thread Re: What can I do when my magstripe reader isn't swiping / working? in Payments Troubleshooting

Why won't my magstripe reader work with my device?

macbrienjr — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:38:30 GMT

[The title of this thread has been edited from the original: LG tribute headphone jack won't let square use card reader]

I can't get the square reader to properly read cards hooked up on my phone. It does work on other phones.

I have the simple magstrip reader that plugs into the audio jack.

My sister has a galaxy s10 and it works.

My phone is an LG tribute empire and it doesn't work. If I enter in an amount then swipe it does not work. Even though I gave square the permission to use the jack my phone still thinks I plugged in real headphones and is listening to music. I think my phone is overtaking the permission and thinks I'm listening to music.

Any Ideas on how to fix it?

What can I do when my magstripe reader isn't swiping / working?

Dusty — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:11:19 GMT

MY MAGSTRIPE READER DOESN,T SEEM TO WORK AND is snapped in.

Re: What can I do when my magstripe reader isn't swiping / working?

George — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 19:45:48 GMT

Hi @Dusty, we have a number of troubleshooting tips to get you back on track.

Try some of these, and if they don't work, write back and we'll try to help you out.

Make sure you’re using a supported device.
Check that the Square app has access to your device’s microphone. This access allows your device to detect the reader.
Remove your device’s case, firmly plug in the reader and swipe again. Some phone cases prevent the reader from plugging in all the way.
With the Square app open, unplug the reader and firmly plug it back in.
Update the Square app.

The full list is here, with some tips for taking practice swipes: http://squ.re/1S2asVb.

Re: What can I do when my magstripe reader isn't swiping / working?

Suzgoss2014 — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 19:46:10 GMT

My mag strip won't read my card. I can use the chip or add my card manually. Please help!

Re: What can I do when my magstripe reader isn't swiping / working?

Sean — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 19:46:34 GMT

@Suzgoss2014 - Please check out George's answer for more details on how to get back up and running.

Why my reader does not get connection?

Zarka — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 23:52:50 GMT

Why my reader does not get connected?

Re: Why my reader does not get connection?

Helen — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:34:26 GMT

@Zarka Sorry to hear you're having trouble connecting your magstripe reader with your device! I merged your post in to this thread, please go through George's troubleshooting steps when you get a chance.

These troubleshooting steps typically resolve most issues but if you're still seeing a connection error reply here to let me know what device you're using. We'll go from there!

I cannot swipe any credit cards through the reader, what should I do?

brooklyner — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:37:22 GMT

This reply was created from merging an existing thread

Unfortunately for me as a street vendor I cannot swipe any credit cards through the reader and therefore I forced to input all info manually. I've sent several inquiries to Square support but they anly suggest to update the software or to send me a new reader.

I did everything : updated softaware and received new reader, but the story is the same.

What's wrong with my phone or reader or software and who from Square can narrate me by phone step-by-step what should I do ?

Re: I cannot swipe any credit cards through the reader, what should I do?

Helen — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:42:18 GMT

I'm sorry to hear that you haven't been able to swipe cards! The troubleshooting steps in this thread should help but if you'd like to speak to someone you can certainly call our CS team if you prefer!

The steps to call are in our Support Center and the team is available 6am to 6pm PT, Monday through Friday.

I broke my swipe however I have another but it’s not working. Why? And what to do?

1RO — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 18:03:24 GMT

This reply was created from merging an existing thread: I broke my swipe however I have another but it’s not working. Why? And what to do?

I broke my swipe however I have another but it’s not working. Why? And what to do?

Re: I broke my swipe however I have another but it’s not working. Why? And what to do?

Helen — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 18:02:59 GMT

I'm sorry to hear both of your readers aren't working @1RO. These troubleshooting steps typically resolve most issues with the magstriper reader — but if your readers are very old it might be time to get a new one.

A new magstripe reader costs $10. You can order a reader from the app: tap Settings > Card Readers.

Or if you need one ASAP you can buy a magstripe reader in retail locations. To find a retail store near you visit https://squareup.com/us/en/where-to-buy. I recommend calling ahead to make sure they're in stock if you're making a long journey!

Nothing happened when I plug Square into my I phone

Cecile — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:37:50 GMT

This reply was created from merging an existing thread: Nothing happened when I plug Square into my I phone

Help! Nothing happened when I plugged Square into my I phone

Re: Nothing happened when I plug Square into my I phone

Helen — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:38:14 GMT

Oh no @Cecile! The troubleshooting steps here usually help but if nothing happens at all please call our CS team so we can help you to get back up and running!

Re: LG tribute headphone jack won't let square use card reader

isabelle — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 23:52:30 GMT

Hey @macbrienjr-

Thanks for posting in the Seller Community! Sorry to hear about your Magstripe Reader.

Firstly, can you verify that the reader and your device are compatible?

Secondly, please take a look at these troubleshooting tips.

If you try all the troubleshooting steps listed, and those still don't work, please reply back in this thread so I can provide next steps/suggestions 💡.

card reader not reading

lorihj — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:32:08 GMT

I am unable to swipe in the card reader or use the chip reader. I have to put everything in manually.

Re: card reader not reading

Joe — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 12:53:36 GMT

Hi @lorihj - thanks for reaching out to us here on the Seller Community! So sorry to hear about the trouble you are experiencing with your readers.

Would you mind providing some more context as to the specific problem you are encountering with each reader? Are you receiving any kind of error message on your device? What specifically isn't working?

We would love to assist as soon as we get a bit more detail. I will keep an eye out for your response!

Re: LG tribute headphone jack won't let square use card reader

Alison23 — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 01:41:22 GMT

I am having the same problem after not using the app for three months. HELP!

My card would not let me swipe the cards at the last sales event. So I was entering everything manu

Sundaydraw — Thu, 06 May 2021 15:07:21 GMT

My card would not let me swipe the cards at my last sakes event do I was entering everything manually, then I got hit with higher fees for doing that! What’s up with that?

Re: My card would not let me swipe the cards at the last sales event. So I was entering everythin...

JustinC — Sat, 08 May 2021 12:31:05 GMT

Sounds like your device and reader can use some troubleshooting. Check out the troubleshooting link Isabelle posted in her best answer.

@Sundaydraw

Re: What can I do when my magstripe reader isn't swiping / working?

Gallery218 — Sat, 08 May 2021 23:24:57 GMT

I have the same issue

Suddenly the swipe doesn't work

I have to enter by hand