Unable to Register Square Readers on Two iPhones – How to Resolve?

[BrainSTRONG]

I have 2 iPhones and 2 readers.  One iPhone works fine, I can log in on the app and one reader is recognized.  The other iPhone asks me to confirm by SMS when I try to log in (same account) but when I enter the code it does nothing, and there's no submit button. 

Is there a trick to setting up 2 iPhones, if you're using the same Square account?   If not, why is mine funky?
I've got an event on Friday, and I'd TOTALLY appreciate some help!!

The title of this thread has been edited from the original by a Community Moderator to help with searching threads. 

[Candlestore]

@BrainSTRONG ;

All I did for my 3 ipads to work was Down Load the Square app on each device, Install it, then Open it and sign in.  When Signing in you need your User Id and Password Or a Device code if you set this up.  Now Square just updated the App, and I am not sure if something changed but this is all I had to do to intially log in on my App.   After doing this the 1st time is when I went to my Square Dashboard on a computer to assign each Ipad a Device Code.  Or in your case each cell also gets a Device code.  The Device Code is also Different for each app you use on a Device, meaning if I use Square Pos and Square Retail apps on an Ipad, I get 2 device Codes.

The only thing I can think of that after you enter the code and nothing happens is, Square may be getting an Update before logging in or you may have lost Cell signal or Wifi if you are connected that way.  Try Uninstalling app and repeat your steps for installing and adding the Square Reader.  The other issue is make sure you are using the most up to date IOS and Square App.    Now I just had this issue with my Bank, Got a Code sent to my cell, entered the code, and then my cell froze..... I had to update the banking App... then everything worked. 

I have 3 Ipads and 6-8 Bluetooth readers, I am not sure if the Apps are identical between Ipad and Iphones but I think they are very similar.  

On both Phones download the Square App you would like to use.  Square POS, Square for Retail or Square for Resturaunts.

Then with a Iphone from the Square app of your choice, Goto More, Settings, Hardware, then Under General ...Square Readers..Tap Connect Reader.   This will connect a Reader to your cell as long as You have Bluetooth enabled on your cell and the Reader is also in airing Mode Lights flashing amber I belie ve.  The Square app will say Reader XXXX is now connected.   I write this 4 digit code on the back of the readers.   Because you need to know which reader and Phone gotogether.   Follow the above for your other cell and the other Reader. 

Here is a Square Support Article for Troubleshooting the reader:

5673-square-contactless-and-chip-card-reader-troubleshooting 

After Square does Connect a Reader you would have to forget the Connected Reader in your IOS software under Bluetooth Settings and not just in the Square App.

[RobynR · Accepted solution]

Hey @BrainSTRONG, welcome to the Community.

@Candlestore Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback; I truly appreciate it.

Using two iPhones with the same Square account is possible, so let’s troubleshoot what might be causing the issue. Some of the information may be repeated from @Candlestore's response above, but I've also linked out some additional articles.

1. Check Device Compatibility

• Not all devices are compatible with Square Readers. To confirm, check Square’s compatibility list to ensure the second iPhone meets the requirements.

2. Ensure Your Software Is Up to Date

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update and ensure iOS is up to date.
• Check that the Square app is updated by visiting the App Store > Square App > Update (if available).

4. Verify Network Connection

• Try switching between WiFi and cellular data to see if the login issue persists.
• Restart the router or use a different network if possible.

5. Reader Connection Troubleshooting

• Ensure Bluetooth is turned on for the second iPhone.
• If the reader is still connected to the first iPhone, unpair it by forgetting the device in Bluetooth settings.
• Reset the reader by holding the power button for 20+ seconds until you see red flashing lights.

6. Reinstall the Square App

• If the issue persists, try deleting and reinstalling the Square app on the second iPhone.

Let us know what happens at each step so we can assist further before your event on Friday!

[BrainSTRONG]

I'm going to try it this evening, with strong confidence that it'll work!   Thank you, everybody!!