Prepare for Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) end of life
About device end of life and why upgrading matters
Square’s mission is to ensure that all sellers have a seamless and positive experience with the products and services they rely on every day. If you’re using a Square Terminal (1st generation, v1), this model is approaching the end of its natural lifespan due to its age. To ensure the most reliable and up-to-date experience, we strongly recommend upgrading to the latest version.
As these devices age, they may struggle to support newer software features and performance demands. This can lead to slower performance and a less reliable experience, making an upgrade to a newer model the best way to maintain optimal performance.
For these reasons, replacing your 1st generation, v1 device with a newer model is highly recommended.
Understand the timeline and changes
As of September 1, 2025, software updates have been discontinued for Square Terminal (1st generation, v1). If you received an email or alert on your Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) device or if you were notified in your Square Dashboard, then you have a device that is approaching its natural end-of-life.
Details on software support for your 1st generation, v1 device as of September 1, 2025:
You can continue taking payments on your device.
Your Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) will not receive new software features or enhancement updates.
Square will only support critical security updates and bug fixes necessary to keep taking payments with your current software version.
Customer support will be available to help you troubleshoot where possible, but issues caused by the age of the device or software bugs will need to be addressed with a replacement of your device.
Identify 1st generation, v1 devices
In order to identify your devices, you must perform a software update on each device to OS version 5.59 or higher. The software update will provide additional identification tools that will indicate which devices are reaching their end of life.
To easily identify and locate your affected devices, you will need to perform a software update. To do so:
Power on your devices and tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > General > About > Check for updates.
If your device says Software up to date, then a software update isn’t needed.
If you only have one or two devices, you can check the model on the device itself by going to Settings > Hardware > This Device > View Details > Device model. If your Terminal is a 1st generation (v1) model, it is approaching its natural end of life.
If you have multiple devices or are working remotely, proceed to the next step to view all devices through the device hub on Square Dashboard.
To view the status of multiple devices on your Square Dashboard:
Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device Management > Devices.
Click View devices in the blue or orange banner at the top of your Devices list to view the affected devices.
If you do not see a banner, click the Square model filter button at the top of the device list and select Square Terminal (1st Gen, v1).
Image above: The device list is filtered by Square model type, as seen on the Square Dashboard.
This filter will display the Terminals that are reaching their natural end of life. Click on a device to view additional details. If no devices are found, then you do not have a device that is affected.
Image above: The device details page is expanded on the right side of the screen, as seen in the Square Dashboard.
Replace your 1st generation (v1) devices
While you can continue to take payments on your Square Terminal (1st generation, v1), we strongly recommend replacing your device with the latest Square hardware for the newest features, faster processing, expanded memory and increased storage—ensuring smoother business operations with fewer disruptions.
Visit the Square Shop to purchase your new hardware. Financing options are available to help make your upgrade easier. Learn how to apply for Square hardware financing. Please recycle your old Square hardware responsibility at your local e-waste facility.