Troubleshooting Punch Clock Problems

The Problem

Employees are having trouble clocking in on the app. Maybe they can't find their shift, the app says they're already clocked in, or they're getting error messages. Punch clock issues disrupt operations and create timecard headaches later.

The Solution

Most punch clock problems have simple fixes. This guide covers the most common issues employees encounter and how to resolve them quickly—getting everyone back to work with accurate timecards.

Common Problems and Fixes

"I can't find my shift to clock in"

Causes: Shift not published, employee not assigned, or working at wrong location.

Fix:

1. Check if your shift is published (unpublished shifts don't appear in the app)
2. Verify you're assigned to the shift (check with your manager)
3. If working an unscheduled shift: Select your role manually from the list when clocking in
4. If still no shift appears: Contact your manager to add you to the schedule

"It says I'm already clocked in"

Cause: Previous shift wasn't clocked out, or system didn't register your clock out.

Fix:

1. Check if you have an active punch showing in the app
2. If yes: Clock out from that shift first, then clock in to your new shift
3. If no active punch showing but still getting error: Contact your manager—they need to manually end the stuck punch

"Late punch requires manager approval"

Cause: You're clocking in more than X minutes late (set by your location's late punch threshold).

Fix:

1. The app will prompt for a manager key
2. Ask your manager for the late punch approval code
3. Enter the code and try clocking in again
4. If you don't have manager approval, ask your manager to adjust your punch manually after your shift

"Can't edit my tips anymore"

Cause: 15-minute tip entry window has expired.

Fix:

1. You can only edit tips for 15 minutes after clocking out
2. After that, ask your manager to adjust tip amounts in the logbook
3. Prevention: Always enter tips immediately when clocking out

"My break didn't end when I tapped End Break"

Cause: App connection issue or multiple breaks started.

Fix:

1. Close and reopen the BarSight app
2. Check if break shows as active
3. If still stuck: Clock out and back in (this auto-ends breaks)
4. Contact your manager if break time is incorrect on your timecard

"App won't let me clock in at all"

Causes: Punch clock disabled, no internet connection, or login session expired.

Fix:

1. Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular)
2. Log out of the app and log back in
3. Make sure you're using the correct location
4. Verify with manager that punch clock is enabled for your location (Settings → Location → Allow Punches from App)
5. If still not working: Write down your start time and ask manager to enter it manually

Pro Tip

If you encounter a punch problem, write down the exact time you arrived/left and take a screenshot of any error message. This helps your manager fix your timecard accurately later.

Learn More

For complete app usage instructions, see Using the BarSight Punch Clock App. For viewing your punch history, check out Viewing Your Punch History.