Square Handheld

1. Introduction

The Square Handheld is a portable point-of-sale (POS) device designed to streamline payment processing and business operations for various service industries. It combines payment acceptance, order management, and inventory tracking into a single, compact unit, allowing you to conduct business efficiently wherever your customers are.

Image: The Square Handheld device, showcasing its intuitive touchscreen interface with a sample menu.

2. What's in the Box

Verify that all items are present in the packaging:

• Square Handheld device
• Power Adapter
• Power Cable

3. Setup

3.1. Initial Charging

Before first use, fully charge your Square Handheld. Connect the power cable to the device's charging port and plug the power adapter into a standard electrical outlet. The device will indicate charging status on its screen.

Image: The Square Handheld connected to its power cable for charging.

3.2. Powering On/Off

• To Power On: Press and hold the power button located on the side of the device until the Square logo appears on the screen.
• To Power Off: Press and hold the power button, then select 'Power Off' from the on-screen options.

3.3. Software Setup

Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Square account. If you do not have a Square account, you will be guided through the setup process to create one.

4. Operating the Square Handheld

4.1. Taking Payments

The Square Handheld supports various payment methods, including contactless (tap), chip card (dip), and magnetic stripe (swipe) payments.

• Contactless Payment (Tap): Instruct the customer to hold their contactless card or mobile device near the top of the Square Handheld where the contactless symbol is located.


Image: Processing a contactless payment by tapping a smartphone to the device.

• Chip Card Payment (Dip): Insert the customer's chip card into the slot at the bottom of the device with the chip facing up. Leave the card in place until the transaction is complete.


Image: Inserting a chip card into the dedicated slot for payment.

• Magnetic Stripe Payment (Swipe): Swipe the customer's magnetic stripe card through the slot on the side of the device.


Image: Swiping a magnetic stripe card on the Square Handheld.

4.2. Scanning Barcodes and Adding Items

The Square Handheld features a built-in barcode scanner to quickly add items to a sale or manage inventory. You can also use the camera to add items.

To Scan an Item:

1. From the checkout screen, look for the scanner icon (often resembling a barcode) at the top right corner. If not visible, swipe down from the top of the screen to access quick settings and enable the scanner.
2. Press the dedicated scanner button on the side of the device.
3. Aim the scanner at the barcode of the item. The device will register the item.

To Create a New Item (if not found):

1. If an item is not found after scanning, a prompt will appear. Tap 'Create Item'.
2. Select the item you just scanned from the options.
3. Fill in or edit the item details, such as item name, categories, and price. You can also manage inventory stock levels.
4. Tap 'Save' to finalize the new item. Once saved, you can quickly scan it for future transactions.

4.3. Tableside Ordering and Line Busting

The portable design of the Square Handheld allows staff to take orders directly at tables or assist customers in long lines, improving service speed and efficiency.

Image: Using the Square Handheld for order entry, highlighting its ease of use.

5. Maintenance

5.1. Cleaning the Device

The Square Handheld is designed to withstand water splashes and dust. To clean, gently wipe the device with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or aerosol sprays directly on the device.

5.2. Battery Care

To maximize battery life, avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures. Charge the device regularly, but avoid leaving it fully charged or fully depleted for extended periods.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1. Device Not Responding

• Ensure the device is charged.
• Perform a soft reset by pressing and holding the power button for approximately 10-15 seconds until the device restarts.

6.2. Wi-Fi Connection Issues

• Verify that your Wi-Fi network is active and within range.
• Restart the Square Handheld and your Wi-Fi router.
• Ensure the Wi-Fi password is entered correctly.
• If issues persist, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot to determine if the issue is with the device or your primary network.

6.3. Payment Processing Errors

• Check your internet connection. Offline payments are supported, but real-time processing requires connectivity.
• Ensure the card is inserted or tapped correctly.
• Verify that the card is valid and has sufficient funds.
• Contact Square Support if errors persist.

7. Specifications

Image: Rear view of the Square Handheld, highlighting its camera and branding.

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, product registration, and technical support, please visit the official Square website or contact Square customer service. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.

Online Support: squareup.com/help