Why Can't I Clock In?
Start with the exact message shown on the Clock tab. Most clock-in blocks come from an account rule, a device permission, or a temporary connection problem.
Location is required
ShiftFlow cannot submit the punch when the account requires device location and the app cannot obtain it.
Location is required
Turn on Location Services and allow ShiftFlow to use your device location, then try again.
On the device:
- Turn on Location Services or GPS.
- Open the device settings for ShiftFlow and allow location access.
- Return to ShiftFlow, keep the app open while it refreshes location, and try again.
If the device still has no location, move outdoors or away from signal-blocking areas, disable battery-saving restrictions for ShiftFlow, and retry. Managers can review the account’s location requirement under Account Settings → Locations.
You are too far from the work site
The submitted device location is outside every allowed work-site radius.
Can't clock in here
Your submitted location is too far from the designated work site. Move to the work site and try again.
Move to the designated work site and tap Try Again. Do not select a different site unless you are actually working there. If you are at the correct location, send your Manager the site name and your current address so they can verify the saved map pin and radius.
Your scheduled shift has not started
An Early Clock-In Window can prevent team members from starting a published scheduled shift too early.
Scheduled shift has not started
Your scheduled shift starts at 9:00 AM. You cannot clock in at the current time.
Wait until the allowed window begins. If the schedule time is wrong or you were asked to start early, contact a Manager. Managers can update the shift or review Early Clock-In Window in Account Settings.
Managers can follow How to Control Where and When Team Members Can Clock In to review the account rule.
Camera or Photo Proof cannot complete
When Photo Proof is mandatory, clock-in fails without a photo.
- Allow ShiftFlow to use the camera in device settings.
- Close other apps that may be using the camera, then reopen ShiftFlow.
- Make sure your face is visible and tap Smile & Confirm Clock In again.
If the camera is unavailable, contact a Manager. A mandatory photo cannot be skipped by the team member.
A Job Code or Cost Code is required
When Job Code selection is enforced, select a Job Code before continuing. If Cost Codes are enabled, select one on the following screen as well.
If there are no available choices, the item may be inactive, restricted, or not configured. Ask a Manager to check Job Codes and Cost Codes. See How to Clock In for the normal selection flow.
The mobile Clock In action is unavailable
The account may be configured as Kiosk only. In that case, team members must use the shared kiosk for clock in, clock out, breaks, and job switches.
Use the time clock kiosk
This business requires team members to use kiosk for clock in, clock out, breaks, and job switches.
Use the business’s kiosk and your assigned kiosk PIN. An Owner or Admin can change this rule under Clock-In Devices if mobile clock-in should be allowed.
The account needs a subscription
Time clock access can stop when the account has no active subscription. An Owner or Admin must start a trial, activate a subscription, or resolve the billing status.
Subscription required
An Owner or Admin needs to activate the account subscription before the team can use the time clock.
Team members cannot change billing. Send the account Owner the message you see and wait for them to confirm access is active.
Owners can follow How to Manage Your ShiftFlow Subscription to review the provider and current status.
There is no network connection
If the Clock tab says No network connection, reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data. When you need to record time immediately, tap Switch to offline mode and follow How to Clock In and Out Offline.
Offline Mode is not available on a kiosk and still enforces required location and work-site distance.
Before contacting support
Confirm the app is up to date, note the time of the failed attempt, and capture the full error message. Include your business name, device type, work-site name, and whether you were using the mobile app or kiosk. Do not repeatedly clock in after a punch succeeds; first check the active timer or timesheet to avoid duplicate entries.