Reader-specific troubleshooting for the Square Tap Reader paired with the Showpass app. For Square Terminal troubleshooting, see Square Terminal: Troubleshooting.
Square Reader keeps disconnecting
If your Reader disconnects during a sale or in between transactions:
- Check the Reader's battery. Press the button once. You should see 1 to 4 green lights flash depending on battery level. If no lights flash, the Reader needs charging.
- Connect the Reader to a power source for at least 10 minutes, then try again.
- Turn Bluetooth off and back on in your iPad's Settings.
- Close and reopen the Showpass app, then re-pair the Reader via Settings > Square integration > Square Reader > Pair a Reader.
- If the Reader still won't connect, try resetting it (see Reset Square Reader below).
Reset Square Reader
If the Reader is unresponsive or stuck in a connection loop, reset it:
- Press and hold the small button on the Reader for at least 10 seconds, then release.
- You should see all four lights flash, indicating the Reader has reset.
- Re-pair the Reader through the Showpass app: Settings > Square integration > Square Reader > Pair a Reader.
My Reader won't charge
If the Reader doesn't light up when connected to power:
- Try a different USB cable. The cable provided with the Reader is the most reliable; third-party cables can fail intermittently.
- Try a different power source. Plug directly into a wall outlet rather than a USB hub or laptop port.
- Let the Reader charge for 30 minutes before checking the lights. A fully drained Reader can take time to show any sign of charging.
- If the Reader still doesn't charge, contact Square support for hardware replacement.
My Reader won't accept credit cards
If the Reader is paired but won't process payments:
- Confirm the Reader is connected. Open the Showpass app, go to Point of Sale > Settings > Square integration, and check that the Reader shows as connected.
- Confirm Use in app payment processing is toggled on.
- Try a different card to rule out a damaged or expired card.
- Make sure your iPad is on a stable Wi-Fi connection. Card payments require network connectivity to authorize.
- If the Reader still won't process, reset it (see Reset Square Reader above), re-pair, and try again.
Still need help?
If your Reader continues to have issues after these steps, see the Square Terminal and Payment Hardware Reference for the full hardware troubleshooting flow, or contact Showpass support.