Reader SDK: Quickstart

Step 3: Take a Cash Payment

Java (Android)

Authorize your mobile application Permalink Get a link to this section

The Reader SDK must be authorized to collect payments. To get started quickly, get a mobile authorization code from the Reader SDK settings page of your Reader SDK sample application.

  1. In the Square Developer Dashboard, go to the Reader SDK page in your application settings, and then generate a new mobile authorization code by choosing the Generate Mobile Auth Code button.

    A graphic showing the Generate Mobile Auth Code window, which includes a scannable QR code and text authorization code.

  2. For use on a virtual device, copy the mobile authorization code that is generated.

  3. For use on a physical device, keep the QR code open for Option 2, Step 4.

Option 1: Take payment on a virtual device Permalink Get a link to this section

  1. Build and run your application on a virtual device (Android Emulator or iOS Simulator) and grant any device permissions requested.

  2. Open the Reader SDK sample application.

  3. Choose Enter Code Manually in the sample application.

  4. Paste the mobile authorization code into the field provided.

  5. Choose the Charge $1.00 button to complete a cash transaction.

  6. View the transaction details in the Square Seller Dashboard.

A graphic showing the three mobile application pages created by the Reader SDK for authorizing the mobile device and taking a payment.

Option 2: Take payment on a physical device Permalink Get a link to this section

  1. Build and deploy the sample application to a physical device. If you run into difficulty deploying the application to a physical device, see Run an app on a connected device for Xcode and Run your app for Android Studio.

  2. Grant any device permissions requested.

  3. Open the Reader SDK sample application.

  4. Choose Scan QR Code in the sample application and grant the application Camera permissions.

  5. Scan the QR code from the Square application settings page.

  6. Choose the Charge $1.00 button to complete a cash transaction.

  7. View the transaction details in the Square Seller Dashboard.

A graphic showing the three mobile application pages created by the Reader SDK for authorizing the mobile device and taking a payment, with the second page showing an authorization QR code.

Did you know?

You can also request a mobile authorization codes programmatically through the Mobile Authorization API.

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