thread Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth in Hardware Setup & Troubleshooting

Why is my chip reader not recognizing Bluetooth?

Fittyoga — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:21:17 GMT

[The title of this thread has been edited from the original: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth]

My iphone bluetooth is on and connected to my chip reader. My apps are up to date. When I go to process a payment, the chip reader says it is not connected by bluetooth. Ideas?

Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth

isabelle — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:06:03 GMT

Hey @Fittyoga!

Sorry about that.

I usually have the best luck when sellers do a hard reset on their Contactless and Chip Readers.

To do so:

Plug in the reader for at least 20 minutes to be sure it’s charged.
Use a small object like a bobby pin, pen cap, or paper clip to firmly press and hold the button on the reader for 20 seconds or after the 4 lights stop blinking red.
After 20 seconds, release the button and wait 10 seconds. The reader should be reset.

From there, please try re-pair the reader using these steps:

Go to the Square app and tap the three horizontal lines.
Tap Settings & Card Readers.
Tap Connect a Reader. If you are using an iOS device you will need to select Contactless + Chip Reader.

Remember that to put the reader into pairing mode, press the reader’s power button for 3-10 seconds until you see 4 orange blinking lights. Release your fingers when you see these lights, because if you see red lights, you’ve held the button too long.

This should resolve the issue, given that you've already ensured all the apps are up to date and that Bluetooth is on. Please reply in this thread if it doesn't!

Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth

Theboozeartist — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 20:31:39 GMT

After 10 times still not working, my iPhone says it’s connected but the app says it is not

Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth

ashc — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 16:35:27 GMT

Hi @Theboozeartist!

What kind of phone/device are you using to pair the reader with?

I'm wondering if it's compatible. You can check to see if it is here.

Also by 10 times- do you mean of trying the troubleshooting listed above?

Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth

Simi — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:10:10 GMT

mine doesnot update past 88%

please help

Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth

JustinC — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 20:39:34 GMT

@Simi - what troubleshooting steps have you done so far? Have you tried forgetting the reader in the POS app settings then reconnecting?

Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth

Simi — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 20:55:32 GMT

yes thank you. I did try that but it did not work. is there a service #? very frustrating

Re: chip reader not recognizing bluetooth

JustinC — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 21:04:46 GMT

Totally understand your frustration - You can contact our Support Team by clicking here .

If you select More > I Don't See My Issue, it will give you an option to call our Customer Success team along with your customer code.

I hope they're able to straighten this out for you @Simi !