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Prepare for Square Register and Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) end of life

Who is this article for?
Sellers who are currently using Square Register (1st generation, v1) or Square Terminal (1st generation, v1).

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 Register (1st generation, v1) or Square Terminal (1st generation, v1), these devices are approaching the end of their natural lifespan due to their 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 v1 device with a newer model is highly recommended.

Understand the timeline and changes

On September 1, 2025, software updates for Square Register (1st generation, v1) and Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) devices will end. If you received an email or alert on your Square Register (1st generation, v1) or 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.

How software support will change for your v1 device starting on September 1, 2025:

  • You can continue taking payments on your device. Square will only support critical security updates and bug fixes necessary to keep taking payments with your current software version.

  • The software functionality your device has on September 1, 2025 will remain as is, however, you will not receive any new software features or enhancement updates.

  • 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 if your device is 1st generation (v1)

All Square Registers and Terminals have a 16-digit serial number. Each device lists their version number in the 5th to 8th digits of the serial number, like this: xxxxMMMMxxxxxxxx.

Square Register (1st generation, v1) and Square Terminal (1st generation, v1) are identified by the following serial number sequences:

  • Square Register: the serial number is located on the base under the seller display, near the hinge. You may need to place the unit on its back or lift the screen to view it.

    • 1st generation (v1) – MM Sequence: CS079 [end of natural life approaching]

    • 1st generation (v2) – MM Sequence: CS134

    • Example: xxxxCS079xxxxxxx

  • Square Terminal: the serial number can be found on the bottom.

    • 1st generation (v1) – MM Sequence: S108 [end of natural life approaching]

    • 1st generation (v2) – MM Sequence: S149

    • Example: xxxxS108xxxxxxxx

On the device, you can also tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > General > About > Serial Number.

Learn how to identify your Square hardware.

If you are not on-location with the device, you can check a serial number from the Device Hub on Square Dashboard:

  1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard, then click Settings > Device Management > Devices.

  2. In the devices list, look for the Device ID column, which displays the serial number of your Square Terminals and Square Registers.

If you don’t see a Device ID column, select Customize > toggle ON Device ID (and any others you want to appear in the list) > Apply.

Replace your v1 device now to keep getting the latest software updates

Your device will continue to function with the current software version and accept payments, but it will no longer receive software updates after September 1, 2025. If staying up to date with Square's latest features is important to you, upgrading to the latest hardware is necessary. Replacing your device will not only grant you access to new features but will also greatly enhance your overall experience.

The latest Square hardware offers faster processing speeds, more memory, and increased storage, helping your business run more smoothly with fewer disruptions.

First, check if your device is eligible for a trade-in. This link filters for eligible devices, allowing you to search by serial number and select the devices you want to trade in. Keep in mind that all replacement devices in a single order will be shipped to the same address. If you'd like devices sent to multiple locations, please submit a separate trade-in form for each address.

If your device isn't eligible for trade-in, 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.

Return or recycle your old devices

If your device is eligible for trade-in, you will be able to print shipping labels to return it to Square. You can also reach out to your account manager for assistance with returning your current device once you have received your new one.

If you do not have an account manager or your device is not eligible for trade-in, we recommend recycling it at a local e-waste facility.

Related migration: Transition away from Square KDS on iOS

The Square KDS app is no longer supported on iOS devices. Square has transitioned KDS support exclusively to Android, and the iOS version has not received updates since 2023. Additionally, it has been removed from the Apple App Store. If you are currently using Square KDS on an iPad as your kitchen display, we strongly recommend you migrate to Android from Square KDS on iOS. Please note that the iOS version of the app will be fully disabled in the coming months.

Learn more about this product change and how to prepare for it in our Square Community.