Feature Request: Square Reader for magstripe with a USB-C connector

[toyssamurai]

The title of this post has been edited from the original: USB Type C and Square App Accessories Support

It's time for Square to really look into this problem. As of now, the Android Square app does not support Bluetooth accessories. At the same time, it requires USB OTG. And that brings a problem -- the smartphone industry is migrating to USB Type C, and by doing that almost all smartphones/tablets that I know of drop USB OTG support. I've used the Nexus 6P, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 XL and the Pixel C. All of them use USB Type C. When I use the Square app on them, I cannot use any Square supported USB barcode scanners, and printers. And, NO, it did not work even when I bought one of those USB-C Hub that claims OTG support. I've tried a dozen of them. I think in a year or so, none of the mid to upper end Android devices will not be able to support any USB accessories through the Square app. In 2 years, I bet virtually none of them, even on the lower end, would allow us to plug even a barcode scanner to it.

I mean, people working for Square, think about this: in 2 years, NO new Android devices out there will be able to use barcode scanner with your Point of Sale app. Are you kidding me? A POS system that doesn't support barcode scanning? So, you are expecting me to type UPC in, one by one?

[#2]

Hey @bbrewer - I've moved your post to this thread so that we can continue to track requests for a Square Reader for magstripe with USB-C compatibility. There are a couple of ways that you could accept payments from cards without a chip:

• You can manually enter the card information into the Square Point of Sale app, or by processing the payment using your Virtual Terminal on the Dashboard.
• As @Kassi_ suggested, you could try purchasing a USB-C compatible dongle to connect a magstripe reader to your device.

[#3]

I'm sorry for the trouble @unioncarpgirl! If you received the wrong reader you can return your reader online.

Keep in mind the new magstripe reader with Lightning connector can only be used with iPhones. There isn't a reader with a USB-C connector. But as @VanKalkerFarms mentioned you could use the Contactless and Chip Card reader instead because that reader pairs to your device over Bluetooth LE. 

And finally, just to let you know, the readers are universal and can be used with any Square account.

[DesertLuxe]

I have a Note 20 Ultra and tried several different USB-C to 3.5mm adapters that either didn't work or were hard to use. This one works perfectly and is reasonably priced - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y87QXTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_KuKdGb50MYWBE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[raynaldo10]

It's 2020 I have the note 20 ultra and I still see there is no type c adapter yet for this why is this did you guys just give up or you guys just want people to buy the wireless that we really don't need 

[F856]

Square users need a USB C card reader too...

Making it shouldn't be any different than the 3.mm or apple lightning port one.

And using converters and carry 2 extra parts with a cable between them is not just so stable.

Switching to EMV is good... but still, we have a long way to go and as a backup, we need to be able to use the magnetic card reader on USB-C.

After tons of requests from Square users and the market needs, why square-up still is not offering it?

[Michael510]

What is the name of the adapter I can purchase to make the Square Reader work with my Google Pixel 3 phone? Not looking for the upsell to the mag card read, just a $2 adapter to bridge the item that use to work in my older phone jack.  I tried USB-C adapter, not correct so far. 😞

[ashc]

Hey @Michael510 and welcome to the Community.

I moved your post to a thread where this question has been answered already.

Check out the Best Answer above for details. 

The Google Pixel 3 in particular isn't compatible with any of the magstripe readers with or without an adapter. The Contactless +.Chip reader is the only reader compatible with that one.

In the future, don't hesitate to search your question first here or on the Support Center for your quickest answer too!

[SilentJane]

May 5th, 2021.
Still waiting...

[blisskenad]

I have the chip reader and the magstrip reader due to several of my clients having HSA and FSA cards that do not have chips on them.. so I need both.. I would love to know when square will be rolling out a usb-c magstrip reader as all the new android phones no longer have a 3.5 mm jack anymore. so telling me to get the bluetooth chip reader is a mote point for me.

Thank you for any updates to this question..

[Towens13]

I agree with needing a reader for that is for usb-c.  I have a new iPad but can’t use it without a connector. Chip and touch less are out of the question by where I use it there in no internet service and I have to use mag strip. I see that this has been an issue for numerous years. When is this going to be fixed.  I am not going to pay more in fees be I have to type in a credit card number because your company can’t keep up to date with technology. 

[Towens13]

I also have the same iPad. I cannot do as you said by where I use my square I don’t have internet so I have to use mag strip. I will be attempting to buy a connector to use but this is ridiculous that people have been complaining about this for over two years and we still don’t have this adapter.  

[rhoagland]

More and more manufacturers are excluding headphone jacks. Please catch up with the times and offer a USB enabled reader, it's ridiculous to suggest purchasing a third party accessory to use the headphone jack when you've supported Lightning connection for so long.