Identify your Square Reader
There are two generations of Square Reader: Square Reader (2nd generation) and Square Reader (1st generation). The two versions have physical differences that can help you determine which generation the Square Reader belongs to. Please note Square Reader (1st generation) is no longer available for sale.
Square Reader (1st generation)
Square Reader (2nd generation)
Identify your Square Reader’s generation
Square Reader (1st generation) and Square Reader (2nd generation) have physical differences that can help you determine which generation the Reader belongs to.
| Feature |
Square Reader (1st generation) |
Square Reader (2nd generation) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Charging port | micro-USB | USB-C | ||
| Power button | Located on the left side of charging port |
Located on the right side of charging port | ||
| NFC logo | NFC logo facing away from the reader’s dip slot (card entry point) | NFC logo facing the reader’s dip slot (card entry point) | ||
|
Serial Number Format: xxxxMMMMxxxxxxxx (5th – 8th characters) |
MMMM = S070, S092, S084, S095, S098, S103, S127, S109, S130, S146, S148, S192, S193 |
MMMM = S171, S172 |
||
Identify Square Reader versions
To identify the exact version of your Square Reader within a generation, you will need to locate the serial number on the back of the Square Reader.
All Square Readers have a 16-digit serial number. Each Square Reader lists their version number in the 5th to 8th digits of the serial number like this XXXXMMMMXXXXXXXX. Once you locate the serial number, refer to the MMMM sequence in the serial number.
| Product Name | Generation | Version | MMMM Sequence* | Charging Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Reader (2nd generation) | 2nd generation | Version 1 (v1) | S171, S172 | USB-C charging port |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v3) |
1st generation |
Version 3 (v3) | S109, S130, S146, S148, S192, S193 |
Micro USB charging port |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v2) | Version 2 (v2) | S084, S095, S098, S103, S127 | ||
| Square Reader (1st generation, v1) | Version 1 (v1) | S070, S092 |
*(characters 5-8) to identify Square Reader model
If you are still having trouble identifying your Square Reader, please contact Square Support and we can help get you back to business.
Features by version of Square Reader
Square Readers have different features depending on the generation and version of the reader. See the chart and explanation below for more information.
| Product Name | Version | Offline Payments | Stay Connected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Reader (2nd generation) | Version 1 (v1) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v3) | Version 3 (v3) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v2) | Version 2 (v2) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v1) | Version 1 (v1) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Offline payments
With offline payments, you can accept chip and PIN and mobile payments on your Square Reader when your Internet service is temporarily unavailable. Offline payments are processed automatically when you reconnect your device to the Internet. You’ll have up to one hour from when your device goes offline to accept offline payments and up to 24 hours from when your device goes offline to upload offline payments. If you do not reconnect within24 hours of the start of your offline session, any offline payments taken will not be processed.
Note: Afterpay transactions, physical and eGift cards and eftpos/swipe-only cards will not work with offline payments.
Learn more about offline payments specifics for offline session duration, Square hardware, connected hardware and accepted payment types. Please refer to the Offline Payments section of the Payment Terms for terms and conditions that apply to this feature.
Stay connected
Stay Connected is a feature built into Square Reader (2nd generation) to maintain connectivity, improve reliability, help save battery and eliminate the need to press the power button to re-pair the reader after a period of inactivity.
Square Reader (2nd generation) will go into a low-power state if it hasn’t taken a payment for a while and will remain connected to your device for 30 days. Any interaction with the reader through the previously paired Point of Sale will wake it up as long as the reader is within 3 metres of the device. The reader will power off completely after 30 days of inactivity. After this point, you will need to press the button on the reader to reconnect.
Note:Stay connected only works if the Square Reader(s) have been paired to the device already. If the reader has never been paired to the device, you’ll need to go through the initial pairing process.
Compatible accessories
Left: Square Reader (1st generation) with Dock for Square Reader (no longer for sale)
Right: Square Reader (2nd generation) with Bosstab Dock (sold separately).
| Product name | Compatible dock |
|---|---|
| Square Reader (2nd generation, v1) | Grey Bosstab Dock (only) |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v3) |
White Square Dock (no longer sold) or Grey Bosstab Dock |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v2) | |
| Square Reader (1st generation, v1) |
Other accessories
Square Reader (1st generation and 2nd generation) is compatible with a wide range of third-party hardware accessories that transform your reader into a complete mobile or countertop POS. Compatible hardware accessories, including phone and tablet cases, receipt printers, scales, barcode scanners and more, can be purchased in Square Shop.
View a complete list of compatible accessories for Square hardware.