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Beta | KDS Android

We’re thrilled to bring Square KDS for Android to your business. Square KDS is a kitchen display system that connects with Square for Restaurants, Square Point of Sale, Square Online, and our online ordering and delivery platforms. With KDS for Android, you can organize and fulfill your orders on a larger screen. Check out our getting started guide for KDS Android

Join the Beta Program

For more information about KDS Android and upcoming features, join our Beta Community or email the Beta Team at kds-andro[email protected]. Joining gives you access to our beta team should you want to provide direct feedback or troubleshoot questions. The community also connects you with other businesses utilizing the same features. We typically approve requests within a couple of days. You’ll receive a notification when accepted to the testing group. 

Once you have joined the Beta, we invite you to give us your feedback .

KDS Subscription Pricing

If you don’t already have a subscription to Restaurants Plus or standalone KDS, you will be prompted during beta setup to activate a trial. Square will extend this free trial for the full duration of the Android Beta period.

To continue using Square’s Android KDS after the Beta, you will access through either a Standalone KDS package for $25 per device per month or KDS included with Square for Restaurants Plus. For each location accessing Restaurants Plus, there is a $129 per month, per location on unlimited devices. This subscription fee is charged on the first of every month, with a 30-day free trial.

Set Up Your Hardware

Recommended Devices

Square KDS is compatible with the following Android devices:

If you want to use a different Android device, the following requirements must be met:

  • 8"+ screen

  • 2 GB RAM

  • OS 9 + Device

Learn how to keep the OS updated on your Android device.

Device Mounts

You can mount your device on a wall, but avoid areas close to flames, greasy foods, or splashing water. 

You may want to purchase a device holder, such as these Lenovo cases or Galaxy Tab cases.

Disclaimer: Block, Inc. is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers and third-party resellers linked above. This is a suggestion for your convenience.

Get Started with KDS Android

Download the App

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

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

  3. Select Become a Tester.

  4. Tap Install.

Create a Square KDS Login

To create a device code for your Android device:

  1. Go to your online Square Dashboard and select Devices > Kitchen Displays.

  2. Click Add a Kitchen Display.

  3. Enter a nickname and select a location.

  4. Select if you want the device to be a prep or expo station.

  5. Click Next.

  6. Select whether to have your code sent via email or phone number and click Send. You’ll need this code to sign in to the Square KDS app.

Note: Since Square KDS is location specific, it will display every ticket taken from that location. You’ll be able to filter items/tickets by category or order source.

Check out our Get Started Guide for KDS Android to learn more.

FAQ

Which KDS features are not supported during this Android beta?

KDS Android is currently in development, and does not yet have all of the features that are offered on the iOS version. Here is a list of currently unsupported features:

Feature iOS KDS
Order sync from POS, Square Online, third parties ✔️ ✔️
Easy installation ✔️ Apple Store ✔️ Google Play Store
Ticket layout customisation ✔️ ✔️
Timer colour-coding ✔️ ✔️
Dashboard reporting ✔️ ✔️
Ticket recall ✔️ ✔️
Clear all tickets ✔️ ✔️
Ability to mark orders and/or items as complete ✔️ ✔️
Real-time updates to diners and third-party partners ✔️ ✔️
All day counts ✔️ Coming soon
Printing ✔️ Coming soon
86’ing item from KDS ✔️ Coming soon
Coursing ✔️ Coming soon
86’ing item from KDS ✔️ Coming soon
Routing by dining option   ✔️
Routing by kitchen category   ✔️
Grouping items ✔️ ✔️

Where should I set up my devices in the kitchen?

Do not place your tablet near any surface areas that could become exposed to water or other liquids. We would also advise that you do not place the tablet near a heat source, as that may cause the tablet to overheat.

How is this new beta device different from the iOS KDS software that Square already has live for iPads?

The software that you will be using during this beta period has been built specifically for Android devices. We have a specialised engineering team that modelled on what we built for Apple devices while also understanding the intricacies and needs of building for Android devices. Part of this beta experience is having you as a Square Seller test out the larger screen size and this new device type and tell us what you think works well, what could use improvement, and where (if anywhere during your experience) you run into any questions or concerns.

Need Help?


For more info about KDS Android, share your feedback, and connect with other sellers testing this new product. Join our KDS Android Beta Community. We approve requests within a couple of days. You’ll receive a notification when accepted to the testing group, at which time you’ll have access to our group. You can also email the Beta Team at [email protected].

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