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Connect a scanner-scale with Square for Retail

Who is this article for?
  • Sellers with the account and settings permission to configure hardware settings. Set permissions in the Square Dashboard.
  • Square for Retail Free, Plus, or Premium subscribers
  • About scanner-scales

    With Square for Retail Free, Plus, or Premium, you can connect a scanner-scale to sell by weight and scan items using each functionality separately or together. Use a scanner-scale to speed up the checkout process in your high-volume grocery or retail business.

    Before you begin

    Scanner-scales are compatible with the following Square hardware:

    • Square Register

    • Square Stand (2nd generation)

    Learn how to Set up Square Register or set up Square Stand (2nd generation).

    Square only supports the following scanner-scale models:

    Depending on what scanner-scale package you choose and where you purchase from, you may need additional cables to connect your scanner-scale to Square. Make sure you have these cables before setting up your scanner-scale:

    If you are using a Square Stand (2nd generation), contact our Support Team for assistance with connecting your Magellan scanner-scale.

    Step 1: Print out barcodes to calibrate your scanner-scale

    Print out the barcodes on the PDF below. You must print the barcode, you can’t scan it from a screen. You must print the barcodes, you can’t scan them from a screen.

    Step 2: Connect your scanner-scale to power

    Unplug all cables from the back of the scanner-scale except for the power cable and the remote display, if applicable. If you have a scanner-scale that comes with a remote display, plug it in.

    Step 3: Scan barcodes

    Scan the barcodes from the printed PDF in the order shown.

    Step 4: Connect your Square hardware to power

    Plug in your Square Register or Square Stand (2nd generation) to a power source, but don’t connect it to the scanner-scale yet.

    Step 5: Connect your scanner-scale to your Square hardware

    1. Connect the Magellan Scanner/Scale cable to the Host Port in the back of the scanner-scale.

    2. Connect the RS232 cable to both the Magellan cable and the Square USB cable. The scanner-scale should connect to the Square Retail POS app.

    Step 6: Verify your scanner-scale is successfully connected

    1. Open the Square Retail POS app on your Square Register or Square Stand (2nd generation).

    2. Check the status bar. If successfully connected, your device should show scanner-scale with a check mark.

    3. Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware

    4. Below the Connect and manage section, tap Scanner-scales

    5. From the Available scanner-scales screen, tap the Magellan 9400i, which should show a Ready status.

    Step 7: Install your scanner-scale

    The Magellan scanner-scales are meant to be installed in-counter. Square does not assist with this directly but there are a number of third parties that offer pre-configured counter setups or that can help with installation. Talk to your Sales or Onboarding representative to learn more.

    For more information about installation, download a reference guide for your scanner-scale.

    Once installed, coordinate with your local jurisdiction to complete any required Weights and Measures inspections.

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