Organizations use the Android Guided Access lockdown feature for various business scenarios. It can lock down devices into digital signage, advertising displays, and POS terminals at retail stores or quick-service restaurants. The Guided Access feature is available on IOS devices, while Android has an equivalent version.
However, the feature for Android offers limited functionality and isn’t suitable for most business scenarios. But Mobile Device Management Solution (MDM) can help you turn on Guided Access on Android devices and Samsung tablets or smart phones.
What is Guided Access for Android?
Guided Access session is a proprietary feature of Apple devices. But there is an Android equivalent of Guided Access, Android Screen Pinning. Unlike Apple’s guided access, Screen Pinning on Android is a popular feature in educational settings, as it allows teachers to lock students’ device access into a specific app while they are working on class assignments.
The app pinning feature allows you to lock down a single app on Android smartphones or business tablets. As long as the app is “pinned” to the home screen, users cannot access any other app on the device.
For example, you can disable hardware buttons like home buttons, volume buttons, and touch input in certain areas of the screen. You can also set a passcode (which is different from your device passcode) to restrict users from disabling Guided Access.
It can be used to limit access to certain apps and features so that children cannot accidentally delete important files or make in-app purchases. Guided Access mode for Android devices can also help to restrict the amount of time children can spend on a device, helping prevent overuse.
Guided Access serves another business scenario. For instance, corporations can lock down a single application to restrict access to unnecessary apps and observe strict security compliance policies.
Benefits of Android Guided Access (aka Android Screen Pinning)
Android guided access is a feature that helps lock a device to one specific app. It’s especially useful for businesses that give Android devices to employees, customers, or students. This setup ensures the device is only used for its intended purpose. Let’s break down the benefits in a way that’s easy to understand.
1. Stronger Security
Data stays safe: With Android guided access, users can only open one app. This means they can’t access other apps that might hold private or sensitive information.
Fewer risks: When you limit what someone can do inside an app, you lower the chances of accidental data leaks or unauthorized actions. It’s like putting up invisible walls to keep everything in the right place.
2. Better Focus and Productivity
No distractions: Employees stay focused because they can’t switch between apps or use the device for anything other than work. This helps them get more done.
Easy for beginners: A locked-down, simple interface makes it easier for new staff to learn how to use the device or app. This can cut down on training time and costs.
3. Improved User Experience
Simple to use: With fewer buttons or settings to deal with, the app becomes easier to use even for someone who’s not tech-savvy.
Fewer mistakes: When people have fewer options and no access to settings app, they’re less likely to press the wrong button or make a mistake. That means smoother operations.
4. Easier Management and Compliance
Easier to monitor: If a device is locked to a single app, IT teams can easily get unattended remote access and track how it’s being used.
Stay compliant: Many industries need to follow rules about how devices and data are used. Guided access for Android helps businesses stick to those rules by allowing only approved apps to run.
5. Lower Costs Over Time
Fewer tech problems: When users can’t change settings or open other apps, devices have fewer issues. That means less time and money spent on fixing things.
Longer device life: Because users can’t mess with the device too much, it lasts longer. Less wear and tear means businesses won’t have to replace it as often.
How to Enable Guided Access on Android and Samsung devices?
With Samsung Guided Access, you can lock your device to a single app, making it perfect for ensuring focused use during presentations or when lending your device to others.
1. Go to “Settings” on your Samsung Android device.
2. Open “Security and Privacy,” then click “Other security settings”.
3. Search the “Pin App” option and enable it.
4. Select the app you want to pin and tap the recent button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold. Tap the icon above the app and select ‘Pin this app’.
What are the Limitations of Android Screen Pinning?
Android’s screen pinning or app pinning feature is quite basic and comes with several limitations. It doesn’t let you set a separate password, so if someone knows the regular device password, they can easily bypass the pinned app or unpin the app and access everything else. It also doesn’t block users from pressing volume buttons, turning off the screen, or tapping other parts of the screen that should stay locked.
Another big problem to enable app pinning is that it has to be set up manually for each app. If the app gets unpinned from the home screen, you have to do it all over again. This becomes a hassle when you’re using many devices, especially in places like kiosks where you want the screen to stay locked all the time. Because of these drawbacks, screen app pinning is not a practical solution for businesses managing multiple Android enterprise devices.
Why Use MDM Solution to Implement Guided Access on Android Devices?
If you want to use guided access on Android devices, relying on an Android MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution is the smartest choice. Android’s basic screen pinning feature is quite limited and doesn’t provide enough control or security for business use. MDM software helps by locking phone or tablet into kiosk mode, managing apps, and protecting sensitive data. Here’s a detailed look at the key benefits and use cases of an MDM solution for guided access for Android devices:
- Better user control and device lockdown: MDM allows you to run your Android devices in kiosk mode, which means the device can be locked to just one app or access to specific set of approved apps. This is very helpful if you want users to focus only on specific tasks or applications without the risk of opening other apps or settings. You can choose single-app mode for simple uses like a public kiosk, or multi-app mode if employees need to access more than one app safely.
- Disable hardware buttons for stricter control: Unlike Android’s screen pinning, which doesn’t stop users from pressing physical buttons like volume or power, MDM can disable these buttons. This means users cannot turn off the screen, change volume, or exit the app by pressing those keys. This added control keeps the device running exactly how you want it, reducing mistakes or misuse.
- Improved security for lost or stolen devices: Devices left unattended or carried outside the office can easily be lost or stolen. MDM solutions allow IT admins to track the device’s location in real time. If the device cannot be recovered, they can remotely lock it to stop unauthorized access or even wipe all sensitive company data to protect privacy and security.
- Simplified app management for large device fleets: Managing apps on hundreds or thousands of devices manually is time-consuming and inefficient. MDM makes it easy by supporting silent installation, updates, and removal of apps automatically. Whether it’s apps from the Google Play Store, special enterprise apps, or web-based apps, MDM controls the entire app lifecycle so your devices always have the right software without manual intervention.
- Remote troubleshooting to fix problems fast: Many Android devices are used by remote or contract employees who may not be tech-savvy, or they may be left unattended. MDM offers remote access so IT teams can connect to the device from anywhere to diagnose and fix issues without interrupting the user. This speeds up support and reduces downtime, keeping your workforce productive.
For businesses managing multiple devices, using an MDM solution for implementing guided access on Android is a practical and effective solution that gives better control, security, and ease of management.
What Next for Guided Access in Android Using Scalefusion MDM?
Guided Access in Android alone doesn’t provide enough device protection or control for large organizations. That’s why Android MDM solutions like Scalefusion are essential. Scalefusion MDM solutions improve upon Android guided access by enabling a secure kiosk mode that locks tablets and smart devices to specific apps and limits access to other functions. This added control helps businesses manage their smart devices more effectively, especially when dealing with many devices at once. It also reduces security risks by preventing unauthorized app access or device misuse.
Scalefusion offers a powerful and practical solution to enforce guided access on Android devices while keeping management simple and efficient.
Ready to take control of your Android devices? Start your 14-day free trial today.
FAQs
1. What is Guided Access?
The term guided access is a feature that helps lock a device to a single app, so the user cannot switch to other apps. Guided Access for iOS has been around for a long time and on Android, a similar experience can be set up using features like screen pinning or kiosk mode. You can enable Guided Access in Android using screen pinning or MDM tools. The process may vary slightly depending on your Android device.
2. Can I pin an app on all Android versions?
Pinning the screen means locking your Android device to a single app. This prevents the user from navigating away from that app until the device is unpinned. The option to pin an app is available since Android 5.0 (Lollipop). If you’re running Android 5.0 or higher, you should find this setting in your device’s security options.
3. Why do businesses prefer Guided Access over just pinning the screen?
Because pinning is limited, and doesn’t stop users from adjusting settings. Guided Access especially in interactive kiosk setups gives full control, which is crucial for security, performance, and to restrict user access to android’s setting and other apps.
4. Can I Set a Password for App Pinning?
Yes, most Android versions allow setting a PIN or fingerprint authentication to exit App Pinning. This prevents unauthorized users from switching apps.
5. How to Disable App Pinning?
- Open the pinned app.
- Press and hold the Home or Back button (may vary).
- Enter your PIN or use your fingerprint if prompted.
- Tap Unpin or Exit Pinning.
