Not every store has room for a second tablet. If the iPad at the till already runs your till software, the same iPad can also be the store device. That is what the device type “Shared device” is for.
Set it up as a shared device
Install the app on the till iPad and pair it as described in Setting up a store device.
When pairing, choose “Shared device” under “Device type”.
If the iPad is already paired, open “Store devices”, tap “Edit” next to the device, choose “Shared device” and tap “Save”.
Important: Do not set up Guided Access on a shared device. Guided Access locks the iPad into a single app. Then nobody can get to the till software any more.
Switch between the till and the store device
You can switch back and forth between the till software and the store device at any time. The quickest way is the Dock at the bottom of the screen.
Put both apps in the Dock: touch and hold an app icon until the icons jiggle, then drag it down into the Dock.
While you work, swipe up briefly from the bottom edge. The Dock appears.
Tap the app you need. The other one stays open in the background.
Both apps at once: Split View and Slide Over
On the iPad, the store device can also be shown next to another app. With Split View, both apps sit side by side. With Slide Over, the store device floats as a narrow window over the till and can be pushed to the side.
Open the till software.
Tap the three dots at the top centre.
Choose “Split View” for side by side or “Slide Over” for a floating window.
Then tap the store device app, in the Dock or on the Home Screen.
Whether these views exist and what they are called depends on your iPad's software version. Some till software does not allow them. In that case, switch using the Dock as described above.
The device always jumps back to its start page
A shared device forgets who used it last every time you switch. When the store device comes back to the front, it shows its start page. Nobody is recognised any more, and no names or times are visible. Anyone who wants to enter something types in their code again.
- This way, nobody at the till can see what the previous person entered.
- An entry you started but have not saved yet is lost when you switch. So save first before you switch to the till.
- Even without switching, recognition ends after 30 seconds without input.
Tip: A shared device works best in the app. In the browser, the iPad may delete data when it frees up storage.
Frequently asked questions
Does a shared device also work on an Android tablet?
Yes. You can also pair an Android tablet as a “Shared device” and switch between the till and the store device using the app overview. What the split-screen view is called there depends on the manufacturer.
Does a shared device also get notices and reminders?
Yes. If notifications are allowed on the device, due checks and reminders also appear while the till software is in front.