If the Trail’s End app displays “Connect Hardware to take payments” when you are trying to use Tap to Pay, your phone may not currently be available to Square as a Tap to Pay device.
Try the steps below in order.
1. Turn Off Developer Options
On Android devices, Square does not allow Tap to Pay while Developer Options are enabled. If Developer Options are on, Square may ask you to connect a physical card reader instead. (Square)
Open your phone's Settings.
Search for Developer options or Developer mode.
Turn Developer Options OFF.
Fully close the Trail’s End app.
Restart your phone.
Open Trail’s End and try the payment again.
Tip: Developer Options can be enabled even if you don't remember turning them on. This is one of the most common things to check when Tap to Pay stops appearing.
2. Make Sure NFC Is Turned On
Tap to Pay uses your Android phone's NFC (Near Field Communication) capability to read contactless cards and digital wallets. NFC must be enabled for Tap to Pay to work. (Square)
Open your phone's Settings.
Go to Connections, Connected Devices, or search for NFC.
Find NFC and Contactless Payments.
Make sure NFC is ON.
Return to the Trail’s End app and try the payment again.
Settings vary by phone manufacturer, so searching Settings for NFC is often the easiest way to find it.
3. Remove Any Square Readers From Trail’s End
Tap to Pay cannot be used while another Square Reader is paired with the device. Square will prioritize the connected reader and may only show payment options supported by that reader. (Square)
In the Trail’s End app:
Open your Profile.
Open Square Settings.
Check for any connected or remembered Square card readers.
Disconnect or forget any readers listed there.
Try taking the payment again.
Checking your phone's Bluetooth settings alone may not be enough. A reader can still be remembered inside the Square payment system even if it does not currently appear connected through Bluetooth.
4. Clear the Trail’s End App Cache
If Tap to Pay still isn't available, clearing the app's temporary data may help reset the payment connection.
Long-press the Trail’s End app icon.
Tap App Info or the ⓘ icon.
Select Storage or Storage & Cache.
Tap Clear Cache.
Fully close and reopen Trail’s End.
Try the payment again.
We recommend clearing Cache first rather than Storage/Data, since clearing app storage may sign you out and reset other app settings.
Still Seeing “Connect Hardware to Take Payments”?
Tap to Pay also requires a compatible Android phone running Android 9 or later. It is not supported on Android tablets. (Square)
If you've completed all of the steps above and still see the message, contact Trail’s End Support and let us know:
Your phone make and model
Your Android version
Whether NFC is enabled
Whether Developer Options are disabled
Whether any readers appear under Profile → Square Settings
This information will help us determine why Square isn't recognizing your phone as available for Tap to Pay.