How to use offline check-in (no internet)
Pre-download the ticket list and keep checking people in with no signal — it syncs automatically on reconnect.
Events at venues with poor signal (warehouses, farms, beaches) need check-in that works without internet. Baila comes ready for it: the app downloads the list of valid tickets before the event and, with no signal, checks each QR Code straight against that list stored on the phone — comparing the ticket and its state (already used or not).
How it works
Before the event, the app downloads the list of every valid ticket and stores it on the phone. With no internet it needs no server: when you scan a QR Code, the app looks that ticket up in the downloaded list and checks its state — whether it is valid or has already been used. On reconnect, every check-in made offline is uploaded to Baila in one go.
Step by step
Before the event (on a good connection): open the app and enter the event's scanner. The app downloads the ticket list by itself — the message "Loading tickets..." shows while it does. There is no download button to press.
When the "Loading tickets..." message disappears, the list is stored and you can work offline. Test it by scanning any QR to see that it validates.
During the event, with no internet: the app keeps reading QR Codes as normal. Watch the status dot at the top: it turns orange when there is no signal (green when online). Each check-in is stored on the phone.
On reconnect: the app uploads the offline check-ins by itself, in the background. While check-ins are waiting, an orange "N pending" count shows at the top — when it reaches zero, everything is in sync. If the same ticket was used on another device, Baila sorts that out by itself on the server when syncing (no prompt appears for you to decide).
Limits of offline mode
- Transfers made during the event do not show up offline — if somebody transfers a ticket to another person while you have no signal, the app shows the previous holder. For events with transfers enabled, prefer online check-in or re-download minutes before you start.
- Refunds issued during the event do not show up offline either — same reasoning. A refund on the day of an event is rare, but keep an eye out.
- Several offline devices can let the same ticket through twice (two scans on different devices with no sync in between). The backend reconciles on reconnect, but the person is already inside. That is why one online master device is recommended where possible.
Good practice
- Download the tickets at most 2 hours before the event so you pick up the most recent transfers and refunds
- Test offline mode at home first (turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data and scan a QR)
- Bring a power bank — the app drains battery through continuous camera use