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
✅ Full Support
Most theatres - accepts chips, tap, and contactless payments
✅ Full Support
Basic setups (free with new accounts, but magstripe is being phased out)
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
Connects to any phone or tablet via Bluetooth
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
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.
What about older Square devices? Older readers may have limited functionality. We recommend the current generation devices for the best experience.
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