Square terminal battery

[gbpo]

Anyone else having battery problems with square terminal, On my second terminal in 5 years and the battery no longer lasts all day. Out of warranty so no replacement available from Square. Is it just me that thinks it's a lot to pay for a machine that only last three years. I've loved being with square but am seriously looking for alternative with rental machine and lower rates. Unless anyone knows how to change the battery?

[Sam_400º · Accepted solution]

Hey @gbpo - unfortunately you can't replace the battery. 

Even if you can find a replacement the security features of the device will block it from being used if the Terminal is opened up (think  skimmers etc. and that all makes sense).

[Breffni]

Hi @gbpo - apologies for the delay, I've just come across this thread today. 

@Sam_400º is correct, the battery cannot be replaced, unfortunately. 

I'm sorry to hear that this is having you consider other options. Have you been in touch with our customer support team about this? The battery on the Terminal is designed to last all day so if that isn't happening we may be able to see if it's something we can look into. 

[gbpo]

Phoned support, they said it was about three years old so no longer covered with your warranty. Can't believe these machines have to be replaced every 3 years or so, it's madness. Keep plugging it in to recharge for a minute or two but very inconvenient. Am deciding now which is the best contract hire one. Rates are a lot better, but I loved the square ethos of taking all comers with no minimum purchase and the look of their kit. Thanks for your reply to my post. Have you considered kit with replaceable batteries or is there a security issue there?

[doc_choc]

I think the battery life is related to the use and recharge frequency. This will vary depending on how often you recharge the unit. We have lightly used units which are still going many years later, the ones in our shop were replaced more frequently, probably as they are continually on charge. Its like tyres for your car the more you use the more frequent you need to change. Having said this Square readers are a great value for money and worth the reinvestment when the battery starts to fail. Great idea about a replacement battery, not sure if this is something that could be offered. As you say it's may be a security issue??

[Sam_400º]

Hey @gbpo - just to echo @doc_choc comment about it depending on use situation. I was one of the beta testers before they launched in the UK and still have my unbranded "FOR EVALUATION USE" unit running now, so that's been going a looong time! 

I totally agree with you oh having user replaceable batteries. As it's an understandable security risk breaking open the terminal as it stands now to replace the battery (and be able to mess about with the insides) it would be good to see something with a hatch in the bottom and bay for the battery. 

I see a lot of the units launching right now seem to have fully fitted batteries just like modern mobiles, but at least with a mobile you can get someone to change it out even if it's a bit of work to do. 

[The_Sun_Inn]

we have the same problem with our 2 terminals, also noticed that they have got slower over time.

[gbpo]

Ours is going downhill fast, crazy they only last 2 to three years. Don't see that mentioned on the square Web site. Come on square grasp the nettle.