Create and assign modes
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
Before you create modes, learn how to use modes with Square Point of Sale.
You can create a mode from your Square Dashboard or your Square Point of Sale app.
You can rename, duplicate or delete a mode only from your Square Dashboard, not your Square Point of Sale app.
You can also customize the Checkout, Security, and Add-on settings of modes from your Square Dashboard or your Square Point of Sale app.
Modes can only be assigned to a device in your Square Point of Sale app by signing in to your device and selecting a mode or switching modes after signing in
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.
Step 1: Create a mode
- Sign in to Square Dashboard and go to Settings > Device Management > Modes.
- Click Add mode.
- Select the template you want to use for the mode and click Next.
- If applicable, select a template and click Next.
- If you already have a mode created, choose Copy settings from another mode or click Skip.
- Enter the mode name.
- Click Save to view your new mode.
- Move on to Step 2 to customize the mode settings or click Save to keep the default settings.
- Open your point of sale app and tap ≡ More > Settings choose the current mode.
- Tap Create a new mode or the (+) icon.
- Select the template you want to use for the mode and click Next.
- Enter the mode name.
- If you already have a mode created, choose Copy settings from another mode (optional).
- Tap Done to view your new mode.
- Move on to Step 2 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.
- Sign in to Square Dashboard and go to Settings > Device Management > Modes.
- Select a mode and click Manage under Settings.
- Click Checkout, Security, or select an Add-on.
- Set your preferences and click Save when you’re done.
Step 3: View modes
You can check which modes are active and the devices they are active on from your Square Dashboard.
- Sign in to Square Dashboard and go to Settings > Device management > Modes.
- View the number of active devices under the Active device column.
- Click on the mode to view Assigned devices.
Step 4: Edit a mode
You can rename, duplicate, or delete modes from your Square Dashboard.
- Sign in to Square Dashboard and go to Settings > Device Management > Modes.
- Select an existing mode.
- Click the three dots (•••) > Edit mode name.
- Click Save.
- Sign in to Square Dashboard and go to Settings > Device Management > Modes.
- Select an existing mode.
- Click the three dots (•••) > Duplicate mode.
- Enter the mode name and click Save.
To delete a mode, you must first switch all devices currently using that mode to a different mode. Follow Step 5 below to switch a device to a different mode. The option to delete the mode will only become available once it is no longer actively in use on any device.
- Sign in to Square Dashboard and go to Settings > Device Management > Modes.
- Select an existing mode.
- Click the three dots (•••) > Delete mode.
- Click Delete to confirm.
Step 5: Switch modes (optional)
You can restart or power off your device or Square hardware, but you need to power it back on to upload any pending offline payments before they expire. Remember to upload offline payments within 72 hours of taking your first payment.
Once a mode is assigned, you can switch it at any time, however, it is recommended to switch modes outside of business hours or during periods of low activity. Your point of sale will only switch modes after a reboot, completed transaction, when waking the application from sleep, opening the app after it has been manually closed (on mobile devices), or when moving between applets in the navigation bar.
- Sign in to your Square Dashboard and click Settings > Device management > Devices.
- Click on a device, then click Actions > Switch mode.
- Under Switch to, select a new mode.
- Set up a countdown and a custom message to inform team members of the mode switch in progress. At the point of sale, team members will have the option to Switch now.
- Once the settings update, the point of sale will open into the new mode.
Step 5: Track action progress (optional)
Once you have sent the action to switch modes, you can track the progress in the Activity History section of the device information. Every request sent will have one of the following statuses:
The device was unable to switch modes remotely. If a mode switch action fails, review the included failure reason, resolve any issues, and retry. Common failure reasons may include:
- Switching modes failed because there are cash drawers that need to be closed.
- Switching modes failed because of a failure on the device.
- Switching modes failed because there are incomplete transactions.
- Switching modes failed because of a network error.
- Switching modes failed because the device is signed in with an employee account that cannot perform this action. Sign in with an owner email or a device code to switch to this mode.
- Switching modes failed because the account’s subscription does not include access to that mode on mobile devices.
Resolve failures and try to initiate the mode switch again.