mag reader detected

[DevilDogg]

I have had my magstripe reader for awhile, more than two years. I've never had a problem with it until the last two times I used it. When I plug it into the headset jack it instantly comes up as the square device detected for a second and goes away (totally normal). However, when I go to swipe a card it does nothing. I rarely use the reader (6-10 times a year) and I keep it in a money bag with credit cards, so it's in mint condition. The phone jack port is clean and free of debris, so much that it is detecting the reader immediately. Uninstalled the app, reinstalled multiple times. Uninstalled the original app and downloaded the BETA app, same thing. I have followed ALL of the troubleshooting steps and have confirmed my device is compatible. I have also gone through every possible setting I can think of on my phone and the app and can't find a single thing that would prevent it from not reading a swipe. Again, it is clearly acknowledging the the square device (not just headphones) is connected. Of course, I've had to manually enter the card numbers in and the app works fine, but there is an additional charge to manually enter it. I can't find anything on the hairnet about the device actually being detected and not work. Help please! 🙂

[Valentina]

Hi there @DevilDogg - sounds like your Square Reader for magstripe may simply be out of juice! Two years is definitely a good long life for a magstripe reader, especially if you are swiping lots of cards. It might finally be time to replace your Square Reader.

Feel free to give us a call - we're happy to run through some troubleshooting with you, though you've already done a good bit!