Device Management & Authorization

Complete guide to setting up, authorizing, and managing kiosk devices with OAuth 2.0 security

Device Management & Authorization

Master the secure setup and management of kiosk devices across your retail locations using OAuth 2.0 device authorization.

Understanding Device Management

Store Check-In uses industry-standard OAuth 2.0 Device Authorization Grant (RFC 8628) to securely connect kiosk devices to your Shopify store. This ensures:

  • Security: Only authorized devices can access your products
  • Scalability: Support up to 50 devices per location
  • Reliability: Automatic token refresh and heartbeat monitoring
  • Compliance: Standards-based authentication for enterprise use

Device Authorization Process

Step 1: Device Setup Preparation

Hardware Requirements:

  • iPad: 9th generation or newer (recommended)
  • Android Tablet: 8-inch screen minimum, Android 8.0+
  • Windows Device: Touchscreen with Windows 10/11
  • Network: Stable WiFi connection (5 Mbps minimum)

Software Setup:

  1. Open device browser (Safari for iPad, Chrome for others)
  2. Navigate to https://kiosk.storecheckin.com
  3. Add to Home Screen for full-screen kiosk mode
  4. Test touch responsiveness and screen orientation

Step 2: OAuth Device Authorization

Initiate Pairing:

  1. Launch kiosk app from home screen
  2. Enter your Shopify store URL: yourstore.myshopify.com
  3. Select the location for this device
  4. Device displays 8-character authorization code (e.g., WDJB-MJHT)

Admin Authorization:

  1. In Shopify admin, go to Store Check-In → Device Management
  2. Click “Authorize New Device”
  3. Enter the 8-character code from your kiosk
  4. Verify device location and GPS coordinates
  5. Click “Authorize Device”

Connection Verification:

  • Kiosk shows “Connected” status with green indicator
  • Device appears in admin dashboard as “Active”
  • Products load correctly on kiosk interface
  • Test cart functionality and QR generation

Step 3: Location Assignment

Location Management:

  • Each device must be assigned to a specific location
  • Locations support up to 50 devices maximum
  • GPS coordinates verified during authorization
  • Location-specific product collections automatically applied

Multi-Location Benefits:

  • Centralized device management across stores
  • Location-specific analytics and reporting
  • Per-location billing and usage tracking
  • Custom branding per location if needed

Device Status Monitoring

Real-Time Status Dashboard

Device Health Indicators:

  • 🟢 Active: Device connected and responding to heartbeat
  • 🟡 Warning: Minor connectivity issues, still functional
  • 🔴 Offline: Device not responding, needs attention
  • ⚪ Unauthorized: Device needs re-authorization

Heartbeat System:

  • Devices send status every 30 minutes
  • Automatic token refresh before expiration
  • Connection quality monitoring
  • Battery level tracking (for portable devices)

Troubleshooting Device Issues

Common Connection Problems:

Device Shows “Unauthorized”:

  1. Re-run authorization process with new code
  2. Check that device location matches admin setting
  3. Verify Shopify store URL is correct
  4. Ensure stable internet connection

Products Not Loading:

  1. Check product collections are properly configured
  2. Verify products are published and visible
  3. Test internet connectivity
  4. Refresh device cache (close and reopen app)

Kiosk Appears Slow:

  1. Check internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps recommended)
  2. Clear browser cache and restart app
  3. Verify device has sufficient storage space
  4. Consider upgrading older hardware

Advanced Device Configuration

Kiosk Mode Security

iPad Guided Access:

  1. Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access
  2. Enable Guided Access and set passcode
  3. Launch kiosk app and triple-click home button
  4. Select areas to disable and start session

Android Kiosk Mode:

  1. Use device’s built-in kiosk mode (Samsung Knox, etc.)
  2. Or install third-party kiosk launcher
  3. Pin kiosk app as the only accessible application
  4. Disable access to settings and other apps

Windows Kiosk Setup:

  1. Use Windows 10/11 Assigned Access feature
  2. Create dedicated kiosk user account
  3. Assign browser app with kiosk URL only
  4. Lock down system settings and navigation

Performance Optimization

Network Configuration:

  • Dedicated WiFi network for kiosk devices
  • QoS settings to prioritize kiosk traffic
  • Guest network isolation for security
  • Backup internet connection (mobile hotspot)

Device Maintenance:

  • Daily: Visual check of device status and cleanliness
  • Weekly: Software updates and cache clearing
  • Monthly: Deep clean and hardware inspection
  • Quarterly: Battery health check and replacement planning

Multi-Device Management

Bulk Operations:

  • Authorize multiple devices simultaneously
  • Push configuration updates to all location devices
  • Coordinate software updates across device fleet
  • Monitor usage analytics across all devices

Location-Specific Settings:

  • Custom product collections per location
  • Location-specific branding and colors
  • Regional pricing and promotion management
  • Local language and currency settings

Device Analytics & Insights

Usage Metrics

Device Performance Tracking:

  • Session duration and customer engagement time
  • Product browsing patterns and popular categories
  • Cart creation and QR code generation rates
  • Peak usage hours and customer traffic patterns

Revenue Attribution:

  • Sales generated per device
  • Average order value through kiosk interface
  • Conversion rates from browsing to purchase
  • ROI calculation for device investment

Reporting Dashboard

Real-Time Monitoring:

  • Live device status across all locations
  • Current customer sessions and activity
  • System alerts and notification management
  • Performance metrics and uptime tracking

Historical Analysis:

  • Device usage trends over time
  • Seasonal performance variations
  • Customer engagement pattern analysis
  • Hardware lifecycle and replacement planning

Security Best Practices

Access Control

Administrative Security:

  • Unique authorization codes for each device
  • Time-limited access tokens with automatic refresh
  • Role-based admin access for device management
  • Audit logs for all device authorization activities

Physical Security:

  • Secure device mounting and cable management
  • Theft prevention with locking enclosures
  • Insurance coverage for device hardware
  • Clear sight lines for staff monitoring

Data Protection

Customer Privacy:

  • No personal customer data stored on devices
  • Encrypted communication with Shopify servers
  • GDPR and privacy regulation compliance
  • Clear data retention and deletion policies

Business Security:

  • Product catalog access controls
  • Inventory data encryption in transit
  • Secure payment processing (PCI compliance)
  • Regular security updates and patches

Scaling Device Operations

Enterprise Features

Multi-Location Deployment:

  • Centralized device provisioning
  • Standardized configurations across locations
  • Bulk device management and updates
  • Cross-location analytics and reporting

Integration Capabilities:

  • Shopify POS integration for unified experience
  • Third-party POS system compatibility
  • Inventory management system synchronization
  • Customer relationship management (CRM) integration

Growth Planning

Capacity Management:

  • Monitor device utilization rates
  • Plan expansion based on customer traffic
  • Optimize device placement for maximum impact
  • Budget for hardware refresh cycles

Technology Roadmap:

  • Stay current with supported device models
  • Plan for operating system updates
  • Evaluate new kiosk hardware options
  • Assess emerging retail technology trends

Getting Started

Ready to set up your first kiosk device?

  1. Choose Your Hardware - Select the right device for your needs
  2. Location Setup - Configure your retail locations
  3. Complete Setup Guide - Full implementation walkthrough

Technical questions? Email us at support@storecheckin.com - our team includes OAuth security experts who can help with any device authorization issues.