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.

[ashc]

Hi @tmfaulksr!

I moved your post to an existing thread in the Community where we're tracking request for USB-C style hardware.

At the time we don't offer anything for it but there's some tips listed above for accepting payments with it for now. 

[Allemand]

I've had the same problem with off brand adapters. Just bought Google C to 3.5mm adapter worked perfectly. 

[Big_C]

Hey I am in the same boat. I can not longer use any of my magstripe readers. I have to manually enter cc numbers. what a pain.

[ashc]

Hey @Big_C and welcome to the Community.

We're sorry you're no longer able to use the original magstripe reader.

Our Product team is tracking requests for a USB-C reader with this thread but you can also buy the Contactless + Chip reader that connects wirelessly so you don't have to manually enter payments. 

Chip card readers are the safest way to process chipped cards too and the only way to avoid EMV loss from potential disputes. 

You can check to see if your device is compatible with it here.

[Jsa322]

What’s the latest information on this? There’s still quite a few people shopping with cards that do not have a chip. I have employees upgrading phones and everyone has usb c now. I’ve spent quite a bit on adapters for the iPhone crowd now what adapted will work for the usb c phones so we can swipe cards when needed? 

[AshleyK]

Hi, @Jsa322 thank you for posting and asking. At this time we do not have any new updates to share, but if you would like a reader that accepts swiped cards and works with a USB-C adapter, you will need to purchase an adapter from a local retailer such as Best Buy, Staples, Walmart, or even Amazon. 

This is a popular feature request, and we are still tracking every bit of feedback that comes in, but do know that for the time being, if you do not want to purchase a new adapter (I also have about 12 for my iPhone when they removed the headphone jack), you can also manually enter the card in. Keep in mind that this will have a higher fee, but will also save you from carrying around an adapter for these one off scenarios. 

I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂

[Allemand]

The Google C type adapter works perfectly for the square 3.5mm Jack swipe/reader. I purchased cheap adapters before the google adapter and they gave me issues. The Google adapter worked perfectly the first time and every time after.

[JGDCS]

My Samsung Note 10 doesn't seem to be working with a dongle and magnetic strip. Any suggestions? The support team seems to think it's ok to ignore my questions or responses to theirs and just send me another reader (now I have 3 units that don't work). I'm hoping to get some help before I leave the system. Can't have a business without taking payments....... and it's been 3 months.  So frustrated 

[Kassi_]

Hey there, @JGDCS - 

I moved your post over to a board where sellers have similar questions. So sorry you're having issues with the adapter and our magstripe reader. 

Right now, this is a very popular Feature Requests with our sellers - especially with Apple moving to a USB-C port too. Have you tried a different adapter? Some sellers have had success with this adapter in particular. Since we don't produce an adapter currently - this is one option you can use. Another would be to use the Contactless + Chip Reader and manually enter a non-chip cards. 

A Product update launch email will be sent whenever this active. Thank you for your patience! 

[JGDCS]

This is the adapter I purchased by recommendation of the rep. Now I have 2 adapters, 3 slides and now I need to purchase a wireless since your company isn't keeping up with technology. How is this good business practices?