Multi-app kiosk mode is a functionality that empowers administrators to set up devices in a secure, restricted mode. In this mode, the device’s usage is limited to specific applications, thereby preventing customers or employees from accessing other apps or altering settings.
Multi-app kiosks for Android devices provide a multitude of advantages across diverse industries. Through this approach, IT admins can confine the usage of designated applications on intended devices for various purposes. A mobile device management (MDM) solution simplifies the execution, management, and control of multi-app kiosk mode on Android devices.
In this blog, let’s dive into some benefits and use cases of multi-app kiosk mode for Android. We will also find out how to enable multi-app kiosk mode on managed Android devices using Scalefusion.
What is Multi-App Kiosk Mode for Android
Multi-app kiosk mode for Android allows IT admins to configure Android devices to operate in a locked-down or restricted mode. In this mode, the device is limited to running specific applications while preventing users from accessing other apps or making changes to device settings. It is commonly used in business and educational environments that require a controlled and focused user experience on Android devices.
Key features and benefits of Android kiosk mode using an MDM solution typically include:
Application Whitelisting: IT admins can specify which applications are allowed to run on the device. Only these approved apps can be accessed, and all other apps are restricted.
Device Lockdown: The device is locked to prevent users from exiting the specified apps or accessing the Android home screen or system settings.
Customizable User Interface: An MDM solution allows admins to customize the user interface of the kiosk mode, providing a branded or tailored experience.
Remote Management: With MDM software, administrators can remotely configure, manage, and troubleshoot devices in kiosk mode, making it easier to deploy and maintain multiple devices.
Security: Multi-app kiosk mode often includes security features to ensure the device remains secure, such as password protection and the ability to remotely lock or wipe the device, if necessary.
Industry Use Cases of Android Multi-App Kiosk Mode
Common use cases for multi-app kiosk mode for Android include interactive kiosks in retail stores, information terminals in museums, point-of-sale (POS) systems, educational tablets in schools, and various enterprise applications where a controlled environment is needed. Let’s have a look at it industry-wise.
Hospitality: Numerous restaurants and hospitality chains utilize Android kiosk mode-enabled devices to run multiple apps for tasks such as inventory management, order placement, and collecting customer feedback.
Retail: Retail stores deploy multi-app kiosk mode on Android devices for staff and self-checkout and as digital signage to showcase current discounts and promotions.
Education: Many schools and universities lock Android devices into multi-app kiosk mode, employing them to manage student devices in classrooms by restricting access to device functions and other applications.
Transport and Logistics: Transport and logistics companies equip their drivers with mobile devices, enabling real-time tracking of device locations while preventing any modifications to device settings.
Hospitals: Healthcare facilities rely on locking Android devices as multi-app kiosks for patient check-in and monitoring, telehealth, etc., while ensuring restricted access to confidential data on these devices.
How to Set Up Android Multi-App Kiosk Mode with Scalefusion
IT teams of businesses that use Scalefusion MDM can configure multi-app kiosk mode for managed Android devices with just a few simple steps. The process gets even more simplified as the Scalefusion kiosk software allows admins to create and manage Android device profiles in kiosk mode centrally from its dashboard.
Step-1
Log in to the Scalefusion console. Go to ‘Device Profiles & Policies’ and select ‘Device Profiles’. Then, choose ‘Create New Profile’.
Step-2
Select ‘Android’ and choose ‘Kiosk/Agent’. Choose a desired Profile Name and Exit Code (if required other than Default). Click ‘Submit’.
Step-3
Now, select ‘Set Scalefusion as Launcher’. Select and enable the applications you want to run in kiosk mode. There’s also the option of choosing their visibility. Once the desired apps are chosen, click ‘Create Profile’.
And there you have it. Just three steps and a few clicks to set up a multi-app kiosk mode profile for Android, which can then be applied to multiple enrolled devices. IT admins have the option to change or edit the kiosk mode settings (see the left end of the image above) and add or remove apps for a particular Android kiosk mode profile.
Run Android Devices in Multi-App Kiosk Mode with Scalefusion MDM
Running managed Android devices as multi-app kiosks allows businesses to ensure optimized device utilization, increased employee productivity, and improved customer experiences. Leveraging a comprehensive MDM solution like Scalefusion empowers IT admins to execute better control and heightened security on multi-app kiosk devices.
Reach our experts and schedule a demo to discover how your business can harness the power of multi-app kiosk mode for Android. Check out the kiosk mode features and settings with a 14-day free trial.
FAQs
1. What is multi-app kiosk mode on Android?
Multi-App Kiosk Mode on Android is a feature that allows users to run multiple applications in a locked-down mode, restricting access to other device functionalities. It is commonly used in business or public settings to create dedicated devices for specific tasks, such as information kiosks or digital signage.
2. How to turn on kiosk mode on Android?
To turn on kiosk mode on Android, go to Settings, then Security or Device Administration, depending on your Android version. Look for “Kiosk Mode” or “Screen Pinning” options, enable them, and select the app you want to use in kiosk mode.
3. How to add an app to kiosk mode on an Android device?
To add an app to kiosk mode on an Android device, go to Settings, select “Apps” or “Applications,” choose the desired app, and then tap “Open by default.” Select “Open in this app” or “Open supported links,” and choose “Always.” This sets the app as the default for kiosk mode on the device.
