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Create and assign modes

Who is this article for?
Account owners or team members with the account and settings permissions to create, edit and delete devices, configure device security settings, and configure checkout settings. Set permissions in the Square Dashboard.

About modes

A mode is a collection of settings used to configure one or more devices with preset settings, restrictions, and add-ons.

Modes allow you to save and reuse custom settings on devices across multiple locations and/or multiple devices in a single location. For example, if you use multiple point of sale devices in a cafe, you can set up a mode so all devices have tipping enabled.

Modes are part of the Square Remote Device Management suite of features. With Remote Device Management, you can create a mode, customize the settings, and assign them to your device(s) to automatically apply the settings. If you previously created a device profile, it is now a mode.

Before you begin

You can create and edit modes from your Square Dashboard. You can also customize the Checkout, Security, and Add-on settings of modes from your Square Dashboard or your point of sale app.

Modes can only be assigned to a device in your point of sale app.

While setting up a device code is not a requirement for using modes, it is beneficial to use both features together, especially if you need to manage multiple devices for your business. Learn how to Set up device codes.

For more information about the pre-configured modes only available in the Square Point of Sale app, review the Use modes with the Square Point of Sale Support Center article. 

Step 1: Create a mode

Square Dashboard

  1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device Management > Modes
  2. Click Add mode.
  3. Select the template you want to use for the mode and click Next.
  4. If applicable, select a template and click Next.
  5. If you already have a mode created, choose Copy settings from another mode or click Skip
  6. Enter the mode name.
  7. Click Save to view your new mode.
  8. Move on to step two to customize the mode settings or click Save to keep the default settings.

Point of sale

  1. Open your point of sale app and tap ≡ More > Settings choose the current mode.
  2. Tap Create a new mode or the + icon.
  3. Select the template you want to use for the mode and click Next.
  4. Enter the mode name.
  5. If you already have a mode created, choose Copy settings from another mode (optional). 
  6. Tap Done to view your new mode.
  7. Move on to step two to customize the mode settings.

Step 2: Customize mode settings

You can customize mode settings from your Square Dashboard or in your point of sale app. Changes you make to the settings automatically update on your device after a transaction completes or when you open and close the app.

Customize mode settings from your Square Dashboard

  1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings** > Device Management > Modes.
  2. Select a mode and click Manage under Settings.
  3. Click Checkout, Security, or select an Add-on.
  4. Set your preferences and click Save when you’re done.

Customize mode settings from your point of sale

  1. Open your point of sale app on your device.
  2. Tap ≡ More > Settings > Checkout or Security.
  3. View the banner to see the mode assigned to the device.
  4. Set your Checkout and Security settings.

The settings update on every device with the mode assigned to it.

Step 3: Edit a mode

You can rename, duplicate, or delete modes from your Square Dashboard.

Rename a mode

  1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device Management > Modes.
  2. Select an existing mode.
  3. Click Edit and enter the new mode name.
  4. Click Save.

Duplicate a mode

  1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device Management > Modes.
  2. Select an existing mode.
  3. Click the three dots (•••) > Duplicate mode.
  4. Enter the mode name and click Save.

Delete a mode

If the mode you want to delete is being used on an active device, follow Step 4 below to switch that device to a different mode.

  1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device Management > Modes.
  2. Select an existing mode.
  3. Click the three dots (•••) > Delete mode.
  4. Click Delete to confirm.

Step 4: Switch modes (optional)

Once a mode is assigned, you can switch it at any time. Mode switching cannot be done remotely and must be done in your point of sale app. 

  1. Tap ≡ More > Settings > choose the current mode.

  2. Find a new mode in the list available > tap Switch mode.

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