Authentication & Login

Overview

The Katalyst POS uses a two-stage login process to keep each session secure and properly attributed. First, a manager or owner logs in with their account credentials to set up the restaurant on the device. Then, each staff member logs in using their personal PIN every time they start a shift, so all checks and activity are tied to the right person.

Prerequisites

• The POS app must be installed and opened on a licensed iPad.
• You need a Katalyst account email and password (for the initial account setup).
• Each staff member must have a PIN assigned to their profile in the back office.

Step 1 — Initial Account Setup (First Time or After Sign-Out)

This step is only required when no restaurant account is connected to the device.

1. Open the Katalyst POS app. The login screen displays the Katalyst logo with three fields.
2. Enter your subdomain (if your restaurant uses a custom subdomain — most locations leave this blank).
3. Enter your account email.
4. Enter your password.
5. Tap Log in.

If your account is linked to more than one restaurant, a list of your restaurants appears. Tap the restaurant name you want to work in.

Forgot your password? Tap forgot your password? on the login screen. Enter your registered email address in the prompt that appears and tap Send — you will receive a password reset link by email.

Step 2 — Staff PIN Login

After the restaurant account is connected, every staff member logs in using their PIN.

1. The PIN entry screen displays the restaurant name at the top and a numeric keypad.
2. Enter your 4-digit PIN on the keypad.
3. The POS submits the PIN automatically when the correct number of digits is entered.

If the PIN is correct, you are logged in and proceed to role or mode selection.

Step 3 — Role Selection (if applicable)

If your staff profile has more than one job role assigned, a role selection screen appears after PIN entry.

1. Tap the role you are working under for this session (for example, Server, Bartender, or Manager).
2. Your clock-in receipt prints automatically once a role is selected.

Step 4 — App Mode Selection (if applicable)

Staff members with access to both Point of Sale and Table Management modes are presented with a mode selection screen.

• Tap Point of Sale to enter the full order-taking and payment flow.
• Tap Table Management to enter the table layout and reservation management view.

Staff with only one mode available are taken directly to that mode without this prompt.

Switching Restaurants

If you manage multiple restaurant locations under one account, you can switch restaurants from the PIN login screen:

1. Tap the settings icon (gear) at the bottom-left of the PIN screen.
2. Tap Sign Out in the sign-out view that appears.
3. The app returns to the account login screen where you can sign in and select a different restaurant.

Troubleshooting

"Incorrect PIN"

The PIN entered does not match any active staff profile for this restaurant. Double-check the PIN or ask a manager to verify or reset your PIN in the back office.

"Invalid pin"

The PIN entered is too short. PINs must be a valid length — re-enter the full PIN.

The app is asking for a license code

Your restaurant requires a device license code to connect. Contact Katalyst support to obtain the license code for this device, then enter it when prompted.

Offline Checks button appears on the PIN screen

When the POS cannot reach the Katalyst server, an Offline Checks button becomes visible. Tapping it lets you view checks previously loaded on this device in read-only mode. Full check creation and payment require an active connection.