Square Register: what happens when power goes out?

[sharad]

Square Register has no battery. So what happens when power goes out? We will not be able to accept payments from customers who already have got service done. This is a major limitation and not discussed anywhere. How does everyone get around this limitation?

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Hello Sharad,

Hope all is well - power outages are always a concern - best option - consider purchasing an uninterruptible power supply or battery backup - been in the computer world for quite some time and this is what we depended on.  Not only to maintain power but, you're also protecting your electronics from power spikes.  Check out APC and Tripp Lite - both companies make very reliable units.   Note, if you loose total power, most likely you will loose your internet access - the work around for that is turning your smart phone into a hotspot so you can reconnect to the internet.   Another option for power is a portable power bank - we've used units like this for outdoor shows and events when normal power was not available.

jk

[sharad]

Hello jk,

Thanks for the reply. 

Pure sinewave UPS costs upwards of $200. The cheaper $70-80 units do not generate pure sinewave output and can potentially damage the register's power supply. 

I would like to see a recommendation from Square about UPS models, so they don't end up blaming the UPS for any damage.

Even with total power loss and internet loss, if the register is up, it is possible to accept payments by selecting the offline mode in Square app settings. The app saves all the payments locally and uploads when internet is available.

To protect against spikes, I already power the register, PC and phone through a surge protected power strip so that is not an issue.

Sharad

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Sorry I wasted your time - seems you have done your homework and have your solution.

All the best !!

[sharad]

You confirmed that the register needs a separate UPS, so that is not a waste of time. Square has zero customer service and at this stage, my only option is to consider returning the register as I just got it a day ago.

I still think that Square should make this disclosure upfront that the register will need an expensive UPS to properly function in case of power failure. The register costs $799. If I have to spend another $200 for UPS, then I am better off buying a new iPad. The older iPad does not get the latest iOS updates so Square sent a notification that it will not get future updates to Square app.

The Square latest iPad stand with latest iPad is $478, so that is a better option. Unless someone from Square responds with UPS recommendation which falls in my budget, this would be my plan of action.

Thank you so much...!!!