---
title: "Common Kiosk Errors and What They Mean"
slug: "common-kiosk-errors-and-what-they-mean"
tags: ["Kiosk Access Permissions", "Kiosk Error Messages", "Punch Recording Issues"]
updated: 2026-01-19T20:41:27Z
published: 2026-01-19T20:41:27Z
canonical: "help.workeasysoftware.com/common-kiosk-errors-and-what-they-mean"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.workeasysoftware.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Common Kiosk Errors and What They Mean

Kiosk error messages and blocked actions occur when reporting rules, permissions, or validations prevent a punch from being recorded.

### You are not allowed to use this kiosk

**Why this happens**

- You are assigned to a different kiosk location.
- This kiosk is restricted to another group or department.
- Kiosk permissions are not configured for you.

**What to do**

- Use another kiosk at your work location.
- Contact your manager to confirm kiosk access.

### Kiosk Clock In/Out is not enabled

**Why this happens**

- Kiosk Clock In/Out is not enabled in your Reporting Hours rule.
- You are required to use another punch method.

**What to do**

- Confirm the required punch method with your manager.
- Do not attempt additional punches until access is confirmed.

### Clock In or Clock Out button is missing

**Why this happens**

- You are already clocked in or clocked out.
- Smart Clocking enforces the correct action.
- Reporting rules restrict available actions.

**What to do**

- Select an available action shown on the screen.
- Contact your manager if an expected action is not shown.

### Start Break or End Break is not available

**Why this happens**

- Break rules are not configured for your role.
- You are not eligible for a break at this time.
- A minimum break duration is enforced.

**What to do**

- If End Break is blocked, wait until the minimum break time completes.
- Contact your manager if break actions are expected to be available.

### End Break button is disabled

**Why this happens**

- A minimum break duration is enforced.

**What to do**

- Wait until the countdown timer completes.
- The End Break button becomes available automatically.

### Job selection required

**Why this happens**

- Job costing is enabled.
- Job selection is required for your role.
- You are clocking in or transferring jobs.

**What to do**

- Select the required job and task if applicable.
- Ask your manager which job to select if needed.

### Transfer button is not visible

**Why this happens**

- Job costing is not enabled.
- Job selection is required at clock in only.
- Transfers are blocked during a shift.

**What to do**

- Continue working on the current job.
- Contact your manager if a job change is required.

### Comment required

**Why this happens**

- Comments are required by company configuration.
- The requirement can apply to clock in, clock out, breaks, or transfers.

**What to do**

- Enter a brief, relevant comment.
- Select the action again to continue.

### Duplicate punch detected

**Why this happens**

- A punch was attempted too quickly.
- A validation window is enforced.

**What to do**

- Wait a few seconds.
- Retry the action if needed.

### Location not allowed

**Why this happens**

- Geolocation or geofencing is enforced.
- The kiosk is outside the allowed area.
- Location services are unavailable.

**What to do**

- Confirm you are at the correct work location.
- Contact your manager if the issue continues.

### Screen looks different after a successful punch

**Why this happens**

- Smart Clocking adjusts available actions.
- Your punch status changed.
- Different rules apply at different times.

**What to do**

- Select an available action shown on the screen.
- Contact your manager if the available actions are not expected.

### When to contact your manager

- You cannot clock in or out when expected.
- You do not see actions you believe should be available.
- You see repeated error messages.
- You are unsure how to proceed.

## Related articles

- Employee Clock In and Clock Out Using the Kiosk
- Start and End a Break Using the Kiosk
- Switch Jobs Using the Kiosk
- How Report Hours Work (Kiosk Access Rules)