thread Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around? in Payments Troubleshooting

iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

kmacmmurchy — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:19:48 GMT

Hey Group, has anyone figured out a workaround for a split payment when using the iPad POS connected to Square Terminal? This is a REAL PROBLEM.

Example: customer comes in with $5 gift card for a $10 order we need to pay the rest via credit card. The "split Payment" option is greyed out.

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

Donnie-M — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:03:30 GMT

@kmacmmurchy I know this may not be the workaround you are looking for, but I know you can still take the rest of the payment with the chip reader/swipe/or manual entry. The system looks at the terminal as a form of payment, but when you split the terminal doesn't get the info for the first payment so you might end up with some problematic receipt issues. I think it is a limitation of the system at this point. For me personally, I can handle this limitation as it is not super common for me. I handle it by training the cashiers to know not to send to the terminal if it is a split payment or the person pulls out a gift card.

Donnie-M

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

kmacmmurchy — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:18:49 GMT

So if you don't send it to the terminal where does the customer swipe the card?

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

Donnie-M — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 19:47:07 GMT

@kmacmmurchy Are you using a square stand or just an ipad? I am using the square stand along with the terminal so I have a chip/dip contactless reader installed along with the swipe part of the stand.

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

kmacmmurchy — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 19:53:24 GMT

I'm just using an iPad Pro wireless to my Terminal.

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

Frida — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 22:18:26 GMT

Hello @kmacmmurchy,

Great to see you posting in the Seller Community again, welcome back! 😊

Just wanted to let you know, that I have confirmed with our product managers that this is a feature request. Split tender functionality is not yet supported with using the terminal/iPad connection.

As a work around, to accept split tender payments, you will need to connect a Square Reader to your POS device to complete the payment.

I can see how this may be a helpful and necessary function for you and users alike. Should anything change in the future, we'll be sure to update this thread.

I look forward to reading your response! Also please let me know if you have any other questions. 😊

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

kmacmmurchy — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 00:23:06 GMT

Hi Frida, so to understand this completely what steps would I take to make this work? Do I have to have the Square reader with the swipe function like the first generation one used with iPhone? As I said I don't have the Square Stand and the larger Square reader doesn't have a swipe feature. Another concern I have, is I need convenience as I was hoping to use this hardware setup for a Drive-thru I have under construction.

Also, I've ordered new gift cards with the bar codes on the them. Will I be able to connect the Bar Code Reader to the iPad and use this existing hardware setup?

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

Frida — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:50:23 GMT

Hi @kmacmmurchy,

Just to clarify, yes. The Magstripe reader is the one you plug into a tablet or phone, and this is the device you will need to plug into your iPad to initiate a split payment.

With regards to your scanning the gift cards, as long as you have a supported scanner that functions with our software and your device, you can. I have attached this guide that provides some steps.

Please don't hesitate to reach out further, and I hope I was able to answer your follow up questions. 😊

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

kmacmmurchy — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 13:53:07 GMT

So I guess with the Magstripe reader I would need an adapter as the iPad Pro is USB C? I assume I wouldn't need any work-around if I had the Square Register? As I said, not sure how that would work for a Drive-Thru.

Thanks

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

Frida — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 20:54:25 GMT

Hey there @kmacmmurchy,

Yes you would need an adaptor. If you are operating a drive through, have you considered the Square Terminal? It seems to be the most functional solution for what you seek, as it is an all in one device, with swipe, tap, and dip.

Also, I would strongly suggest reaching out to our Phone Support team so that they can walk you through some ideas and product suggestions.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

kmacmmurchy — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:14:55 GMT

OK, so I tried this by adding a Magstripe reader, but I can swipe the Gift Card, but it still won't allow a split payment with the Terminal connected via wifi. Unless I'm missing something, this is disappointing.

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

hughgjohnson — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:51:58 GMT

I have to use my little reader in this situation, bypass Terminal

Re: iPad POS --> Square Terminal - Split Payment work around?

hughgjohnson — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:53:28 GMT

Just fix it already! And also, the Terminal should be able to be used as a Square printer.

The sauce is weak.