An Employee's Guide to BambooHR Time Clocks

The article provides a comprehensive guide on using the BambooHR Time Clock and Time Clock Plus for clocking in and out. It details various clock-in methods, including badge scans, keypad IDs, fingerprint scans, and facial recognition. Users can select specific projects and tasks when logging time. The article also explains how to determine which clock model is in use and outlines the self-service options available for managing consent and reviewing clocking history. It emphasizes contacting HR for assistance if users encounter issues. Visual aids are included to enhance understanding of the clocking process. Overall, the guide serves as a valuable resource for employees navigating the time tracking system.

  • Apr 27, 2026
  • Knowledge

Title
An Employee's Guide to BambooHR Time Clocks
Article Text
Time & Attendance (Formerly Time Tracking) is only included as an add-on.

How do I clock in using the BambooHR Time Clock?

Purpose: This guide will explain how to clock into the BambooHR Time Clock and the BambooHR Time Clock Plus. It will provide instruction for all entry methods, including badge codes, keypad IDs (clock-in IDs), facial recognition, and fingerprint scanning. Additional instruction is also provided for logging time to specific projects and tasks.

Expand AllCollapse All

Table of Contents

How do I know if I'm using a Time Clock or a Time Clock Plus?

BambooHR offers two physical time clock options: Time Clock and Time Clock Plus.

The Time Clock model does not have a touch screen but may include badge scanning, fingerprint scanning, or badge and fingerprint scanning options.

The Time Clock Plus model has a touch screen and may include facial recognition, facial recognition and badge scanning, or facial recognition and fingerprint options.

BambooHR Time Clock

Your company may not have all of these clock-in methods enabled. Contact your HR Administrator if you are not sure what method to use.

Badge scan

1. Approach the clock and make sure you see the default screen above.

2. Tap your badge at the bottom of the time clock.

3. Select one of the following main menu functions:

F1: Employee Name - Display only.

F2: Punch In - Select this option to clock in without logging time to a project.

F3: Punch Out - Select this option to clock out.

F4: Punch In (Projects) - If you've been assigned to specific projects or tasks in BambooHR, use this option to select the project and task you'd like to log time to.

F5: Employee Name - Display only.

F6: Self Service - Select this option to manage your consent (only required for fingerprint scan) and to view your recent clockings.

F7: Back - Return to default screen.

If you've selected one of the punch-in/out options, you'll see a confirmation.

Keypad ID (Clock-in ID)

1. Approach the clock and make sure you see the default screen above.

2. Enter your Clock-in ID using the keypad > Select OK (F8).

3. Select one of the following:

F1: Employee Name - Display only.

F2: Punch In - Select this option to clock in without logging time to a project.

F3: Punch Out - Select this option to clock out.

F4: Punch In (Projects) - If you've been assigned to specific projects or tasks in BambooHR, use this option to select the project and task you'd like to log time to.

F5: Employee Name - Display only.

F6: Self Service - Select this option to manage your consent (only required for fingerprint scan) and to view your recent clockings.

F7: Back - Return to default screen.

If you've selected one of the punch in/out options, you'll see a confirmation.

Fingerprint scan

1. Approach the time clock and make sure you see the default screen above.

2. Hold your finger to the scanner.

3. Select one of the following:

F1: Employee Name - Display only.

F2: Punch In - Select this option to clock in without logging time to a project.

F3: Punch Out - Select this option to clock out.

F4: Punch In (Projects) - If you've been assigned to specific projects or tasks in BambooHR, use this option to select the project and task you'd like to log time to.

F5: Employee Name - Display only.

F6: Self Service - Select this option to manage your consent (only required for fingerprint scan) and to view your recent clockings.

F7: Back - Return to default screen.

If you've selected one of the punch-in/out options, you'll see a confirmation.

If you're having trouble clocking in or out, please contact your manager or HR administrator.

Punch In (Projects): Choosing your project and task

Throughout the instructions below, use the arrow keys and the checkmark button to select your options unless instructed otherwise. Please contact our Support Team if you get stuck.

After verifying your identity and choosing the Punch In (Projects) option, you'll see the project page.

1. Use the arrow keys to navigate to your desired project, then push the checkmark button.

2. If there are specific tasks assigned to your project, use the arrow keys to choose the task dropdown, then push the checkmark button. If you do not have specific tasks assigned, select No Tasks.

3. You should now see the task selection page. Use the arrow keys and checkmark button to choose your desired task.

4. Verify your project/task section. If you need to make a change, use the arrow keys to navigate to the project or task row and push the checkmark button. You'll return to the project or task section pages. If everything is correct, navigate to the Send option, and push the checkmark button.

Self Service

The Self Service option (F6 on the Employee Options menu) allows you to manage your consent (obtained when registering fingerprints) and to review your recent clockings.

You may revoke your consent directly from the time clock. However, you will not be able to clock in with your fingerprint until you have reaccepted the terms and conditions and re-registered your fingerprint with your administrator.

Changes to time entries cannot be managed directly from the clock, but can be managed via the BambooHR web app if you have been given access to edit your timesheets.

BambooHR Time Clock Plus

Your company may not have all of these clock-in methods enabled. Contact your HR Administrator if you are not sure what method to use.

How to clock in and out

When you approach, the clock will automatically scan your face (if facial recognition is enabled). Otherwise, tap the screen to begin.

1. Facial Recognition: Direct your face to the top of the camera.

2. Clock-In ID: Touch the keypad button and input your Clock-In ID.

3. Badge Reader: Present your badge to the bottom left scanner.

4. Fingerprint Scan: Press your finger on the bottom right scanner.

Select your action

Once you've verified your identity using one of the methods above, you'll see your employee profile.

1. User Details: Here, you'll see any registered information such as your profile photo and keypad id (clock-in id).

2. Last Clockings: View your most recent clocking activity.

3. Punch In/Punch Out: Select these options to clock in without logging time to a project or to clock out.

4. Punch In (Projects): If you've been assigned to specific projects or tasks in BambooHR, use this button to select the project or task you'd like to log time to.

5. Self Service: Manage consent forms (fingerprint and facial recognition only) and view recent clockings.

If you're having trouble clocking in or out, please contact your manager or HR administrator.

Punch In (Projects): Choosing your project and task

After verifying your identity and choosing the Punch In (Projects) option, you'll see the project page.

1. Tap the gray box to pull up your project list.

2. Select your project.

3. If there are tasks associated with your selected project, you'll see the task selection screen. Tap the task you'd like to log time to.

4. Verify your project/task section. Select GT8 Verify project.

URL Name
1940139