thread managing multiple terminals in Hardware Setup & Troubleshooting

managing multiple terminals

JCCatAFW — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:15:07 GMT

Hi all,

I am looking for information about managing multiple terminal devices. We currently have over 400 devices that are issued and used twice a year. I am new to Square so may not be aware of the best practices. I am currently logging in to each machine to configure it. These devices seem to logout every 90 days so I am stuck logging in 400+ machines each season. Is there an easier way to manage this?

Re: managing multiple terminals

TheRealChipA — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 11:42:40 GMT

Hi @JCCatAFW. About a year ago, Square rolled out the first of what are called Shared Settings for device management. But, it is currently limited to Square for Restaurants Mobile right now. I’m guessing that you aren’t a Square Restaurants seller, are you?

I’m going to send a private message to the administrator of that initial shared settings test and see if he can reach out to you IF there are plans (or current tests, even) to add Shared Settings to POS and/or Retail. Hopefully, you’ll hear back from someone soon.

I’m sorry that I don’t have better news at this time.

Re: managing multiple terminals

PartyManiaMD — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 13:45:36 GMT

Ironically I just asked for a solution on the Square register forums because it prompted my employer to log in and needed my master password....

I get requiring a log in every 3 months for security reasons but they could at least alert us we will need to do it soon.

Re: managing multiple terminals

TheRealChipA — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 14:25:36 GMT

@PartyManiaMD If I am understanding that post correctly, is there a reason you aren’t using device codes for each POS you have? I only use those to log in in the shop — no login id/pwd required.

Re: managing multiple terminals

Candlestore — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 14:27:02 GMT

@PartyManiaMD ;

I use Square for Retail and have Device Codes enabled. These are a 16 digit code I believe that Square Generates for each Device. To login you just enter the Device Code. I keep the Device Codes in my office and if I am away I can always log in to Square on my laptop and get the device code for either Checkout.

Then when you get back you can change the device code(s) if you want. The device codes also help with which POS sold how much etc if you need that. I also use the device codes when I am off site at a POP-Up sale.... to track how much I did at the event outside of the store. This is usually because the Device I use at pop up events is either a tablet or my phone.

More about Device Codes:

5586-manage-devices-by-location

Re: managing multiple terminals

JCCatAFW1 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 14:56:36 GMT

Thanks for the responses. @Candlestore If I understand you correctly, I should be assigning each device a device code. I must login with that code within 2 days. Then the device is good to go for 90 days. Is that correct?

Re: managing multiple terminals

TheRealChipA — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 15:20:11 GMT

https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5586-manage-devices-by-location

https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/3824

Re: managing multiple terminals

JCCatAFW1 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 15:39:00 GMT

Thanks everyone. This appears to be the answer. Thanks @TheRealChipA

Re: managing multiple terminals

TheRealChipA — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 16:19:16 GMT

@JCCatAFW1 You’re welcome. We are all here to help! Keep in mind that if you need to change settings on your Terminals, you still have to do that individually, unless your Terminal is running Square for Restaurants. Hopefully, the engineering team is working on having shared Terminal settings so that you can manage all 400 with just one change. 🤞