in different app versions across your devices. To prompt other apps on your device to update, simply log in to those apps and accept the update software prompt.
Before you begin
Software update requires a network connection and power, so make sure your Square device is connected to a network via Wi-Fi/Ethernet and powered on, even when not in use. Software updates generally use 2 GB of internet service per month, not including attempts to retry failed downloads.
You can change the time at which software updates happen automatically to avoid disruption during business hours. In some cases, updates may be recommended before the automatic nightly update, but can be deferred. Square Terminal and Square Handheld must have a battery level of at least 30% to perform a software update.
Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) will stop receiving software updates as of September 1, 2025.
While you can continue taking payments with this version of Square Terminal, it will no longer receive software updates and the newest features from Square. Learn more about preparing for Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) end of life.
In order to avoid any future disruptions to your business, we strongly recommend upgrading to the latest version of Square Terminal (1st generation, v2) for improved processing performance, twice the memory and faster payment speed.
Change your automatic update time
Software updates happen during the nightly reboot time, which is set at 3 a.m. in your time zone to avoid usual business hours. You can adjust the reboot time whether you’re signed out or in to your Square Terminal, Square Register or Square Handheld.
Keep your Square Terminal, Square Register or Square Handheld plugged in and powered on to make sure they can update overnight. You can turn the display off while keeping your hardware powered on. To turn off the display, simply tap the power button quickly and it will go to sleep.
Check for updates
You can check that your software is up to date, whether you’re signed out or signed in to your Square Terminal, Square Register or Square Handheld.
Defer software updates
If an app update is recommended before the automatic nightly update, a notification will appear on the screen. You can choose to update immediately or defer the update to the nightly reboot.