thread Re: Magstripe Reader Doesn't Work in Archived Discussions (Read Only)

Magstripe Reader Doesn't Work

SummerRLA — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 00:39:47 GMT

I have yet to have success getting my magstripe reader to work. I am using a Digiland tablet. When I go to do a test transaction, I swipe the card and nothing happens. The "charge" button is gray, so it appears that my card reader is not being acknowledged. It is plugged in correctly, because the headphone icon shows up. I have gone through all the standard troubleshooting steps and nothing seems to work. Help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Re: Magstripe Reader Doesn't Work

VanKalkerFarms — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 14:05:07 GMT

Only certain devices are compataible with Square readers. https://squareup.com/compatibility I don't see yours on the list.

Re: Magstripe Reader Doesn't Work

evad250 — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 04:35:25 GMT

I am having the same problem. My card reader doesn't work. It acts like the reader is not accepting anything. I am using a Motorola Moto G which is on the list for compatibility. Could it be faulty?

Re: Magstripe Reader Doesn't Work

Tom — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 00:54:43 GMT

Hey @evad250, sorry to hear that you're encountering trouble as well. The Motorola Moto G should definitly be working with the magstripe reader. If these troubleshooting tips don't get you where you need to be, you may want to try a free replacement. Let us know if anything else comes up!

Re: Magstripe Reader Doesn't Work

evad250 — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 02:53:00 GMT

It still doesn't work. I even had a friend that is also a square customer try it in his phone that works with his card reader and it did not work on his phone either. It is like it is just not connecting to anything or just is faulty.

Re: Magstripe Reader Doesn't Work

Helen — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 18:23:51 GMT

Sorry for the frustration @evad250. As Tom recommended, you can order a new reader from the app or your online Dashboard.

If you need a replacement right away you can buy a reader at a participating retail stores. They cost $10 but we'll reimburse you, just follow the steps in the packaging.

The free square reader doesn't fit my device; how can I exchange for one that does?

ApricityFlowers — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:45:59 GMT

The free square reader doesn't fit my device; how can I exchange for one that does?

Re: The free square reader doesn't fit my device; how can I exchange for one that does?

ashc — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:08:30 GMT

Hi @ApricityFlowers and welcome to the Community.

I moved your post to an existing thread that goes over the free reader not fitting and lists our Compatibility page where you can see which readers are compatible with your phone.

Check out the link in the first response to see which would be compatible with your specific device and keep in mind we do not do exchanges for the free readers as they are free.

Re: The free square reader doesn't fit my device; how can I exchange for one that does?

ApricityFlowers — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 23:13:45 GMT

Thank you for your response, but I am perplexed as to why you don't exchange it when I have the wrong one? How can I use your service if you sent me the wrong device?