Troubleshooting steps for Square Reader for contactless and chip and PIN

Helen — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:17:13 GMT

If you’re unable to pair your Square Reader for contactless and chip and PIN to your phone or tablet the steps in this post should help to get back up and running in no time.

Troubleshooting steps for the Square Reader

First, double check that you are using a compatible device, that your reader is fully charged, that Bluetooth is turned on (check your mobile device settings), and make sure you have a strong internet connection.

If you are using iPhone or iPad on iOS 13 and above, make sure Bluetooth permissions for the Square app is enabled in Settings > Privacy > Bluetooth.

If you're still not able to pair the reader, run through the troubleshooting steps here: My Reader won’t pair with my device.

If you see the message that your reader has disconnected from your device try the troubleshooting steps here: My reader keeps disconnecting.

Pairing your reader to a new device for the first time?

Keep in mind, if you are pairing the reader to a new device you must first have your reader ‘forget’ it’s connection to your mobile phone or tablet. To do this:

Open the Square app > Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner.
Tap Settings > Card Readers
Select your connected reader > Forget This Reader.

Alternatively, you can reset the reader to disconnect it from your device. To reset your reader:

While the reader is charging, use a small object like a hair grip, pen lid or paper clip to firmly press and hold the button on the reader for 20 seconds, or after the 4 lights stop blinking red. Do not let go of the power button until after the red lights have stopped flashing. Press the button again to turn the reader on, observe any lights on the reader.
If the reader lights don’t turn green, firmly press and hold the reader’s button for a full 20 seconds. Do not let go of the power button until after the red lights have stopped flashing.
Follow these steps to pair the reader to your device.

What to do if you see the message 'Developer options are not supported'

If you see the message that Developer options are not supported, please turn off the developer options within your device before running through the troubleshooting steps. To turn off developer options:

Navigate to Settings section of your device > Developer Options
Toggle Developer Options off.

If you can’t see the Developer Options menu navigate to the About Device section on your phone and follow these steps:

Tap Build Number 7 times > you will see a prompt on the screen indicating developer options are enabled
Tap the back arrow to navigate back to Settings
Tap Developer Options > toggle Developer Options OFF.

If you are using a Huawei device, you can also try:

Go to the Settings of your Huawei device
Tap on More Settings
Disable the button Allow Hisuite to use HDB.

If you see the message that the reader is permanently damaged:

If you see the message that your reader is permanently damaged, that means it is no longer working correctly due to a failsafe that was put in place to ensure the security of your reader. The best course of action is to file a warranty claim for your Square Reader in the Square Shop Square Reader is covered by a limited one year warranty.

I hope these steps are helpful. Reply below if you have any questions or if you have any troubleshooting tips of your own to share.

Re: Troubleshooting steps for the Square Reader for contactless and chip and PIN

Helen — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:24:41 GMT

These troubleshooting steps for the Square Card Reader should help you get back up and running.