7punches for Employees: How to Punch In and Out Using 7punches

Updated December 23, 2025 21:05

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to accurately record your attendance and working hours using 7punches (7shifts' time clocking app). You can punch in for your shifts using a shared tablet at the restaurant, or—if your employer has enabled Mobile Punch—you may be able to punch in using your personal mobile device.

⚠️ Note: This article applies only if your team uses 7punches for clocking in and out. If you’re unsure whether you should be using 7punches, please confirm with your manager.

⚠️ Not Authorized? If you see a “Not authorized” error when trying to use 7punches, it likely means that an Admin hasn't enabled Mobile Punch for your account. Please reach out to them directly for help.

⚠️ 7punches is an app designed specifically for tablets and mobile devices. You can't use 7punches on a desktop or laptop computer.

To ensure you have access to the latest features and functionality, it’s best practice to keep your 7punches app up to date. You can check for updates in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

SKIP AHEAD TO:

Locate Your Punch ID
Punching IN
Punching for Breaks
Punching OUT

🔍 Locate Your Punch ID

Your Punch ID (also known as a clock-in code) is a unique number assigned to you by your employer. You'll need this to punch in and out on 7punches.

To find your Punch ID:

7shifts Mobile App: Tap your profile icon (top left) → Edit Profile → view your Punch ID.
7shifts Web App: Click your profile icon → My Account (General) → view your Punch ID.

Punching In/Out on a Shared Tablet

⚠️ Photo Punches: If you see a Camera on your punch screen, your employer has enabled Buddy Punch Prevention. With this setting enabled, your picture will be taken to verify that it's you punching in/out. These photos are only accessible to members of your management team who have permissions to view them.

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👊 Punching In (Start your shift)

On the punch tablet at your workplace:

Enter your Punch ID using the keypad and select Sign In.
New! You'll see a summary of your shift details (start time & end time, role, etc.).
To officially clock in, you must tap “Start shift.”

Role Selection (if applicable)

Depending on your company’s settings, you may be prompted to:

Change roles from your scheduled shift.
Select a role if you weren’t scheduled for a shift that day.

⚠️ Note: If your company does not allow punches without a scheduled shift, you will not be given the option to start a shift. Please speak with your manager if this happens - they can add you to the schedule, or add the punch on your behalf.

☕ Punching for Breaks

Note: Break tracking in 7punches depends on your employer’s settings. If break tracking is enabled for your workplace, you’ll be prompted to choose whether you’re punching out for a Break or for the end of your shift.

Enter your Punch ID using the keypad when you're ready to take a break and select Sign In.
Select Go on break when prompted.
If you're employer has different break types enabled, choose the break type you are punching for.
After your break, enter your Punch ID, select Sign In and tap End break, to punch back in.

Go on Break:

End break:

⚠️ Important:

If your employer does not have break tracking enabled in 7shifts, you will not see the Break option when punching.
If your employer had enabled enforced breaks, you may not be able to clock back in until your minimum break time has elapsed.

🕔 Punching Out (End your shift)

Enter your Punch ID on the tablet and select Sign In.
New! You’ll see a summary of your current status (e.g., Punched-in), your worked time and the option to End shift.
Tap End Shift to officially clock out.

Not ready to clock out yet? Tap the back arrow to return to your active shift.

📱 Punching In/Out on Your Own Mobile Device

If your employer has enabled mobile punch within 7shifts, you can punch in/out directly from your mobile device using the 7punches app.
To use Mobile Punch:
1. Download the 7punches app.
2. Log in using your 7shifts credentials (same email and password you use to login to 7shifts).
3. Follow the same steps listed above to punch in/out and for breaks (if applicable).

Download the 7punches app:

If you have trouble finding your Punch ID or are blocked from punching in, speak to your manager or contact 7shifts Support.