> ## 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.

# Clocking In & Out

> Step-by-step: how to start and end your shift in PayPunch on your own device.

Clocking in and out is the heart of PayPunch. Clock in when you start work, clock out when
you're done, and your hours are recorded automatically.

This page covers the clock on **your own device** (your personal dashboard's **Clock**
screen), which also lets you pick a job code and take breaks. Using a shared tablet at
work instead? See [Use a shared time clock](/employee/timeclock-kiosk).

## The clock screen

The clock screen shows a big live clock with today's date, a large **Clock In** button,
and your current location if your device shares it. Once you're working, it switches to
show how long you've been clocked in.

<Frame />

## Clock in

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Clock screen">
    Tap **Clock** in the bottom navigation bar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a job code (if asked)">
    If your employer uses job codes, choose the one you're working on from the dropdown.
    If there's a default, it's already selected — you can leave it as is. No dropdown?
    Your workplace doesn't use job codes, so skip this.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Allow location (optional)">
    If your phone asks to share your location, allowing it lets PayPunch record where you
    clocked in. If you skip it, you can still clock in normally.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap Clock In">
    Press the big **Clock In** button. The screen turns green, shows **Clocked In** with
    your start time, and a timer starts counting your shift.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  The big timer shows your elapsed time. Once you take a break, it switches to show your
  **working time** (time on the clock minus breaks), with total elapsed time underneath.
</Tip>

## Clock out

<Steps>
  <Step title="End any break first">
    You can't clock out while you're on a break. If you're on break, the button says
    **End Break First** — tap **End Break**, then continue.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap Clock Out">
    Press the **Clock Out** button (it turns orange while you're clocked in). Your shift is
    saved and the timer resets.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  After you clock out, your entry goes to your manager or bookkeeper for review. It starts
  as **Pending** until they approve it. You can watch its status on your
  [timesheet](/employee/my-timesheet).
</Note>

## If something goes wrong

PayPunch shows a clear message at the top of the screen if it can't complete your action.
The most common ones:

| Message                      | What it means                   | What to do                      |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| You're already clocked in    | You have an open shift          | Clock out from that shift first |
| Your account is inactive     | Your account was turned off     | Contact your manager            |
| The pay period may be locked | Payroll for that date is closed | Contact your administrator      |
| Your session has expired     | You've been signed out          | Sign in again with your PIN     |
| Please end your break first  | You're on a break               | End the break, then clock out   |

<Warning>
  Always remember to **clock out** at the end of your shift. If you forget, tell your
  manager — they can correct the entry, but it helps to flag it right away.
</Warning>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Taking breaks" icon="mug-hot" href="/employee/breaks">
    Start and end breaks during your shift.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Your timesheet" icon="list-check" href="/employee/my-timesheet">
    Check your recorded hours and their status.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>