Kiosk setup (self-check-in)
Turn a tablet at your studio door into a self-service check-in terminal.
The Kowbi kiosk turns any browser-equipped tablet into a self-service check-in terminal. Customers tap in their PIN, the door opens (if you've wired access control), and your dashboard logs the check-in.
Available on Starter, Pro, and Business plans.
What you need
- A tablet, iPad, or laptop you can leave by the studio entrance
- Wi-Fi
- (Optional) Smart lock or door access integration — Kowbi can trigger most HTTP-based access systems
First-time setup
- Admin → Settings → Kiosk → Generate kiosk URL
- Copy the kiosk URL (it includes a long unique token — don't share it publicly)
- On the tablet, open Safari/Chrome and paste the URL
- Use Add to Home Screen so it launches full-screen like an app
The kiosk is now waiting for check-ins.
How customers check in
After their 48-hour deposit auth succeeds, Kowbi emails the customer their access PIN (4–6 digits). They:
- Show up at the studio
- Tap their PIN on the kiosk
- See a welcome screen with their session details
- (If wired) the door unlocks
Your dashboard logs the check-in time. Late arrivals and no-shows are flagged automatically.
Re-issuing a PIN
If a customer loses their PIN, you can resend the access instructions email from Admin → Bookings → [booking] → Resend Access.
Kiosk alerts
The kiosk also surfaces real-time alerts your dashboard sends — e.g. "Studio A is double-booked at 3pm" or "John's deposit failed, don't let him in." Useful if no one's at the front desk.
Security notes
- The kiosk URL contains a rotateable token — if a tablet is stolen, generate a new URL in settings and the old one stops working
- The kiosk does not show client PII (no card numbers, no contact info) — only the active booking and welcome message
- Kiosk endpoints are token-authenticated separately from your admin login, so a public-facing tablet can't reach your private dashboard
Troubleshooting
Kiosk says "session not found" — PIN typo, expired PIN, or the booking was cancelled. Check the booking in your admin dashboard.
Tablet screen sleeps — disable auto-lock on the tablet, or use Guided Access (iPad) to keep the kiosk page open.