Hardware & Kiosk Setup

BarBud is designed as a "tablet-first" application, ensuring that bartenders have a seamless and tactile experience in fast-paced environments. This guide will help you configure your physical hardware to get the most out of BarBud.

Recommended Hardware

While BarBud runs in any modern web browser, for the best performance and user experience, we recommend using dedicated tablets.

• Apple iPad: iPad (9th gen or later) or iPad Pro running the latest iPadOS. Safari provides excellent Progressive Web App (PWA) support.
• Android Tablets: Samsung Galaxy Tab S series or comparable devices running the latest Android version with Chrome.

Installing BarBud as an App (PWA)

For a native app feel—including full-screen mode without browser UI, faster loading times, and improved offline support—you should install BarBud directly to your tablet's home screen.

On iOS (iPad / iPhone)

1. Open Safari and navigate to your BarBud instance URL.
2. Tap the Share icon (the square with an arrow pointing up) at the top of the screen or bottom bar.
3. Scroll down and select "Add to Home Screen".
4. Confirm the name (e.g., "BarBud") and tap Add.
5. Launch BarBud from the new icon on your home screen. It will open in full-screen mode.

On Android (Chrome)

1. Open Chrome and navigate to your BarBud instance URL.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (menu icon) in the upper right corner.
3. Select "Add to Home screen".
4. Confirm the app name and tap Add.

Setting Up Kiosk Mode

To prevent staff from accessing other apps or settings on the tablet, you can lock the device to the BarBud app. This ensures a focused point-of-sale experience.

Guided Access (iOS)

1. Go to iPad Settings > Accessibility.
2. Scroll down to Guided Access and turn it on.
3. Set a passcode that only managers know.
4. Open the BarBud app from the home screen.
5. Triple-click the Home button (or Top button on newer iPads) to start Guided Access.
6. You can draw areas on the screen you want to disable or configure hardware buttons to be ignored.
7. Tap Start in the top right corner.

App Pinning (Android)

1. Go to Android Settings > Security (or Security & Location).
2. Select Advanced > App pinning and turn it on.
3. Open the BarBud app.
4. Open the Recent Apps screen.
5. Tap the app icon at the top of the BarBud card and select "Pin".
6. To unpin, you will need to use the device's unlock method (PIN or pattern).