thread Re: Can I use multiple readers from one device in Payments Troubleshooting

Can I use multiple readers from one device

KatM051 — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:59:26 GMT

Hi we're looking at running mobile bars from our venue. We only have one ipad - can we connect 4 readers to that one ipad?

Re: Can I use multiple readers from one device

Breffni — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:55:45 GMT

Hi @KatM051 thanks for your post.

While the Reader can be used with multiple devices, it can only connect with one device at a time (meaning you can swap between multiple iPads if you have them).

To connect your reader to another device, make sure to disconnect it from its current device.

To disconnect your reader:

Navigate to More and then Settings.
Tap Hardware and then Square Reader.
Select your reader from the list and tap Forget this Reader twice to confirm.

You can also disconnect the reader by holding down the button on the reader for 6-15 seconds, until you see four solid flashing red lights.

Let me know if you have more questions!

Re: Can I use multiple readers from one device

Sam_400º — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:54:20 GMT

Oh @Breffni 😳 - you’ve got the question the wrong way round. Think we should let you off as that’s the answer to the way it’s normally asked!

@KatM051 I know you can pair more that one reader to a device, but in a working environment I’ve got no idea how it would work (if all the readers ping to life, or if you have to select one as the main one). Hopefully @Breffni will be able to explain if it would work 👍

Re: Can I use multiple readers from one device

Breffni — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:14:26 GMT

Thanks for jumping in, Sam! While it’s definitely true that in theory, multiple readers can connect to one device, we always recommend only having one reader connected to one device at a time. This is to prevent any loss in connection or issues with the device reconnecting in a busy environment 🙂

In this case, I’d still recommend if possible to find the alternative device to connect the other three readers to.

If your staff has their own device, you could set them up as team members on your account so they can take payments for your business.

Let me know if that helps!