Anyone else having issues with LS2208 scanner disconnecting after 6.72w update?

[Livingwell73]

Hi everyone,

Since updating to Square Retail POS version 6.72w, my wired barcode scanner (Symbol Zebra LS2208) has been consistently disconnecting whenever:

• The iPad goes to sleep, or
• The app is backgrounded (switched away from).

When this happens, the barcode scanner disappears from the connected hardware list — but the Square Stand and printer remain connected. The only way to get the scanner back is to unplug and replug it, which is very disruptive when my staff tries to check out a customer.

Here’s what I’ve tried:

• Made sure iOS was updated
• Uninstalled/reinstalled the Square Retail app
• Rebooted the iPad
• Verified the LS2208 scanner works with other software
• Made sure Background App Refresh is turned off for the Square Retail app
• Verified issue occurs across users/devices
• Worked with Square support and followed all their suggestions

Still, nothing fixes it. This issue started only after the 6.72w update, and everything was working fine before.

Is anyone else having this issue? Has Square confirmed it’s a known bug?

Would love any updates or workarounds that are helping.

Thanks,

—Nora

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @Livingwell73 !

This barcode scanner disconnection issue after Retail POS 6.72w appears to be a widespread bug affecting wired scanner setups, especially with the Symbol Zebra LS2208. I have seen a few sellers report this behavior. 

• Scanner disappears from Square hardware list after iPad sleeps or app is backgrounded.
• Reconnection only works by unplugging and replugging the scanner.
• Other connected hardware (like printers or Square Stand) stay functional.
• Issue began after updating to Square Retail POS v6.72w.

What engineers know so far: 

• This seems to be a USB power management or app-level disconnect issue introduced in 6.72w.
• It’s not tied to iOS itself or specific scanner firmware, it’s Square app-specific.
• Square Support is aware, but no official bug fix or rollback has been issued yet.

Possible Workarounds, until a fix is released: 

1. Prevent Sleep Mode Temporarily:

   • Set iPad Auto-Lock to "Never" (Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock).

   • Keep screen on during peak hours to avoid disconnection triggers.

2. Avoid Backgrounding the App:

   • Advise staff not to switch apps or swipe up Square during checkout sessions.

3. Connect via Powered USB Hub:

   • Some Sellers have reported slightly better stability using a powered USB hub between the scanner and the Square Stand. This helps ensure constant power to the scanner.

Hopefully a fix is rolled out soon!

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @Livingwell73 !

This barcode scanner disconnection issue after Retail POS 6.72w appears to be a widespread bug affecting wired scanner setups, especially with the Symbol Zebra LS2208. I have seen a few sellers report this behavior. 

• Scanner disappears from Square hardware list after iPad sleeps or app is backgrounded.
• Reconnection only works by unplugging and replugging the scanner.
• Other connected hardware (like printers or Square Stand) stay functional.
• Issue began after updating to Square Retail POS v6.72w.

What engineers know so far: 

• This seems to be a USB power management or app-level disconnect issue introduced in 6.72w.
• It’s not tied to iOS itself or specific scanner firmware, it’s Square app-specific.
• Square Support is aware, but no official bug fix or rollback has been issued yet.

Possible Workarounds, until a fix is released: 

1. Prevent Sleep Mode Temporarily:

   • Set iPad Auto-Lock to "Never" (Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock).

   • Keep screen on during peak hours to avoid disconnection triggers.

2. Avoid Backgrounding the App:

   • Advise staff not to switch apps or swipe up Square during checkout sessions.

3. Connect via Powered USB Hub:

   • Some Sellers have reported slightly better stability using a powered USB hub between the scanner and the Square Stand. This helps ensure constant power to the scanner.

Hopefully a fix is rolled out soon!

[StuartC]

I am having a similar issue with my bluetooth Socket Mobile. Running a square stand and scan gun drops out if I open or view a different app on my ipad. Square (6.72w), ipad are all up to date. Does Square even test updates? I have to turn bluetooth off and then back on to get it to work again. I am using an ipad Air 2  IOS 18.5 in 2nd gen Square stand. Called support was told to reset scanner to factory defaults, which I did with same problem, then was told by a different support person to sue the black Square app. I am hesitant to do so because the switching will mean I have to reconnect everything scanner, receipt printer etc. 

Frustrated,

Stuart Cook

[MMSS]

Yes, same here. Another Super Annoying bug from Square….. hopefully they’ll address this quickly, I have a staff of unhappy folks right now!

[SLYNX]

I have the same issue, just as you described, only with a wireless Socket scanner.  My entire day is spent using the scanner to sell my items and I am much happier when the scanner is actually working.  I am able to re-establish the connection but it disconnects after a few minutes.

[Livingwell73]

Hi all, I wanted to share an update I received from a Square engineer regarding the barcode scanner issue some of us have been experiencing. They've identified a potential cause and are actively working on a fix. In the meantime, their suggested workaround is to unplug and replug the scanner into the hub, which might help in some cases but I find it unacceptable in my work flow (and my staff was frustrated).

That said, a temporary solution I’ve set the Square app to stay awake on the iPad, which has helped prevent the scanner from disconnecting. It seems to be working as long as you don't switch to another app on the iPad. Hopefully this helps someone else facing the same issue. Fingers crossed for a permanent fix soon, and I’ll share more updates as I receive them!!

Best,
Nora

[Livingwell73 · Accepted solution]

Update - I received an email from Engineering team and they released a new update that fixed the problem. So far my staff says it’s been working and no issues with the barcode scanner.

[Summer2024]

So glad to hear this, @Livingwell73 , and thank you for sharing your workarounds and temporary solutions. I love seeing sellers help other sellers here. I appreciate your patience as this was going on. 

[SBost]

I am still having this issue. 

[SBost]

I am having the exact same issue with my Socket Mobile Bluetooth scanner. I do not understand why this issue has not been fixed. 

[tranguyen]

Hey @SBost, sorry to hear you've been experiencing this issue! When you have a chance, please check and see if you can download the latest version of the Square app (6.73) on your device. Our engineering team has made some changes in this latest version, which should hopefully resolve the connection issue you are experiencing. 

If you have updated but are still having the same issue with the scanner, please do let me know in this thread!