# How to put iPad in Kiosk Mode?

## Key takeaways

- iPad Kiosk Mode — Apple calls it Single App Mode — locks a supervised iPad to one app or a controlled set of apps. The Home button, Settings, and all other apps are disabled.
- Two setup paths: Guided Access is built into every iPad and takes a couple of minutes, but it can only be controlled on the device itself and breaks easily at scale. MDM Single App Mode is configured remotely, tamper-proof, and built for fleets — it requires supervision through Apple Business Manager or Apple Configurator.
- MDM supports three kiosk types: Single App, Multi-App, and Autonomous Single App (where the app itself enters and exits kiosk mode based on a task or session).
- Common deployments include POS terminals, restaurant menus, airline and conference check-in counters, classroom iPads, hospital bedside devices, hotel guest devices, donation stations, and digital signage.
- IT admins can exit, switch, or push updated kiosk profiles to any device remotely from the MDM console — no physical access needed.

iPad Kiosk Mode locks an iPad to one app — or a curated set of apps — so the device does exactly what it was put there to do and nothing else. Whether you're running self-checkout counters in a retail store, check-in tablets at a hotel lobby, or shared iPads in a classroom, kiosk mode keeps users on task and keeps your data off-limits.

There are two ways to get there. Guided Access is Apple's built-in option: you set it up on the device itself in under five minutes. It works fine for a single iPad, but it doesn't scale and it's easy to exit accidentally. The other path is MDM Single App Mode — configured remotely through a mobile device management solution like ManageEngine MDM Plus — which is what most IT teams use when they're managing more than a handful of devices.

This guide covers both, plus multi-app kiosk, web kiosk, prerequisites, remote management, and troubleshooting.

## What is iPad Kiosk Mode?

**iPad Kiosk Mode** — Apple's official name for it is Single App Mode — is a supervised device state where an iPad is restricted to one specific app, or in multi-app configurations, to a controlled group of apps. Everything else is locked out: the Home button, Settings, Safari, the App Store, and any other app the user might otherwise reach.

When a device is in Single App Mode, the user can only interact with what you've put in front of them. Hardware buttons like volume controls and the side button can be disabled individually. Screen rotation, auto-lock, and touch input can all be configured or blocked.

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.

iPad Kiosk Mode requires the device to be supervised — more on that in the Prerequisites section below. Once supervised, you can push a kiosk profile to one iPad or ten thousand from the same MDM console, and change it any time without touching the device.

The steps in this guide apply to iPadOS 17 and iPadOS 18.

This iPad Kiosk Mode guide covers the following:

- [Pre-requisites to configure iPad Kiosk Mode](#pre-requisites-to-configure-ipad-kiosk-mode)
- [How to setup Kiosk Mode on iPads using iPad Kiosk software?](#how-to-setup-kiosk-mode-on-ipads)
- [Guided Access vs MDM Kiosk Mode: Which one should you use?](#guided-access-vs-mdm-kiosk-mode-which-one-should-you-use)
- [Types of iPad Kiosk Mode (Single App, Multi-App, Autonomous)](#types-of-ipad-kiosk-mode-single-app-multi-app-autonomous-single-app)
- [Need for iPad Kiosk software](#need-for-ipad-kiosk-software)
- [Benefits of using an iPad Kiosk Software](#benefits-of-using-an-ipad-kiosk-software)
- [How to lock an iPad to a single website (Web Kiosk)](#how-to-lock-an-ipad-to-a-single-website-web-kiosk)
- [How to setup Kiosk Mode on iPads in an Organization?](#how-to-setup-kiosk-mode-on-ipads-in-an-organization)
- [How to exit or switch iPad Kiosk mode remotely](#how-to-exit-or-switch-ipad-kiosk-mode-remotely)
- [How ManageEngine MDM Plus can help you with Kiosk Modes](#how-manageengine-mdm-plus-can-help-you-with-kiosk-modes-on-ios-ipados-macos-android-windows-devices)
- [iPad Kiosk Mode FAQs](#ipad-kiosk-mode-faqs)

## 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:

- The devices must be [Supervised](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/mdm-advantages-of-supervising-ios-devices.html?ipadkiosk). Devices can be supervised by enrolling them using [Apple Configurator](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/enrollment/enroll_ios_devices_using_apple_configurator.html?ipadkiosk) or [Apple Business Manager](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/enrollment/apple_business_manager_enrollment.html?ipadkiosk) (previously known as [Device Enrollment Program](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/enrollment/device_enrollment_program_ios_devices.html?ipadkiosk)).

**Note**: As support for Device Enrollment Program is discontinued by Apple from December 1, 2019, [migrate to Apple Business Manager](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-migrate-dep-vpp-to-abm.html?ipadkiosk) to continue managing devices.

There are two ways to supervise an iPad:

**Option 1 — Apple Business Manager (ABM)**  
ABM is the standard path for organizations buying iPads in any volume. Devices purchased through Apple or an authorized reseller can be enrolled in ABM automatically. Once the device powers on and connects to the internet, it enrolls into your MDM automatically — no manual setup, no user intervention. To get started, your organization needs an ABM account (business.apple.com), and your MDM solution needs to be connected to it as the MDM server.

**Option 2 — Apple Configurator 2**  
If you have iPads that weren't purchased through ABM, or devices you need to supervise manually, Apple Configurator 2 (free on the Mac App Store) handles this over USB. Connect the iPad, prepare it through Configurator, and it comes out supervised and enrolled in MDM.

## 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** and choose **iOS/iPadOS**.

![Creating iPad Kiosk Mode Profile](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/ipad-kiosk-mode-01.png)

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

![Providing a name to iPad Kiosk Mode Profile](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/ipad-kiosk-mode-02.png)

**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. Specify the iPad Kiosk app(s), configure device settings, and restrict hardware buttons as required.

![iPad Kiosk Mode Profile configuration](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/ipad-kiosk-mode-03.png)

**Step 4**: Click on **Edit Screen Layout** and select **iPad** to configure the device screen layout.

![iPad Kiosk Mode Layout Configuration](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/ipad-kiosk-mode-04.png)

**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](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/app_management/mdm_creating_app_repository.html?ipadkiosk?#ios_store_apps) and [enterprise apps](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/app_management/mdm_creating_app_repository.html?ipadkiosk#ios_enterprise_apps) can be provisioned in iPad Kiosk Mode.
- To silently install the iPad Kiosk app(s), Store apps need to be [purchased from Apple Business Manager](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/app_management/ios_app_management.html?ipadkiosk#Using_Managed_Distribution). Enterprise apps (.ipa files) can be uploaded to MDM and silently deployed.
- [App updates can be tested](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-manage-app-updates-on-ios-android-windows-devices.html?ipadkiosk) on specific devices before deployment to production.

## Guided Access vs MDM Kiosk Mode: Which one should you use?

Both Guided Access and MDM Single App Mode lock an iPad to one app, but they work very differently.

|  | Guided Access | MDM Single App Mode |
|---|---|---|
| **Setup** | On the device, manually | Remote, from MDM console |
| **Supervision required?** | No | Yes (ABM or Apple Configurator) |
| **Exit method** | Triple-click + passcode, on the device | Remote command from MDM console |
| **Scale** | One device at a time | Any number of devices simultaneously |
| **Tamper resistance** | Low — passcode can be forgotten or bypassed | High — only MDM admin can exit |
| **App switching** | No — single app only | Yes — switch profiles or apps remotely |
| **Best for** | One-off demos, classrooms, short sessions | Deployed fleets, public-facing kiosks, retail, healthcare |

If you manage more than a few iPads, MDM Single App Mode is the right choice.

## Types of iPad Kiosk Mode (Single App, Multi-App, Autonomous Single App)

ManageEngine MDM Plus supports three kiosk configurations for iPads:

- **Single App Mode**  
  The iPad is locked to one specific app. Everything else is inaccessible.

- **Multi-App Mode**  
  The iPad is locked to a defined set of apps. Users can switch only between approved apps.

- **Autonomous Single App Mode**  
  The app itself enters and exits kiosk mode based on session activity using Apple's API.

## 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. It is widely used in:

- **Retail**  
  Self check-out counters and POS systems with restricted usage.

- **Education**  
  Schools integrating with [Apple School Manager](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/mdm-apple-school-manager.html) use Kiosk Mode to prevent distractions.

- **Healthcare**  
  Bedside monitoring, attendance systems, and surgical support tools.

- **Restaurants and Food Service**  
  Digital menus, table-side ordering, and payment terminals.

- **Airlines and Conference Venues**  
  Check-in counters and event registration kiosks.

- **Hotels and Hospitality**  
  Guest-facing lobby kiosks running web portals.

- **Donation Stations and Nonprofits**  
  Secure payment-based donation kiosks.

- **Digital Signage**  
  Corporate lobbies and public display systems.

Using iPad Kiosk software enables centralized control, monitoring, and remote management.

## Benefits of using an iPad Kiosk Software

Using an iPad Kiosk software such as Mobile Device Manager Plus provides:

- Multi-app kiosk support.
- Remote configuration of multiple devices.
- Web resources distributed as [Web shortcuts](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/ios/mdm_webclips.html?ipadkiosk).
- Temporary device locking.
- Automated app installation.
- Pre-configured settings (Auto Lock, Screen Rotation, Volume Buttons).
- Restricted access to system settings.
- [Home screen customization](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/ios/mdm_app_lock.html#screen-customization).
- Bulk enrollment across locations.
- Controlled app updates.

Watch this [short demo video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFpX8TO512Y).

## How to lock an iPad to a single website (Web Kiosk)

If your kiosk use case is browser-based, you can lock the iPad to a URL.

**Option 1 — Single App Mode with a managed browser**  
Push a managed browser via MDM, configure the allowed URL, and set it as the kiosk app.

**Option 2 — Web Clips (Web Shortcuts)**  
Add Web Clips in a Multi-App kiosk profile along with a restricted browser.

Combine with restrictions on Safari and the App Store to prevent bypassing.

## How to setup Kiosk Mode on iPads in an Organization?

Using **ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus**, you can:

- Remotely lock devices into single or multi-app Kiosk Mode.
- Push configurations instantly.
- Restrict access to system settings and apps.
- Apply policies consistently across devices.

### Step 1: Enabling Guided Access

- Navigate to **Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access**.
- Enable Guided Access and set a passcode.

![Enabling Guided Access for iPad Kiosk Mode](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/guided-access1.png)

![Providing a Passcode for iPad Kiosk Mode](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/guided-access2.png)

### Step 2: Configuring app in Guided Access

- Open the app.
- Triple-click the Home button and select **Guided Access**.
- Configure restrictions and tap **Start**.

![Manually adding an app into iPad Kiosk Mode](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/guided-access3.png)

![Disabling device functionalities in iPad Kiosk Mode](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/guided-access4.png)

### Step 3: Exiting Guided Access Mode

- Triple-click the Home button.
- Enter the passcode or authenticate.
- The session ends.

![Disabling iPad Kiosk Mode](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/guided-access5.png)

![Ended iPad Kiosk Mode](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/guided-access6.png)

## How to exit or switch iPad Kiosk mode remotely

- **Exiting kiosk mode**: Remove or deactivate the kiosk profile from the MDM console.
- **Switching profiles**: Remove the active profile and push a new one.
- **Bulk updates**: Push updated profiles to device groups.
- **Temporary exit for maintenance**: Suspend and re-enable the kiosk profile remotely.

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

ManageEngine MDM Plus supports:

- **Bulk enrollment and zero-touch deployment** via Apple Business Manager.
- **Remote profile management**.
- **Cross-platform kiosk management** (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS).
- **App lifecycle management** including silent installs.
- **Device health monitoring** with remote commands.

## iPad Kiosk Mode FAQs

### 1. How do you put an iPad in kiosk mode?

Use Guided Access locally, or configure Single App Mode via MDM Plus and push the profile remotely.

### 2. What is the difference between Guided Access and MDM Kiosk Mode on iPad?

Guided Access is local and manual. MDM Kiosk Mode is supervised, remote, scalable, and tamper-resistant.

### 3. Can I lock an iPad to multiple apps?

Yes, using Multi-App Kiosk Mode in MDM Plus.

### 4. How do I lock an iPad to a single website?

Use a managed kiosk browser in Single App Mode or Web Clips in Multi-App Mode.

### 5. How do I exit iPad Kiosk Mode remotely?

Remove or deactivate the kiosk profile in the MDM console.

### 6. How do I switch iPads between kiosk profiles?

Create separate profiles and remotely switch them from the MDM console.

### 7. How do I bulk-enroll iPads as kiosks?

Connect MDM Plus to Apple Business Manager and apply kiosk profiles during enrollment.

### 8. How do I block notification pop-ups in kiosk mode?

Disable notifications via Restrictions profile and kiosk hardware settings.

### 9. What apps can I use in iPad Kiosk Mode?

Any App Store or enterprise app added to the MDM repository.

### 10. Can I manage iPad, Android, and Windows kiosks together?

Yes. ManageEngine MDM Plus supports cross-platform kiosk management from a single console.