A common question we receive pertains to how to use the Square credit card reader while VoiceOver is enabled. When the traditional swipe reader is plugged in, speech is muted since the iDevice thinks there's a pair of headphones plugged in. To get around this limitation, you need a specific headphone splitter. Extrasensory Devices via Amazon.com has the Wiretap Headphone/Microphone Splitter for $14.95. There are a lot of headphone splitters out there, but this is one of the few that works with the Square card reader.
We could go into a lot of technical details of why this is the case, but suffice it to say that not all headphone splitters are created equally. Simply plug your Square reader into one half of the splitter and your headset to the other half. Note that this will only work one way---in other words, it matters which plug has the Square and which plug uses the headset. Then, you will be able to accept Square credit card payments and hear VoiceOver's speech at the same time.
Category: Accessories
Sounds nice. Which end needs to be plugged in to whare? And how will I know if this works or not. I have the chip card reader which is wireless but also have the one that is not.
sunshine Monday, 13-Jun-2016 11:31 PM ET:
Thank you for posting this suggestion. I am a massage therapist and use a square card reader and need an accessible option for taking credit cards. What type of headset works well? a Wireless one? Thank you again for posting this solution.
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
