Update software on Square Terminal and Square Register
About software updates on Square Terminal and Square Register
Square Terminal and Square Register automatically run software updates overnight as long as it is plugged in, powered on, and connected to the internet. Software updates may include a system update, Square apps updates, and a firmware update.
There are two types of updates for Square Terminal and Square Register–software updates and Square POS apps updates.
Software updates are for the core firmware of the Square Terminal or Square Register.
Software updates are released every 2-8 weeks and can take anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour to complete, depending on which updates are needed.
Software updates require network connection and power, so make sure that Square Terminal or Square Register is connected to a network via Wi-Fi/Ethernet and powered on, even when not in use.
Square POS apps updates are for specific apps you might run on your Square Terminal or Square Register, such as Square for Restaurants.
Square POS apps updates are also released independently every 2-4 weeks, which can result in your Square apps running different versions on Square Terminal and Square Register.
Square POS apps updates normally take up to 10 minutes to complete.
Square Terminal and Square Register will only update the app you are logged into; keeping the speed of software updates fast and the size small so you can get back to running your business. If you are logging into another app for the first time, you’ll be prompted to update upon login.
Before you begin
Software update requires network connection and power, so make sure that Square Register is connected to a network via Wi-Fi/Ethernet and powered on, even when not in use.
Software updates for Square Terminal generally require 2 GB per month. This does not include attempts to retry failed downloads, so we recommend connecting to Wi-Fi overnight to help facilitate software updates.
You have two options for checking if your software is up to date:
Check for updates while you’re signed out of Square Terminal or Square Register
Check for updates while you’re signed in to Square Terminal or Square Register
You can change the time at which software updates happen automatically to avoid disruption during business hours. In some cases, you can also defer updates recommended before the automatic nightly update. Square Terminal must have a battery level of at least 35% to initiate updates automatically.
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 into your Square Terminal or Square Register.
Keep your Square Terminal or Square Register 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 in to your Square Terminal and Square Register.
Defer software updates
If a Square POS apps update is recommended before the automatic nightly update, a notification will appear on the screen. You can defer the update to complete during the nightly reboot or update immediately.