Square Hardware Compatibility Guide

What Works with CrowdWork POS

Our POS app works with most Square devices that connect to mobile phones and tablets. If you can use it with Square's Point of Sale app on your phone or iPad, it'll work with CrowdWork POS too.

New to Square? Square accounts are free and often even come with a free card reader when you sign up. That's usually all you need to get started! Sign up for Square.

Compatible Square Devices

Device	Image	CrowdWork POS Support	Best For
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip		✅ Full Support	Most theatres — tap, chip, and mobile wallets, anywhere in the venue
Square Reader for Magstripe		✅ Full Support	Getting started free — swipe only, plugs into your phone
Square Stand		✅ Full Support	A box office desk that also sells concessions or merch. Fits certain iPads only — check Square's list.

Switching between the Square app and CrowdWork POS on the same device? Use the Square Stand. The contactless Reader pairs over Bluetooth, and once Square's own app connects to it, it tends to hold on, so CrowdWork POS can't connect reliably. The Stand plugs directly into your iPad instead.

Which Square Devices Are Not Compatible?

The following Square devices run only Square's own software and do not support any third-party apps like CrowdWork POS. If you have one of these, you'll also need a compatible Square Reader or Stand to use separately for CrowdWork transactions — see the table above for supported options.

• ❌ Square Kiosk

• ❌ Square Terminal

• ❌ Square Register

• ❌ Square Handheld

Already own a Square Terminal? Many theatres used a Terminal before switching to CrowdWork. You can keep using it for non-CrowdWork transactions, but you'll need a compatible Reader or Stand (listed above) for CrowdWork POS sales.

Which Reader Is Right for You?

The best Square device for your theatre depends on how often you're running events and how much you're selling at the door.

🎭 Just Getting Started

Recommended: Square Reader for Magstripe (free with new Square accounts)

If you're putting on a handful of shows a year and just need a way to take card payments at the door, the free magstripe reader that comes with a new Square account is all you need. Pair it with our POS app on your phone or tablet and you're ready to sell.

• Free with most new Square accounts

• Plugs straight into your phone or tablet (no Bluetooth pairing)

• Great for occasional in-person sales

Note: Magstripe-only cards are being phased out, but this reader still works well for getting started. You can always upgrade to the contactless reader later.

🎭🎭 Running Shows Regularly

Recommended: Square Reader for Contactless and Chip

If you're running shows every week or two, the contactless chip reader is a worthwhile upgrade. It accepts tap-to-pay, chip cards, and Apple/Google Pay — which means faster transactions at the door. Use it with our POS app on a phone or tablet.

• Accepts chips, tap, and contactless payments

• Portable — works anywhere you can bring a phone or tablet

• Perfect for lobby sales, check-ins, and walk-up purchases

🎭🎭🎭 High-Volume or Expanding Beyond Tickets

Recommended: Square Stand (with iPad) or multiple Square Readers

If you're doing a lot of in-person sales, running multiple events per week, or planning to sell merchandise and concessions alongside tickets, a more permanent setup pays off. The Square Stand gives your box office a professional, fixed countertop station. Pair it with additional Readers for mobile sales during busy periods.

• Fixed countertop setup for a dedicated box office

• Professional appearance for patrons

• Add portable Readers for lobby, concessions, or merchandise sales

• Multiple devices let you handle rush periods without bottlenecks

Check your iPad before you buy a Stand. Square Stand only fits specific iPad models. Square maintains the official list in the iPad compatibility section of its Square Stand specs page.

Getting Started

Ready to set up? Head over to our Setting Up Point of Sale (POS) guide for step-by-step instructions on connecting Square, downloading the app, and making your first sale.

Need help choosing hardware? Contact our support team — we're happy to discuss what setup works best for your specific theatre needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple Square devices? Absolutely! Many theatres use different devices for different situations - a Stand at the box office and Readers for mobile sales.

What if I already have an incompatible Square device? You can keep using it for non-CrowdWork transactions. To use CrowdWork POS, you'll need a compatible Reader or Stand — see the compatible devices list above.

Do I need special accessories? The basic readers work great on their own. Consider accessories like receipt printers or cash drawers based on your specific needs.

Will my iPad work with the Square Stand? It depends on the model. Square publishes the official list in the iPad compatibility section of its Square Stand specs page. To find your iPad's model, open Settings → General → About on the iPad and look for Model Name, then check it against Square's list before buying a Stand.

What about older Square devices? Older readers may have limited functionality. We recommend the current generation devices for the best experience.