Last updated: Jun 16, 2026, 2:13 PM
Frequently asked questions on Device licensing.
| Device Licensing is currently in limited release with select customers. Check back soon for updates! |
Frequently asked questions about Device Licensing—what it is, what the on-device prompts and warnings mean, how to purchase a subscription for an unlicensed device, and how to manage device subscriptions in Toast Web. For an overview with screenshots of the on-device messages, see What is Device Licensing?.
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:
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 a device may be missing a subscription:
We are not collecting any previously unbilled device usage.
Even if you have not changed your device count, Device Licensing can still prompt you if a device is not currently linked to an active subscription. Device subscriptions are tied to the total count of active devices on your account, not to specific device serial numbers, so a replaced device, a device moved between locations, or a subscription that was previously removed or updated can leave a device unmatched, even when the overall count looks the same.
To resolve it, find the device flagged as Required in Device Hub and follow the prompts to purchase and activate the subscription, or scan the QR code on the device. If you believe the warning is incorrect—for example, your device count and subscription count appear to match, see I think I'm paid up but a device says it needs a subscription.
No. Device Licensing is focused on aligning billing going forward. You won't be billed retroactively for any prior unlicensed device usage.
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.
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.
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. To update your Toast app, see 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 in Toast Web.
No. Your 14-day grace period begins once you log in to Toast on the device in question.
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.
In Toast Web, navigate to Device Hub to see your devices and identify which ones are unlicensed. If you don't see a Device software subscription column, press Columns settings, and make sure Device software subscription is selected. Devices missing an active subscription are marked Required in the device list, and the device itself will also show an on-screen prompt to purchase a subscription (on POS software version 2.96 or higher).
If you received a Device Licensing email but no devices appear as Unlicensed in Device Hub, it may take a short period for the status to refresh after a subscription change. If the status still does not match what you expect, contact Customer Care so they can review the device and subscription records on your account.
For full Device Hub navigation, including filters and columns, see Device Hub Overview.
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, then follow the on-screen prompts to purchase and activate the subscription.
Device subscriptions are tied to the total count of active devices on your account, not to specific device serial numbers. If a device shows a subscription warning even though your billing appears paid up, the active device count for that device type (terminals, additional tablets, handhelds, or kitchen display screens) may be one higher than the subscription count.
To check this yourself:
For background on how device subscriptions are billed, see Review and Manage Your Additional Tablet Monthly Subscriptions and Understand Your Toast Invoice.
You can manage subscriptions and devices in two places:
For step-by-step details on viewing and requesting changes from the Subscriptions page, see Review and Manage Your Toast Subscriptions.
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:
Yes! This depends on the scenario:
Existing discounts won't automatically apply to new device subscriptions. If your restaurant already receives a discount on the device type for which you're purchasing a new subscription, please reach out directly to your Customer Success Manager (CSM) or Account Manager (AM). If you do not have a CSM or AM, please reach out to Toast Support. In some cases, Toast may be able to match or honor existing discounts.
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.
The Toast Merchant Agreement explains that devices using Toast software are required to have an active software subscription associated with them. This clause is generally found in Section 4 of your agreement.
Please review your specific Toast Merchant Agreement to understand how this policy may apply to your Toast services.