thread Re: Chip reader doesn't hold chargd in Payments Troubleshooting

Chip reader doesn't hold chargd

WoodGlassCrafte — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:47:30 GMT

My chip reader will not hold a charge for more than about 2 hours. It has been this way since I got it. I do a lot of shows that do not have access to power. I tried the power bank that I use for my tablet and phone, but it won't charge the chip reader. Does anyone else have this issue? Did I get a lemon?

Re: Chip reader doesn't hold chargd

MJD — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 13:01:51 GMT

Hi there @WoodGlassCrafte,

How old is the reader? all batteries do deteriorate over time and it could just be time to update, if it's still under warranty, you may want to contact support and they should be able to replace/fix it if there is a genuine issue.

If this has helped, please mark it as best answer to help others with similar questions in the future!

Re: Chip reader doesn't hold chargd

WoodGlassCrafte — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:13:37 GMT

It is about 4 yrs old. The problem is that it has never held a charge for more than 3 hours regardless if I am using it or not. I found it out the hard way about a week after I got it, at an outdoor show that ran from 9-5 and it died about noon time with multiple people waiting to buy. Luckily one of the other vendors had their mag strip reader that I borrowed for the rest of the day.

I thought that was just how it worked until I read on here that some had their's last up to a week.

Re: Chip reader doesn't hold chargd

MJD — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:48:29 GMT

Hey @WoodGlassCrafte, welcome back to the community!

from what I’ve seen in my time in the community, older readers never seemed to hold their charge like the ones now available, it may be worth looking into buying a new reader as I’ve not heard any recent reports on faults in newer readers.

Re: Chip reader doesn't hold chargd

bodyoasis — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 22:18:40 GMT

Yes i am having the same issue! Even bought a new chip reader and its starting to do the same thing. Having to manually enter cards which sucks since it takes more money out of my profits!!!!!

Re: Chip reader doesn't hold chargd

JJ_ — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 22:24:04 GMT

If you recently bought your reader, Square may be able to replace it free of charge @bodyoasis. Give us a call at 855-700-6000 between 6 am - 6 pm Pacific Time Monday-Friday. If you call outside of these hours, you will be required to enter your Customer Code to validate your account.

I hope this information is helpful!