thread Re: Update? Gen 1 Contactless Square Reader and Magnetic Strip Reader. in Payments Troubleshooting

Update? Gen 1 Contactless Square Reader and Magnetic Strip Reader.

PopHarris3 — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 07:44:39 GMT

I have questions about my Contactless Square Reader and Magnetic Strip Reader, which, from my understanding, are both Generation 1 devices. Why did Square send a message stating that these were no longer supported for offline use, especially when I used these offline three weeks ago? Was this a recent change? Also, does each device need a software update, or do I need to purchase new devices (Generation 2?)? Also, does Square provide a live person to help answer questions and resolve issues?

Re: Update? Gen 1 Contactless Square Reader and Magnetic Strip Reader.

TheRealChipA — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:30:18 GMT

Hey @PopHarris3. I checked with a Square beta person that I communicate with regularly. This is what I learned.

This article should still be up-to-date
https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/7777-process-card-payments-with-offline-mode

where Square Reader for Contactless and Chip
(1st gen, v3) still works but not v1-2 (which was deprecated/discontinued years ago).

Square Reader for Magstripe is still supported for swipe (which is the only capability)

I’ll add that there are a few active beta tests going on now to greatly enhance and harden the offline processing experience and I know those require the latest hardware. So, to answer your question, if you can do it I’d recommend upgrading to the latest readers when you can.

Re: Update? Gen 1 Contactless Square Reader and Magnetic Strip Reader.

PopHarris3 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:41:33 GMT

Hi Chip,

Thank you for the feedback and supportive articles.

Doc Rob