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Set up Square KDS

Who is this article for?
  • Sellers with the account and settings permission to configure hardware settings, and create, edit, and delete device profiles. Set permissions in Square Dashboard.
  • Square for Restaurants Plus or Premium subscribers, or Square KDS subscribers.
  • About Square KDS

    Square KDS is a kitchen display system that connects with Square Point of Sale, Square Online, Square for Restaurants, and third-party ordering and delivery platforms. Square KDS is included in the Square for Restaurants Plus Subscription or as a standalone KDS subscription.

    Before you begin

    Square has different screen-size devices available for purchase on Square Shop and is compatible with the Android devices listed below:  

    If you choose to use a different device, we cannot guarantee the quality of how Square KDS will appear on your device and bug support for the devices listed above will be prioritized.

    For the most optimal experience using Square KDS, we recommend a device that meets these minimum requirements:

    • Has at least 3 GB of RAM

    • Google Play Store enabled

    • Running AndroidOS 9 or above

    Select a device with the most recent OS version that your vendor provides, when given an option. If you prefer an Android device not listed above, share your feedback in the Android KDS Feedback Survey.

    Device mounts

    If you choose a device with a larger screen, such as the MicroTouch, you can mount your device to a wall using an optional arm mount (sold separately on Shop), or pair it with a 100 x 100 mm VESA® compatible mounting device.

    If you are currently using Square KDS on iPads, you will need to migrate your hardware and software in order to continue your team’s access to your kitchen display system. Learn more about this product change in the Seller Community and how to migrate to Android from Square KDS on iOS.

    You will also need to create a device code in order to sign in to your Square KDS app and complete setup. Learn how to set up device codes.

    Step 1: Download the Square KDS app and sign in

    1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device.

    2. Tap the search field and search for Square KDS.

    3. Tap Install.

    4. Sign into the Square KDS using your device code.

    Step 2: Set your KDS layout

    You can configure your layout to best serve your kitchen workflows by toggling different layouts based on your preferred text size and the amount of tickets you want displayed. 

    Square Dashboard

    1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device Management, then click Devices.
    2. Select your device then, next to Assigned device profiles, click Manage.
    3. Click Layout.
    4. Toggle ON your preferred Ticket layout and number of Columns, then select your Text size.
    5. Click Save.

    Square KDS app

    1. Open your Square KDS app and tap Settings > View all settings.
    2. Tap Layout.
    3. Tap your preferred Ticket layout, number of Columns and Text size.

    Step 3: Set timers & alerts

    You can customize ticket timers and alerts.

    Square Dashboard

    1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device Management, then click Devices.
    2. Select your device then, next to Assigned device profiles, click Manage.
    3. Click Timers & Alerts.
    4. Set the times after your Yellow timer and Red timer activate by clicking minutes next to them.
    5. Toggle ON/OFF Play sound when new tickets arrive.
    6. Click Save.

    Square KDS app

    1. Open your Square KDS app and tap Settings > View all settings.
    2. Tap Timers & Alerts.
    3. Set the times after your Yellow timer and Red timer activate by tapping minutes next to them.
    4. Toggle ON/OFF Play sound when new tickets arrive.

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