Create a Device Code for Square for Restaurants
With Square for Restaurants, rather than using your email address and password to sign in, you’ll need to create a device code. A device code can only be used on a single device — so if you have multiple devices at a location, create a unique code for each device accessing the free Square for Restaurants POS app. Once you create a device code, you can sign in and start taking orders.
If you’re just getting started with Square for Restaurants, learn more about setting up your account. Check out the full comparison of features between Square POS, the Square for Restaurants Free Plan and Plus Plan.
Create a Point of Sale Device
To get started:
Go to Settings > Devices from your online Square Dashboard.
Click Points of Sale > POS Devices.
If this is your first device, click Create a Point of Sale, If you have existing POS devices, click Add a Point of Sale.
Enter the device Nickname, for instance, “Bar Device.” Note: To keep the naming consistent, you may want to name your device (with Square) similarly to your iPad (with Apple). Check out Apple’s Guide to find out how.
Enter the device location and device type—standard, retail or restaurant.
Add your device to a settings group by toggling on Manage Device Using Shared Settings or by customizing an individual device.
Once you are finished updating your settings, click Create.
You’ll see your device code (you’ll use this code to sign into the Restaurants app) — you can enter your email or phone number to have the code sent to you. Note: You have to use your device codes within 48 hours before they expire, otherwise you will need to set up the device again.
Click Done.
Note: Keep your new device code somewhere safe, you’ll need it to log in to the Square for Restaurants app.
Once you create a device code, you can customize your device settings.
Point of Sale Device Settings
Point of Sale Devices in Square for Restaurants are similar to devices in the Square Point of Sale with one main exception—in Square for Restaurants, settings will no longer exist in the app.
While you will still be able to set up hardware and view sales reports, any settings that you are used to enabling or disabling in-app will now be done in your Square Dashboard when you are creating a device. In order to use Square for Restaurants optimally, you’ll want to make sure that you create your device settings.
Be sure to read the permissions list as thoroughly as possible. Your Device Settings control what you can do on your Restaurants Point of Sale.
Remember, you can have different Device Settings across each location.
Create Shared Device Settings
If you’re planning on using the same device settings for more than one point of sale, you can create shared settings to help you customize multiple devices.
To create shared device settings from your online Square Dashboard:
Go to Settings > Devices > Points of sale.
Click Create Shared Settings. Choosing the pre-set point-of-sale settings automatically enables typical features. For example, if you select Table Service, settings like always collect signature or sign on printed receipt will be enabled by default.
Select Create New Setting. Customize your settings — including receipt type, tipping, and cash management preferences.
Click Create.
Once you’re done setting up your shared device settings, you’ll see the option to add a device to the group you’ve created — including existing devices.
To update an existing device to access your shared settings group:
Click on the device to update > toggle on Manage Device Using Shared Settings.
Choose Select Settings. You can select an existing settings group, or create new shared settings.
Click Save.
Devices not assigned to a specific shared settings group will be listed in alphabetical order under Other Devices.
Service Settings
The Service Settings tab on your online Square Dashboard allows you to customise your restaurant’s workflow — ranging from closing procedures to service charge settings.
Closing Procedures: Customising closing procedures will keep your team members from running a Close of Day or Shift Report before completing certain actions. when you enable Close all open bills, team members will not be able to end the day until each open bill is closed.
Menu Behaviour: Allows you to set the default screen after you add an item to a bill.
Printed Receipts: When you have a compatible printer connected for paper receipts, you can choose to consolidate or list out items and modifiers.
Service Charge: Trigger service charge for a customisable percentage for certain table sizes. For example, for tables of 6 or more, you could apply a service charge of 20%.
Tip Adjustment: Tips will be assigned to either a) the team member who opens the bill, or b) the team member who closes the bill.
Straight Fire Categories: Send specific item categories right to the bar or kitchen. For example, drinks or appetisers.
Learn more about getting started with Square for Restaurants.