Kitchen display system

Set up a kitchen display screen

Generate a setup code, register the tablet or phone, and choose the device settings that matter before service starts.

5 min read · Updated Mar 18, 2026 · Managers setting up a kitchen display device

Start here when you are putting a new kitchen screen on a tablet, phone, or counter display.

Open Kitchen Display Screens, generate a setup code, open KDS Setup on the device, then review the screen settings before service starts.

Quick facts

Start here

Setup codes are short-lived, so register the screen soon after you generate one.
The setup page asks you to install the app first, then enter the code on the installed screen.
Each KDS device has its own nickname, alert thresholds, sync setting, and chime setting.
The default fulfillment label is used when an order does not send a clear pickup or delivery label.

Before you start

Use a device that can stay plugged in and left open during service.
On iPad or iPhone, use Safari. On Android or desktop Chrome, use the browser install flow when it is offered.
Pick the location first in Kitchen Display Screens so the new device registers to the right queue.

Step 1: Generate a setup code

Open the KDS manager page

Go to Kitchen Display Screens.

Choose the location that will own the screen, then click Generate KDS setup code.

Kitchen Display Screens page with the location picker, setup code button, and generated QR code — Pick the location, generate the setup code, then keep the code or QR visible while you register the device.

1 Choose the location that should own this kitchen display before you generate the code.
2 Generate the setup code here right before you move to the tablet or counter screen.
3 Keep the code, QR, or setup link visible while you register the device.

Keep the code visible while you register the device

Leave the code on screen or copy it to a safe note right away.

If the code expires before the device is registered, generate a fresh one and start that step again.

Step 2: Register the screen on the device

Open the public setup page on the tablet or phone

On the device, open KDS Setup.

Follow the install note at the top of the page first if you want the screen to run like an app from the home screen.

KDS setup page with setup code field, nickname field, and register button — The setup page lets you type the code, name the screen, or scan the QR code with the device camera.

Enter the code and register the screen

Type the setup code or scan the QR code, then add a short nickname like Expo, Bake Line, or Front Oven.

Tap Register KDS screen. After the token is saved, the device moves to the live KDS screen.

KDS setup page with code and nickname fields — Type or scan the setup code, add a clear screen nickname, and register the device into the live KDS queue.

Step 3: Review the screen settings before service

Go back to Kitchen Display Screens after the device registers.

The new device appears in Registered KDS Devices with the settings you can tune for that one screen.

Set warning and error minutes to match how fast this station should work.
Keep Sync across devices on if multiple screens should share the same line-item completion and clear state.
Set a default fulfillment label so unlabeled orders still show a useful badge.
Turn Play chime on if this screen should make sound for new orders.
Adjust Auto-promote scheduled minutes if you want scheduled orders to move into the live queue earlier or later.

Final pre-service checklist

Leave the screen ready for the shift

Confirm the device opens straight to KDS, stays charged, and can reach the network.

Use Enqueue Test Order on Kitchen Display Screens once before launch so the team sees the full flow before real orders arrive.