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Updating the PunchMe apps

Updated 2026-11-07

What it is

App updates are new versions of the PunchMe employee app and the PunchMe Manager app. Both apps check for a new version by themselves and show a slim dark bar at the top of the screen when one is ready.

Keeping the app up to date matters. New versions fix bugs and keep punch checks working.

Who uses it

Both apps work the same way.

Where to find it

The update bar appears at the top of the app, above the screen you are on. It says:

A new version of PunchMe is available — Update

In the Manager app it says "A new version of PunchMe Manager is available".

The app checks each time you open it or come back to it.

How it works on Android

Android updates come from Google Play. There are two kinds.

Normal update

  1. The bar says "A new version of PunchMe is available". Tap Update.
  2. Google Play downloads the update in the background. You can keep using the app.
  3. When it's done, the bar says "Update downloaded". Tap Restart to update.
  4. The app restarts on the new version.

You can ignore the bar and keep working. It comes back the next time you open the app.

Required update

Sometimes the update can't wait. The app shows Google Play's full-screen update instead of the bar. This happens when:

  • The new version is marked as high priority, or
  • Your app is 14 days or more behind the latest version.

Follow the steps on screen. The app opens again when the update is installed.

How it works on iPhone

iPhone apps can't install updates from inside the app.

  1. When the App Store has a newer version, the bar says "A new version of PunchMe is available".
  2. Tap Update. The App Store opens on the PunchMe page.
  3. Tap Update in the App Store.

There is no required update on iPhone. You can also turn on automatic updates in your iPhone's App Store settings.

Turning it on or off

You can't turn the update bar off. It goes away once you're on the latest version.

To update without waiting for the bar:

  • Android: open Google Play, search for the app, and tap Update.
  • iPhone: open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and update from the list.

What happens if you don't update

  • The app keeps working on the old version for now.
  • On Android, after 14 days behind, the app asks for the update before you can carry on.
  • Old versions may miss fixes for face check, location or sync. If punches start failing after a while, update first.

Changing it midway

Updating doesn't sign you out or lose data.

  • Your registered phone stays registered. See Device binding.
  • Offline punches waiting to sync stay on the phone and sync after the update. See Offline punch.

Updating is not the same as reinstalling. If you uninstall and install again, the app treats your phone as new and HR must reset your device.

Limits and edge cases

  • Apps not from Google Play. If the Android app was installed from a file instead of Google Play, the update bar never shows. Install it from Google Play to get updates.
  • iPhone store region. The iPhone check looks at the Indian App Store.
  • Offline. No network, no update check. The bar shows once you're back online.

Common questions

Will updating sign me out?

No. You stay signed in, and your phone stays registered for punching.

Why can't I skip the update on Android?

The update is either high priority or your app is at least 14 days old. Install it to keep using the app.

I don't see an update bar, but my friend has a newer version.

Google Play and the App Store release updates to phones in stages. Open the store and check for an update by hand.

Do I need to reinstall the app to update?

No. Never uninstall to update. Uninstalling makes your phone count as new, and HR has to reset your device.