Cleaning your Square Hardware FAQS

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This material has been prepared for informational purposes only.

Note: For detailed and updated recommendations on cleaning and disinfection please refer to a trusted resource such as the NHS (UK), the CDC (US), or your country or state health service provider. Additional guidelines are available from the World Health Organization about getting your workplace ready for COVID-19. 

We’ve put together these FAQs for sellers in Great Britain or Northern Ireland who own Square hardware such as Square Reader for Magnetic Stripe, Square Contactless Card Reader for Chip & Pin, Square Stand and Square Terminal.

We’ve also provided general information about using screen protectors with your POS system, including information about using iPads and styluses with Square hardware.

If you have a question reply below.

 

Cleaning your Point of Sale: Square Reader for Magnetic Stripe, or Square Card Reader for Contactless & Chip

How do I clean Square Reader for Magnetic Stripe or Square Reader for Contactless & Chip? 

An option that may help disinfect your equipment, and reduce the spread of the virus include using an alcohol solution with 70% alcohol to wipe down your hardware.

To clean your Square Reader for Magnetic Stripe, disconnect it from your phone or tablet. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the exterior of your reader. As with any device avoid getting moisture in the opening and don't submerge your reader in any cleaning agents. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide. You can use 70% rubbing alcohol to clean the exterior of your reader.

To clean your Square Reader for Contactless & Chip, first turn it off by holding the power button down for 15-20 seconds (you can turn it back on pressing the power button once). Please disconnect any charging cable as well. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the exterior of your reader.  Avoid getting moisture in any openings and don't submerge your product in any cleaning agents. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide. You can use 70% rubbing alcohol to clean the exterior of your reader.

Refer to a trusted resource such as the NHS (UK) or the CDC (US) for cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

Please remember, if you're located in the UK or in Northern Ireland, with the Square Reader for Contactless + Chip you can accept contactless payment cards and contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.

Cleaning your Point of Sale: Square Stand  

 

How do I clean Square Stand and my iPad?

An option that may help disinfect your equipment, and reduce the spread of the virus include using an alcohol solution with 70% alcohol to wipe down your hardware.

To clean your Square Stand, first remove the iPad from the cradle, then unplug the power adapter, and disconnect any other connected hardware. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with an alcohol solution with 70% alcohol and use it to clean your Stand. As with any device, avoid getting moisture in any openings or in the card slot. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish.

To clean your iPad, remove it from the Stand and turn the iPad off. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with an alcohol solution with 70% alcohol, and use it to clean the iPad. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. This article has more information about cleaning an Apple device. 

Refer to a trusted resource such as the NHS (UK) or the CDC (US) for cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

 

Can I put a screen protector over the iPad in Square Stand or on my phone? 

Your iPad will fit into Square Stand with a protective screen overlay. The iPad cradle is flush with the outer edges of the iPad itself. 

Our Hardware team has confirmed that our apps will work well with a screen protector on a mobile device. If you'd like an added shield for your mobile device as you perform cleaning enhancements feel free to go with screen protection.

Can I use a stylus with my iPad, tablet or phone? 

A stylus can be used with an iPad, iPhone or Android tablet or phone. But this depends on your business set up. For example, if you are unable to secure the stylus to a kiosk/checkout counter the stylus could get lost. 

Cleaning your Point of Sale: Square Terminal 

 

How do I clean Square Terminal? 

An option that may help disinfect your equipment, and reduce the spread of the virus include using an alcohol solution with 70% alcohol to wipe down your hardware.

To clean your Square Terminal, first shut down the Terminal. Clean the exterior with a damp, soft, lint-free cloth. As with Square Register, don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. To disinfect the screen on your Terminal, shut down your Terminal. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with a solution of 70% alcohol, then use it to clean the screen. Avoid using bleach and avoid getting moisture in any openings on Square Terminal. Don't submerge your device in liquid. Square Terminal has a fingerprint-resistant coating that may diminish when cleaning products are used on your device.

Can I use a screen protector on my Square Terminal? 

The screen on Square Terminal is made from durable material and are designed to cope with daily wear and tear. You could ask team members to clean their hands or to use hand sanitizer before using your point of sale. You could also provide hand sanitizer for customers to use.

Please keep in mind, with Square Terminal your customers can pay by tap with their contactless credit or debit cards and with contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.

Refer to a trusted resource such as the NHS (UK) or the CDC (US) for cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

Can I use a stylus with Square Terminal? 

[Updated] Stylus pens can also prevent employees from touching the screen directly. If you have a business with multiple employees or want to offer the stylus to customers, consider a stylus multipack to avoid cross-sharing and clean periodically with a disinfectant.

Some sellers have found the following styluses effective stylus single-pack or stylus multipack.

We hope these FAQs are helpful. If you have any questions about your Square hardware please reply below.