How to Lock Your Tablet in Timeclock Mode

Modified on Mon, 06 Feb 2023 at 11:18 AM

If you keep your Nowsta Tablet Timeclock in a public place, it may be helpful to lock the tablet on Timeclock mode so that your staff cannot close out of the application.

Locking the app will prevent employees from tampering with your tablet and closing the Nowsta timeclock.

(For instructions on how to set up a Nowsta Tablet Timeclock in the first place, see here).

Android Tablet Devices

Follow the instructions listed here to keep your Android tablet locked and permanently on.

Apple Tablet Devices (iPads, iPods, iPhones)

On Apple Devices, a few steps are required to ensure the Nowsta app stays locked and that your tablet does not go into sleep mode, thereby preventing your staff from using the Timeclock.

(1) Activate Guided Access

Navigate to Settings > General > Accessibility, scroll down to Learning, and then flick the Guided Access toggle to the on position.

(2) Keep the screen on

By default, Guided Access means the screen will enter sleep mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. 

You can keep the screen on permanently by heading back into the Guided Access section of the Settings menu and turning Mirror Display Auto-Lock on. 

Note: Your iPad's operating system must be on version 12.1.2 or higher to enable this feature. To upgrade to the most recent version of iOS, plug your device into power and connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi. Tap Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install.

Go back to the main Settings menu, enter Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock, and then adjust the setting to Never.

(3) Start the Guided Access Session

To turn Guided Access on, head to the Nowsta Timeclock app, then triple-click the Home button. Now triple-press the Home button if your device has one.

Hit Start in the top right corner, then input a passcode to lock the app in place as the only usable function.

Triple-click the button again and input the same passcode to stop your Guided Access session.


We’re always available to help! Please reach out to support@nowsta.com with any questions.

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