SMART PHONE SETUP WITH SQUARE READER

[Rotary-Preston]

My rotary club has purchased a square reader and is looking to purchase a smart phone. The phone will not be used for anything else. What is the minimum setup that the phone needs to operate with the reader? For example, does it need a network connection or does it need a wifi connection?

[Laurie_]

Hi there, @Rotary-Preston, thanks for reaching out to us with your question!

Firstly, before purchasing a mobile device to use with Square, we recommend referring to our online compatibility tool to confirm which devices are currently compatible with Square. Once you've confirmed which device you're able to purchase, you will need to ensure you can connect that device to the internet in order to successfully process card payments with Square.

You have the option to connect to an available Wi-Fi network, or you can use the mobile data on your device, so long as the internet connection is stable. 

Let us know if you have any further questions here.

[Rotary-Preston]

Thanks for your reply Laurie,

Does "use mobile data" mean that the Rotary Club will have to sign up with a network provider?

If so, is a phone without a network provider still able to connect to an available Wi-Fi network? For example, at our regular club meeting venue?

Peter

[Laurie_ · Accepted solution]

Yes, mobile data refers to the data available to use on your device via your mobile network provider and would require you to sign up for a plan and insert a SIM card, @Rotary-Preston.

You can still connect to Wi-Fi networks without inserting a SIM card into your mobile device, however, the risk you run here is that if you are unable to connect your device to an available Wi-Fi network (this can be via mobile hotspot as well), you will have no backup.

Something to keep in mind!