thread Re: Magstripe not working with Google Pixel first generation. in Payments Troubleshooting

Magstripe not working with Google Pixel first generation.

TWO_SunCare — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:39:50 GMT

My phone is not acknowledging that the magstripe is connected into the headphone jack. I've enabled there microphone in the settings for the square app, I've uninstalled and reinstalled and it still isn't working. I just switched from a Samsung Galaxy to a Google pixel and am now having these issues. Can anyone help?

Re: Magstripe not working with Google Pixel first generation.

GlassJudy — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 03:52:06 GMT

Here's the page that shows Square's compatibility with Google's Pixel phones. It shows that the magstripe reader should be compatible with the Pixel (I'm assuming what you're calling the Pixel first generation is just called Pixel on this page.) Do you have a case on your Pixel that may be interferring with the reader inserting fully into the port? This is a common problem with readers and phones with cases. Another common problem is with the phone not having the most recent update and not having the most up-to-date Square app.

Re: Magstripe not working with Google Pixel first generation.

TWO_SunCare — Thu, 02 May 2019 01:45:54 GMT

Hi GlassDale,

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately neither solved the problem 😞 my phone still isn't acknowledging the square magstripe.

Re: Magstripe not working with Google Pixel first generation.

Chad — Fri, 03 May 2019 22:40:41 GMT

That's weird @TWO_SunCare.

Have you tried this reader on another device? This can help narrow down the root of the issue.

Re: Magstripe not working with Google Pixel first generation.

TWO_SunCare — Fri, 03 May 2019 22:55:31 GMT

@Chad I had a Samsung Galaxy S 6 before this phone and it worked just fine. I have had to keep using that old device to take payments.

Re: Magstripe not working with Google Pixel first generation.

nika — Mon, 06 May 2019 20:22:42 GMT

Hey @TWO_SunCare! Jumping in here for Chad.

At this point it sounds like it could be the reader itself that's giving you trouble, since your device is compatible.

If there is an Apple store, Best Buy, or Staples nearby where you live, you can usually test out one of our readers there with your device. If one of their readers works with your device, then we'll for sure know where the issues lies.