iPad Kiosk mode locks down ordering for unattended self-service. A customer walks up, picks a language, orders, pays, and gets a receipt. It resets to the welcome screen automatically between customers.

Hardware

  • iPad: any model with iPadOS 16+ (so 2018 or newer). Bigger screens (iPad Pro 12.9”) look more impressive, but the iPad 10.2” works fine.
  • Floor stand or counter mount: $150–250 on Amazon. Brands like Heckler, Bouncepad, and Studio Proper work well. Look for one with a charging passthrough.
  • Receipt printer: see Receipt Printers Setup.
  • Card reader (if you want pay-at-kiosk): your onboarding manager will recommend a reader compatible with the gateway you’re on (Shift4 or NMI). Don’t buy a generic Stripe-only reader; it won’t work.

Step 1: Install the Eatsy iPad app

Free download from the App Store. Sign in with your Eatsy operator credentials (the same login you use for admin.eatsyorders.com).

Step 2: Configure as kiosk

In the iPad app, go to Settings → Mode → Self-order kiosk.

Configure:

  • Idle timeout: default is 90 seconds. After this period with no activity, the screen returns to the welcome screen.
  • Language default: none (the customer picks) or force one.
  • Pay-at-kiosk vs. pay-at-counter: with pay-at-counter, the kiosk prints a numbered ticket the customer takes to the cashier.
  • Tip prompt: on or off.

Step 3: Lock down the iPad

Use Apple Guided Access (Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access on the iPad itself) to lock the iPad to the Eatsy app. Customers can’t switch apps, can’t access settings, and can’t browse the web.

Set a passcode only your manager knows, so the iPad can be unlocked at the end of the shift to pull daily reports.

Test the idle timeout in real conditions. The 90-second default works for fast-moving QSR lines. Slower-paced restaurants (sit-down browsing) might need 120 or 180 seconds. Pick what reflects your customers' actual behavior.

Step 4: Pair the printer and card reader

Your onboarding manager helps with the first pairing: printer over USB or Bluetooth, card reader over Bluetooth. Both are paired from the Eatsy iPad app’s Settings panel.

After pairing, print a test receipt and run a $0.01 test charge on the card reader to confirm the gateway connection.

Day 1 testing

Walk through a full order yourself: scan the menu, customize an item, pay, and get a receipt. Then walk away for 90 seconds and confirm the kiosk resets automatically.

End-of-day reports

Tap the small “Manager” link in the bottom-right corner of the kiosk screen and enter your passcode. Daily revenue, order count, and best-selling items show up there.