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.

[StudioG]

This reply was created from merging an existing thread: Square Reader with 3.5mm Jack connection through converter to USB C for iPad Pro

Hello 

I have a new iPad Pro with a USB C connection. I also have the Square reader with a 3.5mm jack. With the USB C to 3.5mm converter work to connect these two items?

[VanKalkerFarms]

yes, that should work, though I would recommend using the contactless read connected via Bluetooth to take the payment via tap or dip so you aren't liable for the transaction for taking it via swipe which is not the approved secure way to make payments anymore after the liability shift.

[dennmaug]

The title of this thread has been edited from the original: square reader for iPad Pro 11 inch

We purchased the lightning  Sqaure Reader for our new iPad Pro 11 inch model and they will not fit securing in the port. What reader should we use since there is only two models for magstripe/chip? Thank you.

[VanKalkerFarms]

That is a USB C connector on the iPad Pro 11inch.  I'm not sure that there is a female lightning to male USB C adapter.  you can use the contactless for everything (Tap, dip) just not for swiping.

[Mikeldotson]

I have tried 3 different USB C to 3.5mm adapters. Two didn't work at all and one worked intermittently for a few days. I only do a couple of transactions a week so I didn't want to fork out the money for the chip / bluetooth reader.

[puka]

Hey @Mikeldotson - Thanks for sharing your experience with USB C adapters here. If you're on the fence about the Contactless + Chip Reader, it might help to know that we recommend it over the Magstripe since it is EMV compliant. This means that you can properly accept EMV chip cards rather than swiping them. This adds another layer of fraud protection for your customers as well as protects you from being liable for certain types of fraud.

[LOFTYLIFE]

I just got a new Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixelbook, but now I'm am questioning usability of Square and readers with my devices? Does anyone have good intel for me? Thanks!

[kellyj]

@LOFTYLIFE

I've moved your question to a thread where this has been discussed for the Google Pixel 3. 

You should be able to use the Square readers with the USB headphone adapter that came with your phone to connect the reader.

[BalloonGlenn]

@EJ_ I also cannot use the mag reader on a USB type C adapter.  New Samsung Note 10 + sees the reader when I plug it into the adapter but only says "card not charged" when trying a real transaction.  I've had to have clients enter their card number and other card security data like an internet purchase.    Is there a portable reader to work with the Note 10+? Something not plugged in that can carry in a pocket.

[kellyj]

@BalloonGlenn

Have you looked into the Contactless and Chip reader to pair via Bluetooth with your Note 10? As Puka mentioned, it might help to know that we recommend it over the Magstripe since it is EMV compliant. This means that you can properly accept EMV chip cards rather than swiping them.

You'll just need to make sure you have a stable internet connection to support the reader paired with your device.