Your cash drawer tracks the cash in your register for a shift. Starting a drawer records your opening cash, and ending it reconciles what's left against your sales, so your cash reporting stays accurate. This guide covers both.
Before you start
Cash drawer functionality must be enabled for your location. If you don't see the Cash Drawer option, see How to Enable Cash Drawer Functionality at a Location.
Starting or ending a drawer requires an employee code, you'll enter it to authorize the action.
You can see the current status, Active or Not active, next to Cash Drawer on the Employee App home screen.
How to start a cash drawer
From the home screen, tap Cash Drawer (it will show Not active).
Enter your employee code and tap Continue.
To pop the physical drawer, tap the three-dot menu in the top right and select Open Cash Drawer.
Count the cash in the drawer and enter each bill and coin denomination.
Tap Start Drawer. The status changes to Active.
How to end a cash drawer
From the home screen, tap Cash Drawer (it will show Active).
Enter your employee code and tap Continue.
Review the Current Drawer summary: when the drawer started, who started it, starting cash, cash sales, refunds, and any cash in or out.
Tap End Drawer.
Count the cash in the drawer and enter each denomination. The Cash Amount in Drawer totals as you go.
Tap End Drawer. The status changes to Not active.
Important things to know
Only one drawer can be active at a time on a register. End the current drawer before starting a new one, for example at a shift change.
Cash added or removed mid-shift (Cash In / Cash Out) is tracked separately and appears on the Current Drawer summary.
Ending a drawer reconciles your counted cash against what's expected. Review any difference before you finish.
You can review past drawers anytime from the three-dot menu, then Drawer History.
Troubleshooting
Don't see the Cash Drawer option? Cash drawer functionality may not be enabled for your location. See How to Enable Cash Drawer Functionality at a Location.
Asked for an employee code? That's expected. Starting and ending a drawer require authorization, enter a valid employee code to continue.
Physical drawer didn't open? Make sure your cash drawer is connected, then use the three-dot menu, then Open Cash Drawer to open it on demand.
Can't start a new drawer? A drawer may already be active. End it first, then start a fresh one.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to count the cash to start or end a drawer?
Yes. Entering the denominations keeps your opening and closing counts accurate for reporting.
Why do I have to enter an employee code?
Starting and ending a drawer are tracked actions, so the app records who performed them.
Can I open the physical drawer without ending it?
Yes. Use the three-dot menu, then Open Cash Drawer.
Where can I see past drawers?
Tap the three-dot menu, then Drawer History.
What if the counted cash doesn't match?
End the drawer with the actual amount you counted. The difference is captured for your cash reporting so you can follow up.
Need assistance?
Feel free to text our Cents Support team at 888-302-8809.