What Is Kiosk Mode?
Kiosk mode allows staff to clock in and out using a shared tablet or device. It is suited to organisations where a shared clocking point makes more operational sense than individual device logins — for example, in settings where staff begin their shift in a shared area, where devices are provided centrally, or where a consistent on-site clocking experience is preferred.
When a device is in kiosk mode, the Sona app is locked to a simple clock-in/clock-out interface. Each staff member logs in using a six-digit PIN they set themselves, clocks in or out, and is then automatically signed out.
Hardware Requirements
Android tablets: Most organisations use Android tablets with Sona kiosk mode, but iPads are also supported. Sona targets the latest two major Android or iOS versions. Sona recommends:
- A Google Pixel or Samsung device with at least 4GB RAM
- Purchased new from a reputable supplier
Sona cannot guarantee support for all Android tablet models. If you want to use a specific Android tablet, speak to your implementation manager about testing it first.
Note: Kiosk mode does not support offline access. The device must have a stable internet connection at all times.
Before You Begin
Kiosk mode must be enabled for your organisation before it can be used. Your organisation will have been given a four-character company kiosk code during implementation. This is separate from your standard app sign-up code.
If you do not have a kiosk code or are unsure whether kiosk mode is enabled for your account, contact support@getsona.com.
You will also need at least one manager to set up their own six-digit manager PIN before any device is put into kiosk mode. This is important — the manager PIN is the only way to take a device out of kiosk mode once it has been activated.
Step 1: Set Up a Manager PIN
A manager must complete this step on their own personal device before the shared kiosk device is set up.
- Open the Sona app on your personal device and log in as normal.
- Tap your initials or profile picture in the top-left corner of the app.
- Select Kiosk Management.
- Tap Set worker login code.
- Search for your own name and select it.
- Enter a six-digit PIN of your choice. This will be your personal kiosk login code.
At least one manager must complete this step before proceeding to set up the shared device.
Step 2: Put the Shared Device into Kiosk Mode
Once a manager has set their six-digit PIN, the shared device can be configured.
- On the shared device, open the Sona app.
- At the login screen, enter the four-character company kiosk code when prompted for the company code.
- Enter the six-digit manager PIN you set in Step 1.
- Tap your initials or profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Select Kiosk Management, then toggle Enable Kiosk Mode on.
The device is now in kiosk mode and locked to the clock-in/clock-out interface. Staff can begin setting up their PINs.
Step 3: Set Up Staff PINs
Every member of staff who will use the kiosk needs their own six-digit PIN. Managers set these up, but the employee chooses the code themselves.
- While logged into the kiosk device as a manager, tap your initials or profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Select Kiosk Management, then tap Set worker login code.
- Search for the employee's name and select them.
- Hand the device to the employee so they can enter their own six-digit PIN privately.
Repeat this for each staff member who needs kiosk access. Sona recommends compiling a list of staff who need kiosk logins before your go-live date so you can work through them efficiently.
Managers cannot see employees' PINs. The employee is the only person who knows their code.
How Staff Clock In and Out
Once their PIN is set up, staff follow these steps at the kiosk device:
- On the kiosk login screen, the device will display a PIN entry prompt.
- The employee enters the four-character company kiosk code and their six-digit personal PIN.
- After logging in, they will see their scheduled shifts and can select the relevant shift to clock in or out.
- Once the clock-in or clock-out is confirmed, the app automatically signs them out.
If no activity is detected for the configured timeout period, the device will also sign the user out automatically.
Staff can only clock in or out for rostered shifts. It is not possible to clock in for an unplanned shift via kiosk mode.
How to Reset a Staff PIN
If an employee has forgotten their PIN:
- The employee goes to any manager and asks them to initiate a PIN reset.
- The manager logs into the kiosk device (or their personal device) and taps their initials or profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Select Kiosk Management, then tap Set worker login code.
- Search for the employee's name and select them.
- Hand the device to the employee so they can enter a new six-digit PIN of their choice.
How Kiosk Clock-Ins Appear in T&A
Kiosk clock-ins appear in your Time & Attendance records alongside standard app clock-ins. They are processed in the same way and will appear in your exceptions and pay records as normal.
Taking a Device Out of Kiosk Mode
To deactivate kiosk mode on a device:
- At the kiosk login screen, enter the four-character company kiosk code and the manager's six-digit PIN.
- Once logged in, tap your initials or profile picture in the top-left corner.
- Select Kiosk Management, then toggle Enable Kiosk Mode off.
The device will exit kiosk mode and return to the standard Sona app login screen.
Important: If no manager has set up a six-digit PIN before the device was put into kiosk mode, you will not be able to exit kiosk mode without contacting support. This is why it is essential to complete Step 1 before activating kiosk mode.
What Staff Can Access in Kiosk Mode
By default, kiosk mode is locked to clock-in and clock-out only. Staff cannot access the full Sona app experience from a kiosk device.
Additional features can optionally be enabled on a per-organisation basis, including:
- View schedule
- Manage working preferences
- Request holidays
- Edit personal settings (e.g., phone number, address)
- Access the company Resource Hub
If you would like to enable any of these additional features, contact support@getsona.com.
Common Issues
The kiosk app is not loading
Check that the device has a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection — kiosk mode requires an active internet connection. If connectivity is not the issue, try closing and reopening the Sona app.
An employee's PIN is not being recognised
Check that the employee has had their PIN set up by a manager. Confirm the employee is entering the company kiosk code first, followed by their own six-digit PIN — both are required to log in.
A clock-in is not registering
Check that the employee has an active scheduled shift for that date and time. Kiosk mode only supports clock-ins and clock-outs for rostered shifts. Also confirm the device has internet access.
The manager cannot log into the kiosk device
Confirm the manager set up their six-digit PIN before the kiosk was activated. The manager's kiosk PIN is separate from their standard app login and must be set up explicitly via Kiosk Management > Set worker login code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does kiosk mode work without internet?
No. Kiosk mode requires an active internet connection. Clock-ins cannot be recorded offline.
Q: Can staff use kiosk mode on any Android tablet?
Not necessarily. Sona recommends Google Pixel or Samsung devices with at least 4GB RAM running Android 13 or 14. Support for other Android tablet models cannot be guaranteed — speak to your implementation manager if you want to test a specific device.
Q: Can staff do anything other than clock in and out on the kiosk?
By default, no — the kiosk is locked to the clock-in/clock-out interface.
Q: How long before the kiosk automatically signs a user out?
The inactivity timeout is configured for your organisation when kiosk mode is set up. If you would like to change your timeout setting, contact support@getsona.com.
Q: Can a manager see an employee's PIN?
No. Employees set their own PIN privately. Managers do not have visibility of individual PINs.