Square launches handheld POS built for modern restaurants

May 13, 2025

Square has announced the launch of Square Handheld — a powerful, portable point-of-sale device purpose-built for the fast-paced, high-pressure world of hospitality. Designed to streamline tableside service, speed up operations, and enhance the guest experience, the new device puts the full power of Square’s ecosystem in the palm of restaurant staff’s hands.

Weighing just 11 ounces and under an inch thick, Square Handheld is compact enough to fit in an apron pocket but tough enough to handle the demands of busy kitchens and dining rooms. With an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance and a 6.2-inch Corning® Gorilla® Glass touchscreen, it’s engineered for durability without compromising usability.

The device supports tap and chip card payments, includes a built-in barcode scanner, and features a 16 MP camera — ideal for updating menus and managing inventory on the go. More importantly for hospitality operators, it connects seamlessly to Square’s software suite, enabling real-time order entry, floorplan management, and quicker table turns — all from one device.

Built to Elevate Service and Efficiency

Square Handheld is powered by the all-new, unified Square Point of Sale app, now redesigned with hospitality in mind. The app includes multiple industry-specific modes — including Quick Service and Bar modes — allowing restaurants to tailor workflows for each part of the business, whether that’s handling bar tabs, splitting checks, or sending orders directly to the kitchen.

“Square Handheld is exactly what our front-of-house team needed,” said Trevor Ledergerber, owner of La Mediterranee in Berkeley, CA. “We’re placing orders tableside as they happen, which reduces delays and improves accuracy. It fits perfectly in our aprons, the battery lasts through two full shifts, and we’ve drastically cut down on paper receipts.”

Features like quick settings and push alerts help staff stay connected and responsive, even in the middle of a lunch or dinner rush. For restaurants juggling reservations, walk-ins, and high volumes, the mobility and speed Square Handheld provides can be a game changer.

A New Era of Mobility for Restaurants

Square Handheld builds on Square’s legacy of intuitive hardware design — from the original white card reader to the Square Stand and Terminal — now optimized for a modern hospitality environment where flexibility and responsiveness are critical.

“With increasing pressure to deliver faster service and create memorable dining experiences, restaurants need tools that work as fast as they do,” said Thomas Templeton, Head of Hardware at Block. “Square Handheld was built with that in mind — helping teams serve more efficiently, reduce errors, and meet guests wherever they are.”

Starting at $399, Square Handheld is now available online via Square Shop. To further support restaurant environments, Square has partnered with Belkin to offer a line of SheerForce protective cases in seven colors. These grip-enhancing cases — priced from $39 — provide added durability without sacrificing portability.

The launch coincides with Square Releases, a new twice-yearly rollout of the company’s latest innovations. Learn more at squareup.com/releases.