# Terminal API device code (production) not accepted on Square Terminal, and no pairing prompt appears

**URL:** <https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/terminal-api-device-code-production-not-accepted-on-square-terminal-and-no-pairing-prompt-appears/28111>\
**Category:** Questions\
**Created:** [October 5, 2026, 9:19pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/terminal-api-device-code-production-not-accepted-on-square-terminal-and-no-pairing-prompt-appears/28111 "2026-10-05T21:19:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DHNOW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@DHNOW](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/DHNOW)\
**Post date:** [October 5, 2026, 9:19pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/terminal-api-device-code-production-not-accepted-on-square-terminal-and-no-pairing-prompt-appears/28111/1 "2026-10-05T21:19:15Z")

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I’m integrating the Square Terminal API in production with my own seller account and I’m stuck on pairing the Terminal.

What I did:

1. I created a device code with POST /v2/devices/codes using product type TERMINAL\_API and a valid location id. It returns HTTP 200, status UNPAIRED, and a 6-character code (for example FFEJAR, HZVJWN).
2. Terminal: Square Terminal 1st Gen v2, OS 5.67.0105. With the Terminal signed out, I chose Sign in, then Use a device code. That screen expects a 12-character code (three groups of four). A code created in the Seller Dashboard (Settings \> Device management \> Device codes \> Point of Sale) works there. Every 6-character API code is rejected with “incorrect device code”, even when entered within a minute and in capital letters. I tried several codes.
3. With the Terminal signed in (using the Dashboard code) and on the keypad, I created a fresh API device code. Nothing appeared on the Terminal, and no pairing prompt was shown. (An automated support answer told me a pairing prompt should appear, but it never did.)
4. The Terminal’s Settings list only: Network connection, Square Terminal, Terminal printer, Connect new device. I see no option for pairing, device codes, or Terminal API.

Results from the API:

- GET /v2/devices/codes returns no codes with any status filter.
- GET /v2/devices returns zero devices.
- POST /v2/terminal/checkouts with the hardware Device ID shown in the Seller Dashboard returns 404 NOT\_FOUND “Resource not found”.

Questions:

1. Where on the Terminal do I enter or accept a Terminal API device code (the 6-character kind)?
2. Is there a Terminal mode, profile, or account setting I need to enable first?
3. How do I get the Terminal API device\_id for a Terminal that is already signed in with a Dashboard device code?

Thank you.

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**Author:** ![zacstlouis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b5a626/32.png) [@zacstlouis](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/zacstlouis)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/terminal-api-device-code-production-not-accepted-on-square-terminal-and-no-pairing-prompt-appears/28111/3 "2026-10-06T23:07:04Z")

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Will help in your [other thread](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/valid-production-device-code-is-refused-by-terminal-incorrect-device-code/28125)!