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.

[mystyide]

hello - do you have a usb-c magstripe reader now??  The new 2020 & 2021 ipads do not have earphone jacks and use the usb-c connector...which makes both of your magstripe readers useless.  WE REALLY NEED THIS NOW...thank you

[GladyBranch]

I have tried the adapter and it does not work 

[Stix110576]

None of the free readers are compatible with my galaxy note 20 ultra. Can't use it till I can afford to buy one, but can't make sales till I have one...

[Neally82]

I JUST got a new phone only to discover it no longer has a headphone jack! I use my card reader frequently for payments for my business, but don't do enough to support paying the extra $ for the upgraded readers.

Now, because Square doesn't have a Type C reader I will have to pay extra fees to do them manually. 

PLEASE fix this ASAP!

[Tamip62]

It doesn't work with my Samsung note 20 ultra either AND I bought the dangle and it STILL wouldn't plug in. AND I CAN'T FIND A WAY TO CONTACT ANYONE. I'm about done with Square

[DesertLuxe]

@Tamip62 I have a Note20 Ultra and use a USB-C adapter that works with the 3.5mm headphone jack reader. It's a little clunky but it works EVERY TIME, unlike the wireless card/ chip reader. 

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y87QXTQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Tamip62]

I don't know why I can't reply to the person who responded to my comment below. The square reader doesn't have a headphone jack. I thought it was the old USB android insert (I specifically ordered android) . My phone had the USB c port.

[DesertLuxe]

@Tamip62 There are only three types of Square readers - a 3.5mm (standaed headphone jack), Apple iPhone lighting connector, and the wireless chip card reader which connects via Bluetooth.

For USB-C devices (pretty much all Android devices within the last 3 or 4 years and some Apple tablets) you have to either use the Square Wireless Bluetooth reader OR the 3.5mm jack reader with the adapter that I posted the link to.

I have found the wireless one to be unreliable so I use the 3.5mm jack reader with the adapter that I posted the link to. It works EVERY SINGLE TIME and is less than $20 on Amazon. 

[bonnieartist]

Hi, I lost tow sales at last craft show because I could not use Square.  My new i phone does not have a hole to plug suare in.  What do I do now?

[HC_Charlie]

hello @bonnieartist and thanks for your question. Have you considered the Square chip and contactless reader? this will bluetooth sync to your iphone and allow you to take payments from the newest kind of credit cards.

https://squareup.com/shop/hardware/us/en/products/chip-credit-card-reader-with-nfc

I have used this in the past when I sold at art fairs and craft shows. It works really well to take credit cards from your customers.