thread Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet in Payments Troubleshooting

Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

Johnnyhotdogger — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:36:44 GMT

I have been using my Square for at least a couple years with no problems. Last night after running a few transactions the chip reader lost connection and I cannot get it to reconnect. It is charged. I held the button down for a few seconds and it switched to 4 flashing orange lights to indicate pairing but it would not connect. When I got home I tried my other Square unit and the same thing happened. I bought both Squares at the same time 2-3yrs ago. Bluetooth was enabled. Internet connection was good. I uninstalled/reinstalled the Square app on both my tablet and my Android phone but they still won't connect/ pair. Any suggestions? Do the chip readers have some sort of useful lifespan?

Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

Helen — Sun, 19 May 2019 19:53:46 GMT

@Johnnyhotdogger I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you had with your readers, that's really odd! It sounds like you've done a good bit of troubleshooting already but I also recommend making sure that your devices (tablet/phone) are up to date and you could try resetting the reader.

If that doesn't do the trick don't hesitate to call in and our team can you get back up and running!

Chip reader will not pair with iPhone. Tells me to turn on Wi-Fi. Wi-F- alaready on.

daperz — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 22:33:17 GMT

Chip reader will not pair with iPhone 5 or 6. Running latest IOS. Orange banner on Square checkout page tells me to turn on Wi-Fi. But iPhone settings show Wi-Fi is already on.

Re: Chip reader will not pair with iPhone. Tells me to turn on Wi-Fi. Wi-F- alaready on.

Joe — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:34:07 GMT

Hi there, @daperz - thanks for reaching out here on the Community and letting us know about your issue. So sorry for the trouble with your reader!

I've moved your post into a similar thread of Sellers who were also experiencing this issue. You cay want to view Helen's post for best steps and troubleshooting.

Let me know if that doesn't work.

Re: Chip reader will not pair with iPhone. Tells me to turn on Wi-Fi. Wi-F- alaready on.

King_Casey — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 20:18:12 GMT

This is a fundamental issue that's not being adequately addressed.

It's been hit-and-miss getting these two useless gadgets to pair.

Also despite being listed on compatible tablets list I'm getting 'unsupported device' warning where once it connected quite happily.

cheers, Mark.

Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

Gstarnes53 — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 00:15:02 GMT

I'm having the same issue pairing to my iPhone 11 with the latest software. Following advice I found here elsewhere, I shut down the reader (hold button for 20 seconds), waited 10-15 seconds, then turned it back on. There was a single red light for about 2 seconds, then it went off. I plugged it in and saw the four orange lights briefly (it had been fully charged). Now when I push the button, the red light again comes on then off.

Does this indicate that the reader is dead? If so, can I get a new one?

Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

AshleyK — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:09:22 GMT

Hi! It does sound like you need to charge your reader.

The following colors indicate different battery states:

* Green: Fully charged

* Amber (Yellow): Charging

* Red: Low battery or no charge

When your reader is in pairing mode, you’ll see orange blinking lights. Once you see these lights, immediately release your finger.

If you see red flashing lights, you’ve held the power button for too long and your reader will reset. Do not let go of the power button until after the red lights have stopped flashing.

Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

Gstarnes53 — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:23:17 GMT

Welp, the reader "should" have been charged after plugging in overnight. It had 4 green lights before they went off. Nonetheless, I charged it overnight again, and it paired this morning.

Thank you

Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

AshleyK — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:32:52 GMT

It happens! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂

Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

Sikewardent — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:49:27 GMT

So would I only need one Gadget or do I need a do I need a printer do I need to label or maker or do I just need the car reader and the tablet

Re: Chip reader will not connect / pair to my tablet

Sikewardent — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:50:09 GMT

Okay knol thanks