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 [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 Beta ends on its own, you will access through either a Standalone KDS package for $20 per device per month or Square for Restaurants Plus. You can subscribe to the Square KDS subscription at $20 per device per month.
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. You can mount your device on a wall, but avoid areas close to flames, greasy foods, or splashing water.
Device Mounts
Suggested wall mounts compatible with Elo or MicroTouch devices:
If you purchase a 10” Lenovo Tab or Samsung Galaxy Tab, 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
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap the search field and search for Square KDS Beta.
Select Become a Tester.
Tap Install.
Create a Square KDS Login
To create a device code for your Android device:
Go to your online Square Dashboard and select Devices > Kitchen Displays.
Click Add a Kitchen Display.
Enter a nickname and select a location.
Select if you want the device to be a prep or expo station.
Click Next.
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
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, 3rd parties | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Easy installation | ✔️ Apple Store | ✔️ Google Play Store |
| Ticket layout customization | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Timer color-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 | ✔️ | ✔️ |
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.
The software that you will be using during this beta period has been built specifically for Android devices. We have a specialized engineering team that modeled off of 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.
All Elo devices are preconfigured for “kiosk mode” (also known as “EloView mode”). You can enable “Android Home mode” for a device in order to use the standard Android user interface by following these steps:
- On the device itself, access the Control Panel button by pressing the __
__ and __ __ buttons at the same time. Default password is “__1elo__” unless you changed it in EloView - On the “Home” screen, tap anywhere on the screen five times
- Click the Android Home button
- Click the Yes button
- The system will automatically reboot and display the Android Home screen
Need Help?
If you require assistance setting up your device, please call 626-770-5878 and leave a message describing that you are participating in the Android KDS beta. We will get back to you within 1 business day, if not sooner. You can also schedule a time to chat through Calendly.
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].