Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Square Stand won’t recognize the iPad, doesn’t show the connection prompt, or keeps disconnecting during checkout.
Fast Fixes: Clean the Lightning/USB-C contacts, reseat the iPad, restart the Stand, update iOS, and check for accessory power issues.
Need official help? See our Square Customer Service Guide.
Want guided troubleshooting? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free).
Square Stand not recognizing your iPad? Common symptoms include “Accessory Not Supported,” the Stand not showing the Square POS prompt, the iPad not charging in the Stand, or accessories like card readers not working through the hub.
This guide shows you how to fix connection problems on Square Stand (Lightning and USB-C versions).
Table of Contents
Common Reasons Square Stand Doesn’t Recognize an iPad
- Loose iPad connection to the Stand port
- Dirty or worn Lightning/USB-C contacts
- Outdated iOS or Square POS app
- Stand not receiving enough power
- Using an iPad model not compatible with the Stand
- Software crash causing the Stand handshake to fail
How to Fix Square Stand Not Recognizing an iPad
1. Reseat the iPad in the Stand
A loose or shallow connection is the #1 reason the Stand doesn’t detect the iPad.
- Remove the iPad from the Stand
- Inspect the Lightning or USB-C connector
- Clean the port with a microfiber cloth
- Firmly reseat the iPad
If you don’t feel a solid “click,” the iPad isn’t fully connected.
2. Clean the iPad Port and Stand Connector
Dirt, lint, or oxidation can prevent a tight connection.
- Use compressed air to blow out dust
- Gently clean the port with a dry toothbrush
- Inspect the Stand’s connector for bent pins
Even a tiny speck of lint can break the connection.
3. Restart Both the iPad and Square Stand
This clears internal handshake errors between hardware and the POS app.
- Hold Power on the iPad → slide to turn off
- Unplug the Square Stand power cable for 10 seconds
- Reconnect and restart
After restart, open Square POS and check for the connection banner.
4. Check iPad Model Compatibility
Square Stands only support specific iPad models. Using an unsupported model causes consistent connection failures.
- Square Stand (Lightning) — older iPads only
- Square Stand (USB-C) — new iPad and iPad Air models
If you recently upgraded your iPad, this is a common issue.
5. Update the iPad and Square POS App
Outdated software frequently breaks communication between Stand hardware and the POS app.
- Open the App Store → Updates
- Update Square Point of Sale
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update
Updates often include fixes for Stand connectivity bugs.
6. Check for Insufficient Power
If the Stand isn’t receiving enough power, the iPad won’t charge or connect.
- Ensure the Square power brick is used (not a generic USB adapter)
- Check for loose cables
- Try a different outlet
Low voltage = unreliable hardware connection.
When to Contact Square Support
- The Stand never recognizes the iPad after multiple reseats
- The connector pins are visibly bent or damaged
- The Stand loses connection during every transaction
- Accessories won’t work through the USB hub
Square Customer Service – Phone, Chat & Help Center
Square Stand Not Recognizing iPad – FAQs
Why won’t my iPad connect to Square Stand?
Why does my Square Stand keep disconnecting?
Does Square Stand work with all iPads?
Why is my Square Stand not charging the iPad?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
Need help fixing Square Stand hardware connection issues?
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select Square POS
- Type: “stand not connecting”
- Follow the guided troubleshooting steps
It’s fast, free, and designed for real restaurant and retail environments.
Thinking About Switching POS Systems?
If you’re dealing with repeated POS issues, it might be time to compare more reliable options built for restaurants and retail businesses.
Takes 30 seconds • No sales pressure
