Set up hardware with Square for Retail
About hardware setup
This guide provides basic instructions to set up Square hardware, such as Square Reader, Square Terminal, Square Stand and Square Register, as well as additional devices such as printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners and barcode printers.
Before you begin
Make sure you have all necessary pieces of hardware needed, including strong internet access, connection cables and chargers (if needed). Visit Square Shop or your local retailer to purchase.
Compatible hardware devices
Square Retail POS app is compatible with the following hardware devices.
The Square Retail POS app is supported on iPads and iPhones running the latest version of iOS.
All generations and versions of Square Reader for contactless and chip are compatible with the Square for Retail app. Square Readers will connect to your iPad or iPhone via Bluetooth connection. Learn about the different versions of the Square Readers and their features.
Square Stand (1st generation) and Square Stand (2nd generation) are all compatible with Square for Retail. The Square Stand runs off of your iPad, which must have the latest version of iOS.
All versions of the Square Terminal are compatible with Square for Retail. Make sure your Square Terminal is updated to the latest version by going to the Sign In screen, tap Change Settings > General > About Terminal. If there is an update ready to install, tap Install Now.
All versions of the Square Register are compatible with Square for Retail. Currently, receipt printers, keyboards, cash drawers, and USB barcode scanners are supported. Bluetooth-connected hardware accessories, including Bluetooth-connected barcode scanners, are not supported with Square Register at this time.
Set up guides for Square hardware
Select your Square hardware’s guide below and follow the instructions.
Compatible accessories
For a full list of compatible hardware, view our Hardware Compatibility by Device. You can also view the specific hardware accessories below.
Connect your accessories
With the exception of the Square Reader which connects through the Retail POS app settings, all other Bluetooth devices will need to be connected through your iPad or iPhone settings. View a list of supported hardware for iPhones and learn more about connecting hardware to iPads.
Note: Bluetooth compatibility varies by device. If you’re using Square Register, keep in mind that only bluetooth printers are compatible at this time. Other bluetooth-connected hardware accessories, including Bluetooth-connected barcode scanners, are not compatible with Square Register at this time. If you are using Square Terminal, bluetooth accessories are not supported.
To set up USB accessories for the Square Retail POS app:
- Sign in to the Square Retail POS app.
- If you’re logged into Square Point of Sale, tap ≡ Menu on your Square Point of Sale app or tap the down arrow on Square Register to sign out.
- Tap Settings > Hardware.
Note: If you’re using Square Stand or Square Register to connect your compatible USB receipt printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners, insert the USB plug directly into the USB accessory hub — your hardware will automatically connect. Make sure you’re signed into the Retail POS app with a device code. Learn how to create a device code with Square for Retail.
To connect an Ethernet accessory to your device:
- Check your device permissions that Square can access your local network. Toggle ON for Local Network in your device Settings > Square > Local Network to enable access, then relaunch the Retail POS app.
- Check that your device and Ethernet accessory are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Connect one end of the Ethernet cable into your hardware accessory, and plug the other end of the cable into the wireless router’s Ethernet port.
- From the Retail POS app, tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware. Your Ethernet accessory will be listed.