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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 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 for Restaurants Free, Plus and Premium Plans.

Create a Point of Sale Device

Restaurants - Create Device Code - Dash - 1301a

To get started:

  1. Log in to your Square Dashboard.

  2. Tap Points of Sale from your navigation dropdown, then select POS Devices.

  3. If this is your first device, click Create a Point of Sale, If you have existing point of sale devices, click Add a Point of Sale.

  4. Select a service style.

  5. Next, 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.

  6. Add your device to a settings group by turning on Manage Device Using Shared Settings or by customising an individual device.

  7. Once you are happy with your settings, click Create.

  8. Next, you’ll see your device code (you’ll use this code to sign in to the Restaurants app) – you can enter your email address or phone number to have the code sent to you. Keep in mind, you have to use your device codes within 48 hours.

  9. Click Done.

Note: Keep your new device code somewhere safe, you’ll need it to log in to the Restaurants app.

Once you create a device code, you can customise your device settings.

Point of Sale Device Settings

In order to get the most out of your devices with Square for Restaurants, you’ll want to make sure you customise 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 device and 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 customise multiple devices with just a couple of clicks from your online Square Dashboard.

To create shared device settings:

  1. Log in to your online Square Dashboard > Settings > Devices >Points of Sale.

  2. Click Create Shared Settings. Choosing the preset point-of-sale settings automatically enables typical features. For example, if you select Table Service, settings like Course Management and Track Seating will be enabled by default.

  3. Select Create New Setting. Customise your settings – including receipt type, tipping and cash management preferences.

  4. 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:

  1. Click on the device to update > toggle on Manage Device Using Shared Settings.

  2. Choose Select Settings. You can select an existing settings group or create new shared settings.

  3. 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 menu behaviour.

  • Closing Procedures: Customising Closing Procedures will keep your team members from running a Close of Day or Shift Report before completing certain actions. For instance, 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: Set up an automatic service charge for a customisable percentage for certain table sizes. For example, for tables of one or more, you could apply a service charge of 12%.

  • Tips: If your restaurant accepts optional tipping, tips will be assigned to either a) the team member who opens the table, or b) the team member who closes the bill.

  • Straight Away 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.

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