Zello’s shared devices feature enables multiple network users to share a single account/device without sharing their private conversations. It’s particularly useful for shift workers, as it allows one account to be used by many people (just not simultaneously).
When enabled, users are prompted to sign in with their name (not username) and—if required by the admin—a photo. The name/photo will be associated with all communications sent from that device throughout the duration of the user’s shift. When their shift ends, all of the user's Zello communications are cleared from the device. During the shift, Zello works as usual.
This article is intended for end users of the shared device feature. Admins—see this article for assistance setting up this functionality.
Starting a Shift on a Shared Device
When the shared device feature is enabled, a single log in account can be tied to many users. Instead of signing in with your Zello Work network credentials, you’ll sign in with your name at the beginning of a shift.
To start a shift on a shared device:
- Open the Zello app.
- Enter your name, and if required, take a selfie. Then tap START.
Note: Users can send an emergency alert prior to starting their shift by tapping the red triangle icon.
Ending a Shift
- Tap the Zello menu (3 vertical dots in the upper-right corner of the screen).
- Tap End Shift. Then tap End Now.
When your shift ends, all message history will be cleared from your device. This ensures the next person who signs in for their shift won’t be able to access your communications.
Post-Shift
A note indicating that you’ve ended your shift will appear in the conversation history of those you’ve been messaging. When another person starts a shift on the device, their name will be attached to any newly-sent communications.
If there aren’t any active users on the device—for example, one person’s shift has ended and another’s hasn’t started yet—the account’s display name will appear as the contact name. If there’s not an active display name for the account, the username will appear.
Impactful Settings
Admins can configure the shared device feature so that shifts automatically end when the device in question is plugged into the charger OR when Zello is terminated. These settings are established from the management console.
Users—confirm with your admin if these features are enabled. Admins—learn more about enabling these settings here.
- If this setting is enabled, a 10-second countdown will begin when the user plugs their device into a charger. Tap Cancel if you’d like to continue your shift.
Please note that for this setting to properly work, the device must allow Zello to display over other apps. If this permission isn’t granted, the user won’t be able to cancel the shift’s exit. -
If a user terminates the Zello app—meaning it’s no longer running in either the foreground or background—their shift will automatically end. No further action is necessary.