Set up Square Reader

About Square Reader

Square Reader lets you accept chip, contactless (NFC) cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay anywhere. Connect Square Reader wirelessly via Bluetooth to a compatible device to accept payments quickly.

Square Reader is portable, but can be docked for countertop use.

Before you begin

There are two generations of Square Reader:

• Square Reader (1st generation)

• Square Reader (2nd generation)

Square Reader (1st generation) is no longer being manufactured or sold by Square. However, we will continue to provide updates and troubleshooting support for this Square Reader.

To set up and use your Square Reader (1st or 2nd generation), you need the following:

• Compatible mobile device with Bluetooth connectivity

• Square POS app updated to the latest version

• Power source to charge Square Reader

• Secure internet connection

Take a look at Square Reader (2nd generation) technical specifications to learn more about what’s in the box, dimensions, connectivity and more.

Step 1: Identify your Square Reader generation and version

Step 2: Check the battery level and charge your Square Reader

1. For an accurate battery reading, unplug your reader from any power source.

2. Firmly press the button on the reader and observe the lights.

   • Four green lights: Battery is 100% charged

   • Three green lights: Battery is 75% charged

   • Two green lights: Battery is 50% charged

   • One solid red light: Battery is 25% charged

   • One blinking red light: Battery is low – charge immediately.

3. Connect one end of the accompanying USB cable (Micro USB or USB-C) to your reader and the other end to a USB port, like a cell phone charger, computer or car charger.

4. It takes around two hours for a reader with a low battery to charge completely.

Step 3: Connect and update your Square Reader

To establish a Bluetooth connection, your Square Reader must be within three metres of your mobile device. You also need to make sure your Square POS app is updated to the latest version, Square Reader for contactless and chip cards pairs to Square through the Square POS apps.

To pair your Square Reader wirelessly through Bluetooth:

1. Press and release the button on your reader to turn it on.

2. Open the Settings app on your device and toggle Bluetooth ON.

3. Open your Square POS app and tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Square Readers.

4. Tap Connect a reader.

5. Put your reader into pairing mode by pressing the reader’s button for three to five seconds. Remove your finger as soon as you see orange flashing lights. If you see red flashing lights, you’ve held the button too long and you’ll need to try again.

   • Four orange lights flashing: Reader is in pairing mode.

   • Four green lights: Reader has successfully paired.

   • Four red lights: Reader failed to pair.

6. Tap Pair on the notification from your Square POS app to complete the pairing process.

   • Note: Due to extended security measures, some Android devices will require multiple confirmations during the pairing process. 

   • On Android devices, quickly tap Pair and Pair and connect each time you are prompted until the connection is successful. If the connection fails, start the pairing process over and ensure you accept all Pair and Pair and connect prompts within 5 seconds.

7. When your reader is successfully connected, you will see it listed as Ready in the Square POS app.

Any necessary firmware updates will be automatically installed once the reader has been connected. The wireless connection can be lost if the reader and device are more than three metres apart.

Step 4: Use low power state

Square Reader will go into a low power state if it hasn’t taken a payment for a while and will remain connected to your device for a period of time, depending on which generation you use.

Step 5: Select accessories for your Square Reader (optional)

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

1. Go to Square’s compatibility page for hardware accessories.

2. Click an accessory option.

3. Click the Select Square hardware drop-down menu and select iOS with Square Reader or Android with Square Reader.

4. View a list of accessories compatible with your Square Reader.

5. Under Compatible with, click # products to view more information.

Related articles

• Accept payments with Square Reader

• Set up docks for Square Reader

• Square Reader troubleshooting

• Identify your Square hardware