What a partner number is and why you need it
A partner number is a unique identifier that Starbucks gives to employees. If you work at Starbucks, adding your partner number to the app lets you clock in and out for shifts, view your schedule, and access employee discounts on purchases. Without it, the app treats you as a regular customer.
The partner number is different from your Starbucks Rewards account number. Your Rewards account is for any customer who wants to earn points on purchases. Your partner number is only for people on the Starbucks payroll. You can have both at the same time — many employees do.
Key Takeaways
- Your partner number is a six-digit code printed on your employee badge or available from your store manager.
- You add it in the app under Account settings, not during the initial sign-up process.
- Once added, the app will show your work schedule and let you clock in for shifts.
- If you enter the wrong number, the app will reject it and ask you to try again — there is no penalty for mistakes.
Finding your partner number before you start
Your partner number is printed on your employee badge in a six-digit format. Look at the back of the badge — the number usually appears near the barcode or magnetic stripe. If your badge is damaged or you cannot read it, ask your store manager or shift supervisor. They can look it up in the system and tell you the number over the phone or in person.
Some newer employees receive their partner number in an onboarding email from Starbucks. Check your email inbox and spam folder for messages from Starbucks Partner Hub or a similar sender. The email typically arrives within a few days of your hire date and includes your partner number along with other account information.
If you have lost your badge and cannot reach your manager, you can also call the Starbucks Partner Contact Center at 1-866-504-7318. Have your full name, hire date, and store location ready. They will confirm your identity and provide your partner number.
Adding your partner number in the app
Open the Starbucks app on your phone and sign in with your existing account. If you do not have an account yet, create one first using your email address and a password. You do not need your partner number to create the account — that comes next.
Once you are signed in, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and select Account. On the Account page, look for a section labeled Partner Information or Work Schedule. Tap Add Partner Number or a similar button.
Enter your six-digit partner number in the field that appears. Double-check that you have typed it correctly — the app will not accept it if even one digit is wrong. Tap Submit or Confirm. The app will verify the number against Starbucks' system. If it is correct, you will see a confirmation message and your schedule will appear in the app within a few minutes.
What happens if the app rejects your partner number
If you see an error message saying the number is invalid, the most common reason is a typing mistake. Go back and re-enter it carefully, checking each digit against your badge or the email from your manager. Partner numbers are six digits only — if you have entered more or fewer digits, delete and start over.
If you have typed it correctly and the app still rejects it, your partner number may not yet be in the system. This sometimes happens if you were hired very recently and the store has not finished processing your paperwork. Wait 24 to 48 hours and try again. If it still does not work after two days, contact your store manager or the Partner Contact Center to confirm that your hire information has been entered into the system.
Entering the wrong number multiple times will not lock your account or cause any problems. You can try as many times as you need. The app straightforward will not link your account to the partner system until you enter a valid number.
Using your schedule and clocking in after setup
Once your partner number is added, the Schedule tab in the app will show all your upcoming shifts. You can see the date, time, and location of each shift, and whether you are scheduled as a barista, cashier, or another position. The app updates automatically when your manager makes changes to the schedule.
To clock in for a shift, open the app and tap the Clock In button on the home screen when you arrive at work. The app uses your phone's location to verify that you are at your assigned store. If you are not at the store, the button will not work — this is a security feature to prevent people from clocking in remotely. Once you clock in, the app records the time and your shift begins.
To clock out, tap Clock Out when your shift ends. The app will ask you to confirm the time. Your hours are then recorded in the system and will appear on your paycheck. If you forget to clock out, ask your manager to do it manually in the store system — do not wait until the next day.
Removing or changing your partner number
If you leave your job at Starbucks or want to remove your partner number from the app, go back to Account > Partner Information and look for a Remove or Disconnect button. Tapping it will unlink your partner number from the app. Your Starbucks Rewards account will remain active, so you can still use the app to order and pay as a customer.
If you move to a different Starbucks location, you do not need to change your partner number — it works at all company-operated stores. If you are transferred to a licensed store (one inside a grocery store or airport), your partner number may not work in the app, depending on how that location's system is set up. Ask your new manager whether the app will function at your new location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my partner number if I do not have a Starbucks Rewards account yet?
No. You must create a Starbucks account first, even if you do not plan to use Rewards. Once the account exists, you can add your partner number. Creating an account takes less than a minute and requires only an email address and password.
Will adding my partner number affect my Rewards points or balance?
No. Your Rewards account and partner account are separate. Adding a partner number does not change your points balance or purchase history. Both accounts will continue to work independently.
What if I was hired but my partner number is not on my badge?
Contact your store manager or call the Partner Contact Center at 1-866-504-7318. Your number may not have been printed on the badge yet, but it exists in the system. The manager or contact center can provide it to you when ready.
Can I use the same phone to clock in for two different employees?
No. Each partner number must be linked to its own Starbucks account. If two people share a phone, each person needs to sign in with their own email address and add their own partner number. The app will only clock in the person who is currently signed in.
What should I do if I clock in at the wrong time by mistake?
Tell your manager right away. They can adjust your clock-in time in the store system to match when you actually arrived. Do not try to fix it yourself in the app — only managers can change recorded times. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to correct.