thread Re: How to pair card reader with iPhone 13? in Payments Troubleshooting

How to pair card reader with iPhone 13?

jenky — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 07:21:19 GMT

I can't get my card reader (1st generation, version 3) to pair with my iPhone 13. Apparently the two are compatible, but I still receive the error message "Reader Failed to Connect" every time.

I have tried every troubleshooting recommendation in the book - restarting my device; uninstalling and reinstalling the app; turning my bluetooth off and on; forgetting the card reader in my settings and on the app; performing a factory reset on the card reader - to no effect.

I spoke with a customer service rep who suggested I file a warranty claim, but after our call I was able to connect the card reader to my iPad, so I don't think the reader is the issue here.

Any suggestions? Hoping to use the card reader for an event this weekend. Thanks!

Re: How to pair card reader with iPhone 13?

JK_Fiber_Art — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:55:08 GMT

I can think of two additional things - ensure that the reader is fully charged or connected to power - next check your iPhone settings:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth

Check to see if Square is "enabled" for Bluetooth

(Make sure you have the latest iOS version and latest Square POS App version - you can check the Square POS App version by going to More > Support > About.)

Re: How to pair card reader with iPhone 13?

Lou8 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:37:58 GMT

Hi @jenky, thanks for posting on the Seller Community.

Are you able to successfully take a payment when the Reader is connected to the iPad ? As @JK_Fiber_Art suggested, make sure that your iOS is up-to-date.

Otherwise, if you have gone through all these troubleshooting steps, as well as contacted our Support Team, I would recommend going ahead with the warranty replacement.

Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂.