thread Re: Linking reader to laptop for processing payments in Payments Troubleshooting

Can you connect a Square Reader to your computer to process payments?

MFoddy — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:33:52 GMT

The title of this thread has been edited from the original: Linking reader to laptop for processing payments.

Hi, I have the App on my phone and this is linked to the reader and accepting payments.

My question is whether this can also be done via laptop or is the function only available on a phone. Thank you

Re: Linking reader to laptop for processing payments

Minion — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:41:58 GMT

Hi @MFoddy

Take a look at Bob's post here. You can use the mag strip to plug into your laptop with Virtual Terminal.

Re: Linking reader to laptop for processing payments

Katie_SQ — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:30:08 GMT

Thanks for reaching out @MFoddy, and thank you @Minion for jumping in to help!

Our team has started to phase out the use of connected hardware with Virtual Terminal this year. This means that new Sellers won't be able to connect a Magstripe Reader or Square Terminal to their computers for Virtual Terminal payments, as this functionality is no longer available for newer accounts.

For processing payments, you'll need to continue using the Square app on your phone with your Reader. This provides the same secure payment processing capabilities, just through your mobile device rather than a laptop. Alternatively, you can accept payments via Virtual Terminal without a connected device by manually entering your customer's card details, or sending them a payment link. You may also want to check out Square Invoices and Square Payment links to see if either of these options better suit your needs.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help here. If you have any other questions about payment processing options, please let me know!

Re: Linking reader to laptop for processing payments

MKInvest1 — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:06:30 GMT

I did set up the account in Square POS app, coneted the purchased reader but when I go to transactions, I am unable to take any transaction. It states s "not activated". How to activate it?