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

# Taking Breaks

> How to start and end breaks during your shift so your hours are recorded accurately.

If your workplace tracks breaks, PayPunch lets you start and end them right from the
**Clock** screen while you're clocked in. Tracking breaks keeps your paid working time
accurate.

<Note>
  Breaks are managed on PayPunch on **your own device** (the Clock screen). You must be
  **clocked in** to start a break.
</Note>

## Start a break

<Steps>
  <Step title="Make sure you're clocked in">
    The break controls only appear once you've clocked in. Look for the **Breaks** card
    below your clock status.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap Start Break">
    Press **Start Break**. The card turns amber, shows **On Break**, and a break timer
    starts counting.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame />

While you're on break, your main shift timer switches to show your **working time** (time
on the clock minus your break), so you can always see how much paid time you've put in.

## End a break

<Steps>
  <Step title="Tap End Break">
    When you're back, press **End Break**. The card returns to normal and your break time
    is added to your total for the shift.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Tap **Break History** on the card to expand a list of every break in this shift — when
  each one started, ended, and how long it lasted.
</Tip>

## Important rules

<Warning>
  You can't **clock out** while you're on a break. If you try, the clock button shows
  **End Break First**. End your break, then clock out.
</Warning>

* **One break at a time.** You must end your current break before starting a new one.
* **Breaks belong to an active shift.** Once you clock out, that shift's breaks are locked
  and can't be changed.
* **Locked pay periods.** If payroll for that day is already locked, you won't be able to
  start or end a break — contact your manager if you need a fix.

## How breaks affect your hours

Your total break time is subtracted from your shift to calculate your working hours. You
can see the break minutes for each day on your [timesheet](/employee/my-timesheet) in the
**Break** column.

<Card title="Back to clocking in & out" icon="clock" href="/employee/clocking-in-out">
  See the full clock-in and clock-out walkthrough.
</Card>