How to put iPad in Kiosk Mode?

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Kiosk mode for iPads

With iPads gaining popularity as point-of-sale (POS) devices, iPad Kiosk Mode is a feature that transforms iPads into dedicated kiosks. It allows iPads to run a single app exclusively, essentially locking them into the required app's functionality. This mode is designed to enhance user interactions, streamline processes, and fortify data security. In environments where multiple users interact with the same device, such as public information hubs or check-in counters, iPad Kiosk Mode ensures a consistent and controlled experience. It minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information, making it an essential tool for maintaining data security and compliance.

Moreover, the flexibility of iPad Kiosk Mode extends to various industries, including retail, healthcare, hospitality, and more. It adapts to the specific needs of each sector, whether it's facilitating self-checkout in a store or providing patient registration in a medical facility. This adaptability makes it an invaluable asset for organizations looking to improve customer service and operational efficiency across.

What is iPad Kiosk Mode?

iPad Kiosk Mode is a device management capability that enables IT admins to restrict iPads to a single app or a specific set of pre-approved apps. With Kiosk Mode enabled, IT admins can ensure device users can access only pre-approved apps with restricted device functionality.

With a mobile device management solution like Mobile Device Manager Plus, that also doubles up as iPad Kiosk software, it is possible to lock down iPadOS devices to Kiosk mode, and have them run only the required app(s), control their device settings, and even restrict the hardware buttons on them. 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.

To put an iPad into Kiosk Mode, the process is made seamless with the help of a mobile device management solution like Mobile Device Manager Plus. With this comprehensive solution, IT admins can easily enable Kiosk Mode on iPadOS devices, restricting them to a specific app or set of pre-approved apps. By activating Kiosk Mode, administrators can ensure that iPads are securely locked down and users can only access the designated app(s), providing a controlled, secure, and focused user experience.

With Mobile Device Manager Plus functioning as iPad Kiosk software, administrators gain the ability to manage device settings and even restrict hardware buttons, granting further control over the iPad's functionalities.

This iPad Kiosk Mode guide covers the following

Pre-requisites to configure iPad Kiosk Mode

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.

How to setup Kiosk Mode on iPads?

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 iOS/iPadOS.

Creating iPad Kiosk Mode Profile

Step 2: Provide a reference name and if required, a description and click on Continue.

Providing a name to iPad Kiosk Mode Profile

Step 3: Click on Kiosk from the list of policies. Choose the Kiosk type as Single App Mode to provision the device with a single app, or choose Multi App Mode, to enable iPad Kiosk Mode with multiple apps, or Autonomous App(s) if you wish to lock the device to single app kiosk mode temporarily, and in the next field specify the iPad Kiosk app(s). Configure the device settings, and restrict the hardware buttons as required. If Single App Mode has been selected, you'll be able to configure the device settings, and restrict the hardware buttons as required under the Settings section.

iPad Kiosk Mode Profile configuration

Step 4: Click on Edit Screen Layout and select iPad to configure the device screen layout. In case the iPad is provisioned with a single app, the selected app will open in full screen mode. However, in the case of multi app kiosk mode, the admin will be able to configure the layout of the added apps on the home screen or pin them to the dock for easier access.

iPad Kiosk Mode Layout Configuration

Step 5: Click on Save and Publish the profile.

Step 6: Distribute the Kiosk profile to a single device to test it, before deploying it to your production environment.

While enabling Kiosk Mode on iPad:

  • Ensure the app(s) to be provisioned on the device, are available in the App Repository.
  • Both Store apps and enterprise apps can be provisioned in iPad Kiosk Mode.
  • To silently install the iPad Kiosk app(s) on the devices in Kiosk mode, Store apps need to be purchased from Apple Business Manager. In the case of enterprise apps, the .ipa file has to be uploaded to MDM after which the apps can be silently deployed on the Kiosk devices, without requiring an account with Apple Business Manager. This also ensures the updates to these apps are managed easily.
  • App updates can be tested on specific devices before deployment to the iPads in the production environment, which eliminates productivity and security issues that might arise due to bugs in the updates.

Need for iPad Kiosk software

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

    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.

  • Education

    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.

  • Healthcare

    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.

In these sectors, with a huge number of devices in use, it might be an arduous task to manually configure kiosk mode on each device. Instead, if an iPad Kiosk software is used, multiple devices can locked down into kiosk mode within a few minutes. Moreover, it will also be possible to monitor device health and execute remote commands at any time.

Benefits of using an iPad Kiosk Software

Using an iPad Kiosk software/app such as Mobile Device Manager Plus (MDM), that also functions as 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

  • iPads can be locked down into iPad Kiosk Mode with multiple apps instead of just a single app.
  • Multiple devices can be configured remotely without any user intervention
  • Web resources can be distributed as Web shortcuts and added to Kiosk Mode.
  • Temporarily lock the device into a specific app, preventing users from accessing other apps for a particular duration
  • Automate the installation of the apps not available on the device, when provisioned in Kiosk Mode.
  • Pre-configure various settings like Auto Lock, Screen Rotation, Volume Buttons etc., while provisioning devices into Kiosk Mode.
  • Provide access to basic settings like Wi-Fi and prevent users from modifying other settings on devices.
  • With home screen customization, define the apps' position on the home screen and add frequently accessed apps to the Dock, restricting users from rearranging or removing the app icons.

Check out how to customize your iPad's home screen by using Mobile Device Manager Plus as your iPad kiosk software in this short demo video.

 

How to setup Kiosk Mode on iPads in an Organization?

Kiosk Mode is a powerful feature that allows IT teams to lock iPads into a specific app or set of apps, ensuring employees only use the device for its intended purpose. This is especially useful in sectors like retail, education, logistics, or frontline services.

Using ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus, you can configure Kiosk Mode across all employee iPads from a single, centralized console. Here's how it helps:

  • Remotely lock down devices into single or multi-app Kiosk Mode
  • Push configurations instantly to multiple iPads
  • Restrict access to system settings, browser, or unauthorized apps
  • Apply policies consistently across devices to maintain compliance and control

This setup eliminates the need for manual device handling, making large-scale deployments quick, secure, and hassle-free.

To manually enable iPad Kiosk Mode, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Enabling Guided Access

  • On the iPad to be provisioned in Kiosk Mode, navigate to Settings -> Accessibility -> Guided Access.

Enabling Guided Access for iPad Kiosk Mode

  • Enable Guided Access and tap on Passcode Settings to set a passcode to be provided while entering or exiting Guided Access

Providing a Passcode for iPad Kiosk Mode

Step 2: Configuring app in Guided Access

  • Open the app to be locked into iPad Kiosk Mode using Guided Access
  • Triple click the Home button and select Guided Access.

Manually adding an app into iPad Kiosk Mode

  • Select the areas of the screen to be disabled, and device functionalities to be disabled. Click on Start to initiate the Guided Access session.

Disabling device functionalities in iPad Kiosk Mode

Step 3: Exiting Guided Access Mode

  • Triple click on the Home button
  • Enter the Guided Access password or authorise the exit using TouchID or FaceID, if configured.

Disabling iPad Kiosk Mode

  • The Guided Access session will be ended.

Ended iPad Kiosk Mode

How ManaegeEngine MDM Plus can help you with Kiosk Modes on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Android, Windows devices?

ManageEngine MDM Plus helps organizations implement Kiosk Modes on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Android, and Windows devices by enabling remote provisioning, app management, hardware restrictions, and custom screen layouts. It supports both single-app and multi-app Kiosk Modes, ensuring secure and seamless device usage across platforms.

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MDM 101: The basics of KIOSK explained

  • 1. What is a kiosk device?

    A kiosk device has a single purpose, and only selected actions and tasks can be carried out on the device to fulfill that purpose. A kiosk device is usually equipped in such a way that only one or a few applications and settings are allowed on it, ensuring that users can only access approved apps and device functions without distractions.

  • 2. What are the types of kiosks?

    Kiosk types include point-of-sale devices, self-service devices, interactive devices, digital signage for advertising, and information kiosks. These devices are set up based on their purpose: to boost sales, make work processes easier, cut down on employee overhead, or display important information.

  • 3. What is kiosk mode?

    Kiosk mode is a method of locking devices so that only preconfigured apps, web shortcuts, and device functionalities are accessible. To provision devices in kiosk mode, organizations need to use dedicated kiosk management software that allows them to remotely lock devices to approved applications and to limit access to hardware functionalities. Kiosk management software lets organizations get the best out of a kiosk device while ensuring corporate data security does not take a hit.

  • 4. How does kiosk mode work?

    Kiosk mode involves preconfiguring a policy with specific settings and apps using a kiosk software or mobile device management solution, then associating this policy with the devices that need to be used as kiosks. The devices then get locked down to run only the selected apps and settings, ensuring that users can access important resources and view required information.

  • 5. What is a kiosk app?

    A kiosk app is generally the agent app of kiosk management software that is installed on the devices that are to be configured as kiosks. These apps facilitate normal iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and Android devices to function as single-purpose kiosks.

  • 6. Why is kiosk software necessary?

    To convert regular mobile devices into kiosk devices, organizations across different industries need to use a capable mobile device management (MDM) solution with advanced kiosk device management features. An MDM solution allows an array of devices to be brought under management and completely provisioned as kiosks to simplify and enhance various work processes. Kiosk mode offers options like screen pinning and guided access that help with locking down devices to one screen requiring a password. Kiosk mode also lets organizations provision one or more apps, block URLs, restrict browser settings, and disable a range of advanced settings.

  • 7. What are the key features of MDM kiosk mode?

    Mobile Device Manager Plus is kiosk software that supports the provisioning of kiosk devices with either one or multiple apps in addition to allowing necessary web shortcuts that users can open via a browser with protected access. Depending on an organization's needs, the home screen can also be customized for better user accessibility.

    To ensure kiosk devices are not used for any purpose other than the intended, restrictions can be placed on multiple functionalities (including the task bar, status bar, and notifications) along with hardware keys (like volume controls and the power button). Create a custom settings app for users to access the most basic functionalities, like device brightness, mobile networks, battery optimization, and screen timeout. Remote troubleshooting is a breeze with remote commands that instantly execute important device actions.

  • 8. What are the kiosk mode types in ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus?

    ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus supports single-app kiosk mode, multi-app kiosk mode, and autonomous single-app kiosk mode. As the names suggest, devices will have one app running in single-app kiosk mode and multiple apps running in multi-app kiosk mode. All the other apps and settings will be disabled, and users cannot revoke these changes. Autonomous single-app kiosk mode can be implemented if an app needs to be used only for a specific duration or until a given task is completed.

  • 9. What types of devices can be provisioned in kiosk mode using Mobile Device Manager Plus?

    To help empower your workspace with different kinds of kiosk devices for various purposes, Mobile Device Manager Plus offers kiosk mode capabilities for Android, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, Windows, and ChromeOS devices.

  • 10. What are the benefits of MDM kiosk mode?

    Enabling kiosk mode on devices using MDM acts as a catalyst for different organizations to drive up sales and productivity levels because users can easily access services they require, read important brand information, browse product catalogs, or get work done with only corporate apps present on devices. Critical institutions like hospitals can benefit from deploying kiosks for healthcare workers to securely collect, store, and access sensitive patient data. The banking sector can use kiosk devices to ease digital transactions and cash dispensing or depositing without compromising on compliance laws and data security.

  • 11. How can educational institutions benefit from MDM kiosk mode?

    With so much learning going digital in today's era of remote education, schools and colleges can improve the existing system by rolling out kiosk devices for students and teachers with the required apps, resources, and settings preconfigured. Interactive devices can enhance interest in learning and simplify daily tasks, like attendance and exams, while your organization's IT admins simultaneously maintain device and data security.

  • 12. What is Kiosk Software?

    Kiosk software enables businesses to transform mobile devices into interactive kiosks, offering centralized control and customization of the user experience. It finds applications in retail, hospitality, transportation, healthcare, education, government, events, and entertainment industries. By enhancing customer engagement and streamlining operations, kiosk software delivers improved efficiency across various sectors.

  • 13. Why do enterprises need Kiosk management software?

    Enterprises need Kiosk management software to efficiently manage their self-service kiosk deployments. This software allows centralized control and monitoring of the kiosk network, including features such as kiosk lockdown, content management, , and compliance enforcement. It enables businesses to streamline operations, enhance security, and ensure the smooth functioning of their single- and multi-app kiosks.

  • 14. What are the benefits of using Kiosk solutions?

    Kiosk solutions provide efficient management of kiosks, easy deployment in bulk, simplified configuration, improved user experiences, and enhanced operational control. By utilizing single-app kiosk mode along with kiosk management software, businesses can streamline their processes, lower expenses, and offer customers a convenient service experience. Moreover, Kiosk solutions facilitate precise data collection, scalability, and enhanced order accuracy, thereby becoming a valuable resource for businesses aiming to optimize their operations.

  • 15. Why is ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus the best kiosk management software?

    ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus stands out as the best kiosk management software among various kiosk solutions available due to several reasons. The solution offers extensive kiosk management capabilities, including single-app, multiapp, and autonomous kiosk modes, ensuring enhanced security and seamless user experiences. Its robust features, compatibility with diverse devices, and intuitive interface make it the best kiosk software for businesses seeking efficient kiosk management solutions.