How to Migrate from Lightspeed to Square

Complete Lightspeed to Square migration guide. Inventory transfer, hardware swap, loyalty program migration, and cost comparison for Australian retailers.

Estimated time: 3-5 hoursDifficulty: Moderate
LightspeedSquare
What this guide coversThis guide walks you through every stage of this migration for Australian businesses. You will learn what data transfers automatically, what requires manual import via CSV, and how to handle AU-specific requirements like BAS reporting periods, STP finalisation and bank feed reconnection.

What Transfers & What Doesn’t

Not everything moves across automatically. Use this table to plan your migration scope.

Data TypeAuto Transfer?Notes
Product CatalogueYesExport Lightspeed inventory as CSV — Square accepts bulk item import
Product Variants & ModifiersPartialComplex modifiers may need manual recreation in Square's item library
Customer DatabaseYesCSV export from Lightspeed, import to Square Customer Directory
Sales HistoryNoExport Lightspeed reports — historical data doesn't import to Square
Purchase OrdersNoOutstanding POs need manual recreation — Lightspeed PO format not compatible
Gift CardsNoLightspeed gift cards won't scan on Square — recreate balances as Square gift cards
Loyalty ProgramNoExport member points, recreate in Square Loyalty — notify customers of switchover
EFTPOS & HardwareNoLightspeed terminals not compatible — purchase Square Reader or Terminal

Step-by-Step Migration Guide

  1. Step 1

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  2. Step 2

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  3. Step 3

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  4. Step 4

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  5. Step 5

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  6. Step 6

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  7. Step 7

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  8. Step 8

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

Pre-Migration Checklist

  • Reconcile all bank accounts up to the conversion date
  • Lodge all outstanding BAS and IAS returns
  • Finalise and lodge STP report for the current pay period
  • Export key reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Trial Balance) as PDFs
  • Back up your data to an external drive and cloud storage
  • Notify your BAS agent or bookkeeper about the planned switch date
Caution: Mid-Year Migration & STP ImplicationsSwitching software mid-financial year introduces risk around Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting. If you migrate between 1 Jul and 30 Jun, you must finalise an STP event in your old system before cutting over, then lodge a “Year to Date” event in the new system with carried-forward figures.