With iPads gaining popularity as point-of-sale (POS) devices, iPad Kiosk Mode turns iPads into Kiosks by allowing devices to run a single app in the foreground with Single App Mode, to enhance user experience, business productivity and data security.
iPad Kiosk Mode is a restrictive mechanism that enables iPads to be locked to a single app or a specific set of apps. Once iPad Kiosk Mode is enabled on the device, the users will be restricted from accessing other apps, settings and device functionalities.
With a mobile device management solution like Mobile Device Manager Plus, doubling up as iPad Kiosk software, it is possible to lock down devices to the required app(s), control device settings, and also restrict the hardware buttons. Furthermore, a large number of iPads can be remotely provisioned into iPad Kiosk Mode with single app or multi-app Kiosk Mode, from a central point of control using the iPad Kiosk software/app.
This iPad Kiosk Mode guide covers the following
To setup iPad Kiosk Mode using an iPad Kiosk software, follow the steps given below:
Step 1: On the MDM console, navigate to Device Mgmt->Profiles->Create Profile dropdown and choose Apple.
Step 2: Provide a reference name and if required, a description and click on Continue.
Step 3: Click on Kiosk from the list of policies. Choose the Kiosk type as Single app or Multi app, to enable iPad Kiosk Mode with multiple apps and in the next field, specify the iPad Kiosk app(s). Configure the device settings, and restrict the hardware buttons as required. Assuming a POS device is to be used as a self-service Kiosk, the Sleep/Wake button can be disabled to ensure the device is always on while the provisioned in iPad Kiosk Mode.
Step 4: Click on Save and Publish the profile.
Step 5: Distribute the Kiosk profile to a single device before deploying it to your production environment.
While enabling Kiosk Mode on iPad:
To configure iPad Kiosk Mode using an MDM solution like Mobile Device Manager Plus or an iPad Kiosk app/software, ensure the following pre-requisites are met:
NOTE: As the support for Device Enrollment Program is discontinued by Apple from December 1, 2019, migrate to Apple Business Manager to continue managing devices.
Using an iPad Kiosk software/app such as Mobile Device Manager Plus (MDM) or any other Apple MDM to lock down Apple iPads in to Kiosk Mode provides additional control and has the following benefits over the built-in Guided Access capabilities
iPad Kiosk Mode allows organizations to turn iPads into Kiosks by locking them to a single app or multiple apps. iPad Kiosk Mode enabled devices are finding extensive use in various sectors such as retail, education and healthcare among others. Here's how iPad Kiosk Mode plays an important role
Retail stores are increasingly adopting self check-out counters as they reduce the chances of human error and provide better customer service. Devices provisioned in iPad Kiosk Mode are the perfect solution. The devices can be locked down to a single app to avoid misuse and features like Auto Lock and Screen Rotation disabled to allow better user experience.
Schools are integrating with Apple School Manager and are adopting iPads to conduct classes and exams. In such cases, putting iPads into Kiosk Mode is the obvious answer. Kiosk Mode can ensure students don't access browser, calculator and other apps that may cause distractions during classes.
In hospitals, iPad Kiosks are used extensively for patient bedside monitoring, employee attendance, and even during surgeries. To ensure these devices are not misused and are used only for specified purposes, these devices are locked down into Kiosk Mode.
By default, Apple allows iPads to be put into a temporary Kiosk Mode with the Guided Access feature. It is usually considered as a parental control feature to lockdown iPad to one app.
To manually enable iPad Kiosk Mode, follow the below steps:
While Guided Access can allow organizations to enable a Kiosk like setup on iPads, it has a few drawbacks when compared to Kiosk app for iPads: