thread Re: Why is my magstripe reader no longer working with my USB-C to headphone jack adapter? in Payments Troubleshooting

Why is my magstripe reader no longer working with my USB-C to headphone jack adapter?

cytsandiego — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 07:41:51 GMT

I've been using Square Point of Sale on my iPad Air 4th Generation for months without issues using the Square reader for magstripe (w/ headset jack) and a USB-C to headphone jack adapter. All of a sudden, the Square app no longer recognizes that a reader is plugged in when the magstripe reader is plugged into the adapter and the adapter is plugged in to the iPad.

I've tried the same adapter and magstripe reader on another iPad and it works fine
I've tried a different adapter and magstripe reader on the same iPad and it does not work
I've plugged the charger cord for the iPad into the USB-C port to make sure it was still working and it is
The square app and iPad software are up to date
I've tried all the troubleshooting tips that Square has given

And STILL nothing. The contactless reader connects via bluetooth wireless and works, but I need a reader that is able to take magnetic charges. I can't charge a Square Gift Card using the chip/wireless reader and I need to be able to charge Square Gift Cards.

Help!!

Re: Why is my magstripe reader no longer working with my USB-C to headphone jack adapter?

JK_Fiber_Art — Thu, 16 May 2024 22:29:37 GMT

Hi Cytsandiego,

Sounds like you did some good troubleshooting and may have answered your own question. You stated that the adapter and reader in question worked fine on a different iPad and you tried a different adapter and reader on your current iPad and that did not work either. Logic is telling me that there's a possible issue with your iPad. It's possible there's something causing the issue in the iPad's USB-C Port (dust, dirt, whatever). Although the USB-C charger seems to work, there is a difference in what pins are used for charging and for connectivity to the reader through the adapter. Just a thought of course but, something to consider. Note, I'm not Tech Support so it's only a guess - you may want to follow-up with Tech Support to see what they say.

Re: Why is my magstripe reader no longer working with my USB-C to headphone jack adapter?

SLYNX — Sun, 19 May 2024 18:32:21 GMT

I am also having this issue (for about 2 weeks) and it is unfortunate. I will be contacting customer support tomorrow.

Re: Why is my magstripe reader no longer working with my USB-C to headphone jack adapter?

SLYNX — Mon, 20 May 2024 17:04:30 GMT

Hello I just fixed my issue. I did, of course, update the app and iPad. But what fixed the issue for me was in Settings> Sounds> Headphone Safety> USB Audio Accessories> “Current Audio Accessory”… “Connected To Headphones” set to the ON position.

You may need to tap on “Forget All USB Accessories” as well. After doing so, Plug in your adapter first, when prompted, select Headphones then plug the Reader into the adapter.

I hope this helps someone in the future. 🙂