Device Licensing is currently in limited release with select customers. Check back soon for updates! |
Device Licensing Overview
Device Licensing is a system that makes sure every Toast device using our software has a matching, active subscription. It helps Toast ensure all active devices are paired with the necessary subscription by:
Automatically linking each device to an existing subscription when available
Alerting operators if a device does not have a matching subscription
Giving customers an easy way to purchase the subscription needed to keep using their device
Frequently Asked Questions for Device Licensing
Why is my device prompting me to activate a subscription?
Your device is showing this message because it’s currently not linked to an active Toast software subscription. Each hardware device running Toast software needs a matching software subscription to stay active. Common reasons devices may be missing a subscription include devices being purchased secondhand, moved between locations, or having a subscription that was removed or updated. We are not collecting any previously unbilled device usage.
Will I be notified before an unlicensed device is locked?
Yes. You’ll receive clear notifications on the impacted device if it’s missing an active subscription. Once notified, you’ll have 14 days to take action before the device becomes locked. During that time, your device will continue to work normally so you can resolve the issue without disruption. Once a device is locked, it can be unlocked by purchasing a software subscription for the locked device.
Why don't I see a notification or banner on my device?
On-screen notifications are only supported on devices running POS software version 2.96 or higher. If your device is on an older version, notifications will not appear. Need to update your Toast app? See instructions: Update Your Toast App. If a license needs to be purchased for the device, but you are not seeing the notification, you can purchase the subscription through Device Hub on Toast Web.
Is the 14-day grace period cumulative usage time of the device?
No. Your 14-day grace period begins once you log in to Toast on the device in question.
What happens if I don’t purchase a subscription within 14 days for Device Licensing?
If no action is taken within the 14-day grace period, the unlicensed device will lock, and you’ll see a message on-screen prompting you to purchase a subscription before continuing use. Once the subscription is purchased, the device unlocks and you can resume normal use.
How do I purchase a license for an unlicensed device?
You can purchase a license directly from your Toast account:
Log in to Toast Web and navigate to Device Hub. Locate the device marked as Unlicensed and follow the on-screen prompts to purchase and activate the subscription.
Or you can leverage the in-device QR code:
Scan the QR code on the unlicensed device > Follow the on-screen prompts to purchase and activate the subscription.
Who in my organization can view and manage device licenses?
Anyone with Financial Accounts permissions (8.1) in Toast Web can view, manage, and purchase device subscriptions. However, you'll need the following permissions to perform the respective actions:
4.1 Sales Reports (allows you to view Device Hub)
8.1 Financial Accounts (allows you to remove a subscription)
8.5 Toast Shop Purchases (allows you to purchase a subscription)
Where can I manage my device subscriptions?
You can manage subscriptions and devices in two places:
Device Hub: View each device, see its licensing status, and activate new subscriptions.
Subscriptions Page: View all subscriptions, including the device each one is attached to. You can also request to remove or update subscriptions here, as well as active new subscriptions.
I have a discount on my other device subscriptions. Can you match that for this new subscription?
Existing discounts won’t automatically apply to new device subscriptions. If your restaurant already receives a discount on the device type you’re purchasing a new subscription for, you can book with your Customer Success Manager here to request that the same rate be applied. In some cases, Toast may be able to match or honor existing discounts.
Will I be charged for past device usage for Device Licensing?
No. Device Licensing is focused on aligning billing going forward. You won’t be billed retroactively for any prior unlicensed device usage.
Can I transfer a subscription from one device to another?
Please reach out to Customer Support to help ensure your other devices remain operational.
Will Device Licensing affect new devices I purchase?
All new devices purchased directly from Toast are automatically paired with an available subscription at setup. If there is no subscription available for a device to pair with, your new device will prompt you to purchase the necessary subscription.
What is the reason behind Toast’s change to Device Licensing?
Device Licensing helps ensure accurate billing and smooth operations by making sure every active device has a matching subscription. This reduces confusion, prevents billing errors, and ensures all Toast devices run fully supported software.