Kiosk Zero
Kiosk Zero: Network Setup + Troubleshooting
Network setup and troubleshooting for Kiosk Zero — ethernet/DHCP setup, running the network test, Reconnect to Grid, syncing issues, poor speeds, and intermittent offline behavior.
📋 Overview
This article covers network setup and troubleshooting for Kiosk Zero. A stable network connection is required for Kiosk Zero to sync menu data, process orders, accept payments, and communicate with the Mashgin release server (Grid).
It is recommended to use a wired Ethernet connection for a reliable operation of Kiosk Zero, although WiFi is an available option if there’s no LAN available.
🔌 Network Setup
Ethernet / DHCP
Kiosk Zero connects to your network via a physical Ethernet cable plugged into the tablet. The device uses DHCP by default — it will automatically obtain an IP address from your network router or switch when connected.
To verify the Ethernet connection is active:
- Confirm the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the Kiosk Zero tablet and the network switch/router.
- Check for a link light on the Ethernet port (if visible) to confirm a physical connection.
- Enter Manager Mode and run the Network Test (see below) to confirm connectivity.
Reference Video: Network Test on Kiosk Zero
If your venue requires a static IP or has specific VLAN/firewall requirements, contact your IT team. Mashgin Support can provide the network requirements (ports and domains) that need to be open listed.
WiFi Setup
Kiosk Zero now supports WiFi connectivity. If you’re in a location that has no Ethernet drops, this is your next solution for getting the tablet online.
- First, navigate to Network under Settings
- Select WiFi
Reference Image: WiFi Tab
- Identify the WiFi network that you would like to connect to
- Select it, enter the password, and select Connect
- Enter Manager Mode and run the Network Test (see below) to confirm connectivity.
Reference Image: Network Test on Kiosk Zero
Reconnect to Grid
Grid is the Mashgin release server that Kiosk Zero communicates with to receive software updates, sync configuration, and stay registered to your account.
When to use Reconnect to Grid:
- After initial device setup (the device starts with
kiosk_id = -1and must register with Grid before it can be managed remotely)
- When the tablet loses its Grid connection and cannot be reached from the release server
- When the device appears unregistered or shows as a new/unknown device in Fleet
To reconnect:
- Enter Manager Mode on the Kiosk Zero tablet.
- Tap Reconnect to Grid.
- Wait for the confirmation that the device has re-registered.
🔧 Troubleshooting
Syncing Issues / Poor Network Speeds
Symptoms: Menu items not updating, orders not syncing, slow response times, or a "Syncing..." spinner that doesn’t resolve.
Possible Solutions:
- Sync manually — in Manager Mode, go to Settings → Actions → tap Sync Database to trigger an immediate sync.
- Run the Network Test — confirm whether the issue is speed-related or a full connectivity loss.
- Reboot the tablet — if the above steps don’t resolve the issue, power cycle the tablet and allow it to fully restart before testing again.
- Check the Ethernet cable — reseat both ends of the cable. Try swapping for a known-good cable.
- Check network bandwidth — confirm the network switch/router is not saturated. Kiosk Zero should have consistent speeds for reliable operation.
- Reconnect to Grid — if the sync issue persists and the device appears disconnected from the release server, run Reconnect to Grid (see above).
Persistent sync failures or very low speeds may indicate a network infrastructure issue at the location. Engage with your IT team to check switch port health, VLAN configuration, and firewall rules. Contact Mashgin Support if the issue is unresolved.
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Need help? Contact support at 📧 help@mashgin.com or call (855) 475-0889