> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dishink.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Switching Accounts

> Switch between staff users on a shared terminal, or between multiple branches on an owner account.

DishInk supports two types of switching: **staff switching** between users on a shared device, and **branch switching** between locations on a multi-branch owner account.

## Switch staff on a shared terminal

On any shared device, the currently logged-in staff member is shown in two places:

* **Top bar** — a small avatar badge with the staff member's name and a **Switch Acc** button next to it
* **Bottom of the sidebar** — a card showing the staff member's name and role

To switch to a different staff user, click **Switch Acc** in the top bar or use **Logout** at the bottom of the sidebar. This returns you to the staff login screen where the next person can select their name and enter their PIN.

<Note>
  Switching staff does not require a full sign-out of the owner account. The device stays connected to the same restaurant — only the active staff session changes.
</Note>

<Warning>
  Switching users does not close any open bills belonging to the previous staff member. Always ensure open tables and active POS sessions are handed over or closed before switching.
</Warning>

## Switch branches (multi-location)

If your account has multiple locations, a **Location Switcher** appears in:

* The **top bar** on desktop (compact mode, next to the staff badge)
* The **sidebar header** on mobile

Click it to switch to a different branch. The entire dashboard reloads to show data, staff, and settings for the selected location. You stay logged in — no password is needed to switch branches.

<Note>
  The location switcher only appears if your account has more than one branch and your role has the `can_switch_locations` permission. Cashiers and waiters are typically locked to their home branch and will not see the switcher.
</Note>

## Staff roles and what they can switch

| Role    | Staff switching            | Branch switching              |
| ------- | -------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Owner   | Full access                | All branches                  |
| Manager | Full access                | Branches they are assigned to |
| Cashier | PIN login on shared device | Home branch only              |
| Waiter  | PIN login on shared device | Home branch only              |
| Kitchen | PIN login on shared device | Home branch only              |

## Tips & best practices

<Tip>
  Assign every shared device to a home branch. This prevents accidental cross-branch sales if a staff member forgets to switch before starting a session.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  Staff members must clock in before accessing Back Operations. If a staff member switches and the next person skips clock-in, they will be automatically redirected to the clock-in screen.
</Tip>

## Related pages

* [Clocking In & Out](/getting-started/clocking-in-out)
* [Roles & Permissions](/getting-started/roles-permissions)
* [Multi-Location: Managing Branches](/multi-location/managing-branches)