Feature Request: Square Reader for magstripe with a USB-C connector

[toyssamurai]

The title of this post has been edited from the original: USB Type C and Square App Accessories Support

It's time for Square to really look into this problem. As of now, the Android Square app does not support Bluetooth accessories. At the same time, it requires USB OTG. And that brings a problem -- the smartphone industry is migrating to USB Type C, and by doing that almost all smartphones/tablets that I know of drop USB OTG support. I've used the Nexus 6P, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 XL and the Pixel C. All of them use USB Type C. When I use the Square app on them, I cannot use any Square supported USB barcode scanners, and printers. And, NO, it did not work even when I bought one of those USB-C Hub that claims OTG support. I've tried a dozen of them. I think in a year or so, none of the mid to upper end Android devices will not be able to support any USB accessories through the Square app. In 2 years, I bet virtually none of them, even on the lower end, would allow us to plug even a barcode scanner to it.

I mean, people working for Square, think about this: in 2 years, NO new Android devices out there will be able to use barcode scanner with your Point of Sale app. Are you kidding me? A POS system that doesn't support barcode scanning? So, you are expecting me to type UPC in, one by one?

[#2]

Hey @bbrewer - I've moved your post to this thread so that we can continue to track requests for a Square Reader for magstripe with USB-C compatibility. There are a couple of ways that you could accept payments from cards without a chip:

• You can manually enter the card information into the Square Point of Sale app, or by processing the payment using your Virtual Terminal on the Dashboard.
• As @Kassi_ suggested, you could try purchasing a USB-C compatible dongle to connect a magstripe reader to your device.

[#3]

I'm sorry for the trouble @unioncarpgirl! If you received the wrong reader you can return your reader online.

Keep in mind the new magstripe reader with Lightning connector can only be used with iPhones. There isn't a reader with a USB-C connector. But as @VanKalkerFarms mentioned you could use the Contactless and Chip Card reader instead because that reader pairs to your device over Bluetooth LE. 

And finally, just to let you know, the readers are universal and can be used with any Square account.

[ZakkTrapp]

I use Square for a firework stand once a year for a month, I dont have internet there, also people do come through with cards that dont have the chip on them yet. It would be a shame to lose business to the competition because the person doesnt have a chip card. I'm hoping they come out with a type C square reader also. The convenience of the small plug in reader is also fantastic. Hopefully they're already in the works 

[MATRIC]

[This reply was created from merging an existing thread: New phone has no headphone jack but has a the type C USB. I bought a compatible adapter magstrip pro ]

Square Magstrip will not work with new compatible  adapter which convert  the new phone type C USB to 3.5 headphone Jack in accepting the old magstrip reader for credit cards without the chip.

Any suggestions???

[isabelle]

Hey @MATRIC ! Thanks for your post. 

It depends on what kind of phone/device your're using. If you're using an Apple iPhone, we have a magstripe reader that can be inserted into the charging port of the phone (rather than headphone-jack). It's available for purchase here. 

If you'd like to see what other readers are compatible with your device, take a look at the device compatibility page here.

Feel free to reply with any follow up questions. 

[YCN]

How to use chip reader in Samsung Note 10 , no 4mm audio jack port  

[kellyj]

@YCN

We've moved your post to a relevant thread which is also being monitored as a Feature Request for a USB-C support for Android Products Feature Requests.

[Essentialbliss8]

My phone only came with the usb to charger port not the headphone port. 

[JustinC]

@Essentialbliss8

Hmm... for this, I'd reach out to your phone carrier to see if they're able to send you the right adapter, as we don't offer a reader with a USB - C stem at this time. 

I don't have any insight on if a magstripe reader of this sort is in the works, but I'll be sure to surface this to our Product Team, as they're constantly working to create readers that's compatible with all devices. 

[Ddabney17]

I have the samsung Note 10+ , I need a reader or a dongle for usb-c.

[Kassi_]

Hi there @Ddabney17! 

I moved your post to a board with our Feature Request and changed the title to make it easier for our Product Team to find. 

Right now, this has been a huge ask for our sellers upgrading their devices. I don't have a timeline for this request, but it is on the radar of our Product Team. For now, you can purchase a dongle through any electronic store. 

[bbrewer]

This reply was created from merging an existing thread: How to swipe card without a plug in reader?

Bought a new Samsung that does not have a receptacle for the magstripe reader. Also bought the wireless reader, but what do I do if I get a card with no chip?