Solved: Offline mode not accepting credit cards

NeuroBrews · ‎07-03-2025

Im having significant issues with offline mode. Everything is configured correctly, confirmed with 3 different chat agents, but when I try to complete a transaction the only option available is cash. I could not even manually enter credit card info, everything was greyed out.

There was one time that offline mode worked and it was a yellow banner at the top saying "offline payments enabled "Reconnect in xx hours". However now the top banner is red and only says "offline" and none of the payment options are enabled except cash. As I mentioned, I verified all settings- even through the square dashboard. Why can't I accept credit cards in offline mode? I'm using an iPad and stand purchased 3 months ago from square directly. Please help!

Summer2024 · ‎07-04-2025

Hi, @NeuroBrews !

Here are a few things to double-check and try, just to rule out the common blockers:

Check the Reader Connection: For Offline Mode to accept card payments, your reader must stay connected before you lose internet. If your reader disconnects while offline, you won’t be able to take cards, only cash. So make sure your Contactless + Chip Reader or Stand reader is charged, turned on, and shows as connected before your internet drops.
Confirm You’re Using a Supported Payment Type: Manually keyed-in card payments (like typing the card number) don’t work in Offline Mode. You can only swipe, tap, or insert a card through the reader. If your reader isn’t connected, Square disables those options so you don’t risk storing card data insecurely.
Recheck App Version: Make sure your Point of Sale app is fully up to date. Sometimes Offline Mode bugs are resolved in newer app updates.
Battery & Connection: If you’re using a Stand with an integrated reader, make sure the Stand is plugged into power. Sometimes if the iPad or Stand runs low on power, the reader can disconnect without warning.

Let me know if any of these troubleshooting steps work. If you are still seeing issues, please tag me using the "@" and then my username so I will see the message sooner!

View Solution >

Summer2024 · ‎07-04-2025

Hi, @NeuroBrews !

Here are a few things to double-check and try, just to rule out the common blockers:

Check the Reader Connection: For Offline Mode to accept card payments, your reader must stay connected before you lose internet. If your reader disconnects while offline, you won’t be able to take cards, only cash. So make sure your Contactless + Chip Reader or Stand reader is charged, turned on, and shows as connected before your internet drops.
Confirm You’re Using a Supported Payment Type: Manually keyed-in card payments (like typing the card number) don’t work in Offline Mode. You can only swipe, tap, or insert a card through the reader. If your reader isn’t connected, Square disables those options so you don’t risk storing card data insecurely.
Recheck App Version: Make sure your Point of Sale app is fully up to date. Sometimes Offline Mode bugs are resolved in newer app updates.
Battery & Connection: If you’re using a Stand with an integrated reader, make sure the Stand is plugged into power. Sometimes if the iPad or Stand runs low on power, the reader can disconnect without warning.

Let me know if any of these troubleshooting steps work. If you are still seeing issues, please tag me using the "@" and then my username so I will see the message sooner!