Entry Kiosk Overview (Unstaffed Gates)
The MyWatchtower entry kiosk turns a dedicated tablet at an unstaffed gate into a self-service entry point. Visitors can gain entry with a PIN code, a QR code, or by reaching a resident through the community directory — all without a gate attendant present. This article is an overview of what a visitor sees at the kiosk.
The Kiosk Main Screen
The main screen presents each available entry method as a large card. Up to three appear, depending on which features the community has enabled:
- PIN entry — a numeric keypad where the visitor types their PIN. For the visitor's step-by-step flow, see Enter with a PIN at the Kiosk; see *Using Kiosk PIN Codes* for how PINs work.
- QR code — a camera view that scans MyWatchtower entry QR codes. For the visitor's steps, see Enter with a QR Code at the Kiosk.
- Directory — a search of community residents and properties. From a directory result, the visitor can call the resident or send them an entry request to approve or deny. See *Kiosk Directory Calls* for the full flow.
A small camera self-view stays on screen with a REC indicator and a notice that recording is in progress, and the kiosk attaches short video clips to PIN, QR, and entry-request records. A Help pill also sits on the main screen when the community offers assistance (see below). After 30 seconds of inactivity, the kiosk returns to the main screen.
Verdict Screens
Every entry method ends on a verdict screen — Access Granted (the gate opens) or a denied verdict — and each returns to the main screen automatically. For what each screen shows for each method, see Enter with a PIN at the Kiosk and Enter with a QR Code at the Kiosk.
An entry request sent from the directory waits for the resident's answer for about a minute. If no answer comes, the wait ends on its own and the kiosk tells the visitor the resident was unavailable.
Emergency PINs
If a visitor enters a PIN the community has reserved for emergency use, the kiosk asks them to confirm before continuing — see Enter with a PIN at the Kiosk.
When the Kiosk Cannot Reach the Server
PINs, QR codes and directory searches are checked with the server. If the kiosk cannot reach it, the main screen is replaced by Connection lost: *This gate cannot check codes right now. It reconnects on its own. Please wait a moment.* The screen shows when the kiosk was last connected and a Try again button.
If the gate has a help number, the screen reads Need help? Call followed by the number, so a visitor can reach the community while the kiosk is offline. This is the gate's own help number, or the community's number for unstaffed gates. A call already in progress is not interrupted.
The kiosk keeps checking and returns to the main screen by itself as soon as the server answers again. Nothing needs to be done at the gate.
The Help Pill
When the community offers assistance, tapping Help starts a short guided flow before offering to place a call. See Get Help at the Kiosk for the guided topics, the Call Us behavior, and Live Agent routing.
Where Entries Go
Entries made at the kiosk appear in the community's entry records like any other entry. For tablet setup and gate configuration, see *Setting Up an Unstaffed Kiosk*.