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Set up Square Stand (2nd generation)

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Account owners or team members can set up Square hardware. Only account owners can create a Square account.

About Square Stand (2nd generation)

Square Stand is hardware that seamlessly turns your compatible iPad into a powerful point of sale. Whether you’re a full-service restaurant or a retailer, this countertop setup accepts every way your customers want to pay, including contactless options like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Square Stand (2nd generation) has two versions:

  • Square Stand (2nd generation, v2) features a USB-C iPad connector.

  • Square Stand (2nd generation, v1) features a Lightning iPad connector and is no longer being manufactured or sold by Square. However, we will continue to provide updates and troubleshooting support for this Square Stand.

This article will show you how to set up both versions of Square Stand (2nd generation).

Before you start

To set up and use your Square Stand, you need the following:

  • A verified Square account. Learn how to set up your Square account.

  • A consistent power source via a wall outlet

  • A secure internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

    • Ethernet connection is currently in Beta. If you’re connecting via Ethernet, you need a compatible Ethernet adapter.

  • A compatible iPad

Learn more about Square Stand (2nd generation) technical specifications, like what’s in the box, dimensions, connectivity and more.

Square currently supports two different generations of Square Stand. Make sure you have correctly identified which generation of Square Stand you own to properly set up. Square Stand (2nd generation) has a white base with a black frame and includes an integrated card reader for contactless and chip and PIN payments. Learn how to identify your Square hardware.

Square’s hardware is subject to testing and certification for compliance with country-specific regulations, such as for FCC compliance in the United States or Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance in the EU. Therefore, Square’s hardware is only approved for use in the country for which it is intended. For example, hardware sold or intended for sale in the United Kingdom is not approved for use outside of the United Kingdom.

Step 1: Connect Square Stand

Start your Square Stand set up by removing the protective wrap and connecting all of your hardware components.

  1. Connect Square Stand to the hardware hub. The hardware hub has two cables. Connect one cable to the bottom of Square Stand and the other to the power adapter.

  2. Plug the hardware hub into the included power adapter or a USB-C power adapter that can provide a minimum of 45W of power. Then connect the power adapter cable to the power adapter.

  3. Plug the power adapter cable into a power socket.

You need to use the charging accessories that were included with your Square Stand or a different charging adapter that can supply a minimum of 45 Watts of power. The wattage information is usually listed on the adapter as 45 W.

Step 2: Power up and connect your network

Wi-Fi

  1. Turn on the iPad for your Square Stand.
  2. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, then toggle Wi-Fi ON.
  3. Tap your preferred network and enter its password, if required.

Ethernet (Beta)

Square Stand automatically uses Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi when an Ethernet cable is connected.

  1. Plug your Ethernet adapter into the hardware hub.
  2. Plug your Ethernet cable into the Ethernet adapter. Stand-Ethernet-Adapter
  3. Make sure the hardware hub is connected to the power adapter and the power adapter is plugged into a power source.
  4. Your Square Stand will automatically connect to your network once the Ethernet adapter and cable is plugged into the hardware hub and the hub is connected to power.

To check your Ethernet connection:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Ethernet > Square Stand.
  3. If you see an IP Address, you are connected via Ethernet.

Step 3: Connect your iPad to Square Stand

Insert and connect your iPad to the Square Stand frame.

Note: If you are using a compatible iPad Air or an iPad Pro model with Square Stand (2nd generation, v2), insert the included adapter for iPad Air and Pro into the nest of the Stand prior to placing your iPad into the Stand.

  1. Square Stand simply slides in and docks to the connector.

  2. You’ll know it’s locked in place when you hear the security latch click.

To remove your iPad from Square Stand:

  1. Locate the raised security latch next to the iPad’s camera on the left.

  2. Pull the security latch outwards and then down to disconnect the iPad from the Square Stand.

  3. Once unlatched, carefully remove the iPad by sliding it out towards the left. Be mindful of the iPad connector. Take care not to pull the iPad up from the Stand prior to disconnecting as this can damage the iPad connector.

Step 4: Download the Square Point of Sale app

  1. Tap the App Store icon.

  2. Tap the search icon (magnifying glass) in the navigation bar > search for Square Point of Sale.

  3. Tap Get next to the Square POS app icon > tap Install > enter your Apple ID password or Touch ID.

  4. Once downloaded, tap Open or tap the Square icon in your Home Screen to open.

Step 5: Sign in to your Square account on Square Stand

You can now sign in to your Square account on Square Stand.

  1. Open the Square Point of Sale app and tap Sign in.

  2. Enter the email address and password associated with your account.

  3. Tap Sign in.

Step 6: Select accessories for your Square Stand (optional)

You can view printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, scales and more accessories that are compatible with your Square Stand:

  1. Go to our accessory compatibility page.

  2. Click an accessory option. If applicable, select Filter > Compatibility > Stand > Apply.

  3. View a list of accessories compatible with your Square Stand.

  4. Under Compatible with, click the products drop-down menu to view other compatible Square hardware.

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