On this page
01. On the terminal02. In the software03. Why do both04. Removing only a fingerprint05. Keep records06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
On the K40 Pro press Menu > User Mgt, select the user and choose Delete (fingerprint only, or the whole user). Then delete or resign the employee in the software so the two stay in step.
Key takeaways
- Delete from both the terminal and the software.
- Keep old punches for payroll and audits.
- Fingerprint-only delete keeps the user record.
- Do it the day they leave.
01On the terminal
- Press Menu and sign in as administrator.
- Open User Mgt and find the user by ID.
- Choose Delete.
- Pick what to remove: just the fingerprint, or the whole user.
- Confirm.
02In the software
Delete or resign the employee under Personnel > Employee (some versions have a Resignation function that keeps the history). Then run Sync Data so the terminal list matches.
03Why do both
If you delete only on the terminal, the next sync from the software can send the person back. If you delete only in the software, they may still be able to punch on the terminal until synced.
04Removing only a fingerprint
Use this when the print is bad and you want to re-enrol. See enrol a fingerprint.
05Keep records
Do not delete the old punches of leavers until your retention period has passed. Export their last reports first. See data protection and attendance.
06A typical scenario
A guard left a Westlands estate but his fingerprint still opened the clock-in next morning because only the software record was removed. Deleting him on the terminal as well, and using the resign function in the software, closed the gap.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- Deleting only on the terminal and letting a sync restore the person.
- Deleting the history along with the person.
- Letting leavers stay enrolled for weeks.
- Giving every supervisor admin rights.
- Skipping a backup first.
08Quick checklist
- Export last reports
- Delete or resign in the software
- Delete on the terminal
- Sync
- Check the user list on both sides
- Record the leaving date
09Frequently asked questions
Does deleting a user delete their past punches?
On the terminal, past punches in memory may stay until cleared. In the software, behaviour depends on version, so export first.
Can I just disable a user?
Some versions offer a disable or resign state. Use it for leavers to keep history.
Why does a deleted user reappear?
A sync from the software or another terminal sent them back. Delete them in the software too.
Who should be allowed to delete users?
Only trusted administrators. Do not give everyone the admin privilege.
This guide is part of our ZKTeco K40 and ZKBio Time.Net series. For the full start-to-finish walkthrough with screenshots, read How to Configure a ZKTeco K40 Pro with ZKBio Time.Net.
ZKTeco and ZKBio are trademarks of ZKTeco Inc. Menu names on the K40 Pro and in the software vary slightly by firmware and software version; where yours differ, look for the nearest match. Qyvea is a ZKTeco reseller and installer in Kenya.
