thread Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone in Payments Troubleshooting

I just got a Square magstripe reader but it doesn't work on my iPhone

Hutson — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:51:35 GMT

just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone?

Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone

ryanwanner — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:53:50 GMT

You should be able to use both at the same time.

Check your app's settings -> Card Readers. Make sure both are listed here.

If they are, check out this Troubleshooting Article to see some other tricks to make the mag stripe reader work again.

Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone

Hutson — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:56:15 GMT

The iphone doesn't have that kind of plug anymore

Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone

VanKalkerFarms — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:56:50 GMT

what do you mean it doesn't work? you tried a transaction and it didn't read, or you can't plug it in?

If it is the later then you have to use the headphone jack adapter that came with the iPhone (up until this latest generation you can buy it here amazon link) or you can get the lightning adapter here https://squareup.com/shop/hardware/us/en/products/magstripe-reader

Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone

Hutson — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:58:37 GMT

there is no place to plug the mag reader in. iphone got ride of that style jack awhile ago

Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone

VanKalkerFarms — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:59:55 GMT

yes, so you'll have to use the adapter or get a lightning reader instead.

Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone

ryanwanner — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 20:01:34 GMT

Aah. Well this is a whole different problem then. 🙂

Honestly, since the majority of the banks now have the chip built into their cards, you're not really going to need the mag reader much anymore.

You can get a lightning port mag reader on the Square Store or probably in places like Best Buy, etc. if you want the reader still.

Re: just got the chip reader but the mag reader doesn't work on the iphone

Hutson — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 20:03:00 GMT

Thanks

Card swipe would not take payment and in window it read card not charged?

420niki — Mon, 04 May 2020 01:24:51 GMT

Card swipe would not take payment and in window it read card not charged?

Re: Card swipe would not take payment and in window it read card not charged?

nika — Tue, 05 May 2020 16:15:20 GMT

Hey @420niki- Take a look at @ryanwanner's answer here. He also includes a troubleshooting article you'll want to reference to make sure you're on the right track.