Ability to defer software updates until another day

[douglsmith]

I would like to suggest that there be a way to defer a software update until another day or time because it can happen automatically in a way that affects serving customers. There have been multiple times where we've have customers waiting to check out but they can't because we're waiting for a software update to finish. (We're using Square Register hardware but had the same issue with the Square app on our iPads.)

I am aware that there is a setting on Square Register for what time the device reboots but this does not control when a software update can happen. An update can automatically start any time the device is powered up or rebooted and that setting only makes sure that it reboots regularly to give an opportunity for update.

This current method of updates sort of assumes that the devices is in a fixed location where it can be connected to power and the internet all the time. It doesn't work out so well when the device is used in a mobile scenario.

I'll give a real-life example of where we had a problem with the current way updates work and an option to defer that update would have fixed the problem:

We had a trade show event that was running Thursday through Saturday in another city that required a good bit of travel.

On the Saturday before, we plugged in our Square Register and made sure it was connected to the internet. The time for reboot in the settings was set to 3 AM. There was no update available on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday overnight.

On Wednesday morning we packed the Square Register into a cart and loaded it on our trailer. We drove all day Wednesday and part of Thursday. That afternoon we set up our convention booth and finished just in time as people began to arrive.

When we turned on the Square Register it saw that there was an update available. The update must have been released on the days we were driving. Now the register immediately started to update in the late afternoon and we had no control over it. We were on a slow internet connection so it took over an hour to finish. During that time we had customers who wanted to buy thing but we couldn't check them out because of the update.

[MayaP]

Hi @douglsmith 

Oh man so sorry about all this trouble. 

The register is set up so that it can update seamlessly throughout the night. But after getting more insight into your business operations, I certainly understand how the updates can be causing more of an issue. 

I will mark your feature request as "Reviewed" for now while we continue to track Seller interest.

To other Sellers that see this feature, please leave a like and reply with a use case that your business would have. This will help to signal that this feature request is even more important to address.

[douglsmith]

Thanks @MayaP 

I know I've seen other mentions of this in the community but not with use cases detailed out as much. I imagine this would be an issue for most mobile or temporary locations like food trucks, trade show booths,  farm markets sellers, and pop-up shops.

[MayaP]

I can certainly see how @douglsmith ! Lets keep an eye on this thread, and other sellers'input. 

We will update if we have more insight. 

Thanks again! 

[5StarEventPhoto]

This is a concern for me also. 

[MG10]

This is a concern for me also!

[douglsmith]

I thought it had been fixed but it's still a problem so I edited this reply to reflect that.

[MayaP]

I am so happy to hear this @douglsmith ! Glad I could assist.

Thanks again for reaching out on this, if you need anything else please let me know 😊

[Papas]

How to interrupt applying updates

[LinkSlingers]

I'm still running into this similar issue.

My device will be off in between events then when I open my concession stand to sell products, my Square Terminal will require an update which can take up to an hour depending on my wifi or cell reception in the area.

There needs to be an option to Delay or Defer the update until later like you can do on cell phones. Right now I only receive an "Install Update" notice with no way to use the Terminal until the update completes.

[douglsmith]

I had earlier reported that it was fixed but I've also had it happen again multiple times. Customers are ready to pay but the Terminal updates for 30+ minutes over cellular before I can do anything.