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# Understanding tablet mode vs QR code mode


Anghello offers two ways for your visitors to check in: the QR code (with their smartphone) or the tablet (at reception). This guide helps you choose the method that fits your organization — or combine both.

**Audience:** Administrators, Managers
**Application:** Admin (app.anghello.co)
**Estimated time:** 5-minute read

## The two methods at a glance

|                          | QR code (smartphone)                          | Tablet (fixed kiosk)                                                   |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **The visitor uses**     | Their own smartphone                          | The reception tablet                                                   |
| **Setup**                | Print a QR code poster                        | Set up a tablet at reception                                          |
| **Hardware needed**      | None (the visitor has their phone)            | A tablet (iPad, Android)                                              |
| **Visitor autonomy**     | Full — they do everything from their phone    | Partial — they use a shared device                                   |
| **Virtual badge**        | Yes — stays on their phone                    | Yes — shown on the tablet (or on the phone if the QR code is displayed) |
| **Hygiene**              | Contactless                                   | Shared screen                                                        |
| **Ideal for**            | Offices, coworking spaces, modern companies   | Reception desks with staff, hotels, clinics                          |

## QR code mode

The visitor scans a QR code printed on a poster at the entrance. The check-in kiosk opens on their smartphone, they check in, and they keep the virtual badge on their phone throughout their visit.

**Advantages:**

- No hardware to buy or maintain
- Contactless — hygienic
- The visitor keeps the badge on their phone
- Works even with no one at reception

**Things to watch:**

- The visitor needs a smartphone with a camera
- Requires an internet connection (WiFi or 4G/5G)

## Tablet mode

A tablet is set up at reception. The visitor checks in directly on the touchscreen, like at an airport kiosk.

**Advantages:**

- Doesn't require the visitor to have a smartphone
- Immediately visible — the tablet guides the visitor
- The tablet also displays the QR code for visitors who prefer their smartphone

**Things to watch:**

- Requires buying a tablet
- Screen shared between several visitors
- Requires a power supply and a stable WiFi connection

## Combining both (recommended)

Combining the two methods is the most popular setup and offers the best experience:

- The **tablet** sits at reception for visitors who arrive without a smartphone or who prefer a larger screen
- The **QR code** (shown on the poster AND on the tablet) is available for self-service visitors

> 💡 **Tip:** 75% of Anghello customers use the QR code as their main method. We recommend starting with the QR code, then adding a tablet if your visitors ask for it.

## Good to know

> 💡 **Tip:** Both methods lead to the same check-in journey. Instructions, custom fields, quizzes, and notifications all work the same way.

> 💡 **Tip:** You can enable and disable each method independently in the site settings.