1. 7shifts
  2. Product Guides
  3. Time Clocking
  4. Time Clocking Settings

Buddy Punch Prevention

Updated

Buddy Punch Prevention is a feature that helps you verify employee identity at punch-in and punch-out. When this feature is enabled, a photo is taken of the employee each time they punch, which can be reviewed by Admins or Managers/Assistant Managers (with permissions).

⚠️ Prerequisites 

  • To use Buddy Punch Prevention, you must use 7punches for time clocking.
  • This feature may require an upgrade to your current plan.
  • We strive to ensure all features of our apps work across the vast Android ecosystem. While the core functions of the application are supported on most hardware, we cannot guarantee full compatibility for device-specific features like the Camera or Location Services on all manufactured devices. We recommend using hardware from established vendors for the most reliable experience.

Set Up Buddy Punch Prevention (Web)

⚠️ Only Admins can access the 7punches settings.

  1. From the 7shifts web app, go to Time Clocking > Settings.
  2. Check the box next to 'Buddy punch prevention'.
  3. Scroll down and click 'Save'.
Screenshot 2025-09-11 at 10.46.31 AM.png

Set Up Buddy Punch Prevention (Mobile App)

The next time you open 7punches on a mobile device, you'll see a photo square and/or banner above the keypad.

  1. Enable 7punches to access the device's camera:
    • iOS: Tap the yellow '!' icon.
    • Android: Tap 'Allow camera access' in the yellow banner.
  2. Tap 'OK'.

  3. A camera will now be displayed on the punch screen and a photo will now be taken each time your employees punch. 

    Tip: Employees can tap the '?' icon to see an explanation of why their picture is being taken.

Screenshot 2025-09-10 at 12.49.25 PM.pngScreenshot_20250910_124736_7punches.jpg

Viewing Photo Punches

⚠️ Managers/Assistant Managers require the 'Can manage time punches' and the 'Can view pictures on time punches' permissions to view employee photo punches.

⚠️ Images captured on unsupported devices or during periods of network instability may fail to save or appear as expected.

You can view punch photos in the punch details on the web app: 

  1. From the 7shifts web app, go to Time Clocking > Pay Periods.
  2. Open the pay period you want to view.

  3. If you have 'Photo' column enabled, click the camera icon to see the photos taken throughout the shift.
     
    Screenshot 2025-09-10 at 1.04.56 PM.png

    Screenshot 2025-09-10 at 1.07.09 PM.png

  4. Alternatively, you can open an employee's punch overview by clicking on the punch. The photos taken at each punch will be displayed in the punch timeline. Hover over each photo to expand.

    Screenshot 2025-09-10 at 1.41.15 PM.png

RELATED ARTICLES

Photo Verification for Employee Punches with 7punches Buddy Punch Prevention
Getting Started: Setting Up and Using 7punches for Time Clocking 
7punches for Employees: How to Punch In and Out Using 7punches 

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