Is it possible to use two Android tablets (one facing the customer) and a Square Reader?

[DanJ_AU]

I have an Android tablet that I was going to 3D print a stand for (using a Square Reader - 2nd generation for payment handling), and I saw how the Square Register has a second customer-facing screen that displays the total and takes payment, and allows them to specify how they want to receive a receipt. I'm wondering if it's possible to re-create this with two Android tablets (or one Android tablet and one Android phone), one facing the sales person, and one facing the customer; with a Square Reader handling the payment? I found a link to an old post that suggested there was a beta app for it on iOS, but it now redirects to a post about using a Square Terminal as the second screen and payment device, and that's not what I want, not yet anyway.

[Laurie_ · Accepted solution]

Hi @DanJ_AU, welcome to the Square Community! 👋

Thanks for doing some research before posting! You’re correct—currently, we don’t support the ability to convert a second tablet into a customer-facing display screen. The closest options available are connecting a Square Terminal to your Point of Sale device or switching to a fully self-serve payment setup with Square Kiosk.

The 2nd Generation Square Stand for iPad features a swivel design that’s perfect for this exact use case. If you're planning to 3D print a custom stand for your Android device, I’d suggest incorporating a swivel element or mounting the stand to a moving arm. This would allow you to easily turn the tablet to the customer once the payment flow begins.

In the meantime, if you have any other questions as you get set up, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!

[EricLivesay]

Laurie is not completely correct. You can use 2 tablets, one customer facing and one that you use. I've done it before many times. You just have to use screen cast. Your tablet, that you use is the main tablet. The square reader is attached to that one. Then you take a second tablet and you screen cast/mirror to that from your main tablet. You may have to use third party apps if your tablet doesn't natively support it. I use 2 pixel tablets.

To cast from your Pixel tablet:

1. Swipe down: from the top of the sending tablet's screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Tap the "Screen Cast" icon. You may need to swipe down a second time to see all options, and you can add the tile using the pencil icon if it's not visible.
3. Wait for a moment: while the tablet scans for other devices on the same network.
4. Tap the name of the other Pixel tablet from the list that appears.
5. Tap "Start casting" to begin mirroring your screen. 

The only issue is that if a customer needs to sign, they can't use the customer facing tablet, they have to use yours. I've had customers try to sign on the duplicate tablet, you have to hand then yours to sign.