How to Lock Android Devices in Single App Mode?

When employees or customers have unrestricted access to a device, distractions and risks quickly creep in. Non-work apps, accidental setting changes, or even security issues can all reduce its value. Locking devices into Single App Mode solves this by keeping them focused on one task and blocking everything else.

Often called Single App Kiosk Mode, this setup is widely used in businesses to ensure devices serve a specific purpose, whether it is delivery drivers relying on navigation apps, customers using self-service kiosks, or students learning on tablets.

In this blog, we will cover what single app mode is and how to lock Android devices into single app mode.

What is Android Single App Kiosk Mode?

Android Single App Kiosk Mode, also called Android Single App Mode, is a setting that locks an Android device to a single application. Once turned on, the user cannot leave the app, open other apps, access settings, or view notifications. The device stays dedicated to one purpose only.

This mode is especially useful for businesses that rely on Android devices for specific tasks, such as self-service kiosks, point-of-sale systems, learning tablets, or digital catalogues. By enabling Kiosk Mode on Android, organizations can ensure devices remain secure, distraction-free, and always used as intended.

How Does Android Single Application Mode Work?

Android Single Application Mode works by modifying system-level behaviors to restrict the device’s operation to a single, predefined app. When this mode is activated, the Android OS suppresses user access to system UI elements such as the home button, app switcher, notification bar, and settings menu.

At the backend, the system launches the selected app automatically, either during device boot or after a timeout and overrides user input that would normally exit the app. Even if the device is restarted, it relaunches directly into the same app, maintaining its locked-down state.

To enforce single app mode Android, administrators typically configure a set of policies that:

• Block background processes or unauthorized apps from launching.
• Disable hardware buttons like volume, back, or power (in supported devices)
• Prevent access to connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.
• Hide or disable the status bar, keyboard, and gesture navigation.

This ensures that the device remains locked to the intended app without manual intervention or risk of tampering.

The logic behind single application mode in Android is to create a controlled environment that supports a very specific business use, whether it is scanning inventory, displaying product catalogs, or collecting visitor data. It converts the device into a single-purpose terminal while maintaining system stability and enforcing security policies in the background.

What are the Benefits of Single Application Mode for Android?

Locking an Android device to a single app has many advantages, especially for businesses that want better control over how their devices are used. Here’s why Android Single App Mode is useful:

1. Keeps the device focused on one task

When the device is locked into one app, users can’t open anything else. This is helpful for work-related tasks where distractions can slow things down.

2. Reduces misuse or tampering

With Android single app mode, users can’t access settings, browse the internet, or install other apps. It helps prevent accidental or intentional misuse.

3. Less support needed

Since users can’t change anything outside the app, IT teams don’t have to worry about fixing settings or troubleshooting as often.

4. Same experience every time

Whether it is for a check-in kiosk, a delivery app, or a feedback form, Android single app kiosk mode ensures that every device looks and works the same way.

5. Works well in shared or public spaces

Devices used by multiple people or placed in public stay locked to one app, no matter who is using it. This helps in places like retail stores, hospitals, or warehouses.

Industry Use Cases for Android Single App Mode

Android Single App Mode is widely adopted across industries where dedicated, task-specific device usage is critical. Locking devices into a single app not only enhances the user experience but also ensures better control, reduced misuse, and easier maintenance. Here are some real-world examples:

1. Restaurant Ordering Kiosks

Restaurants often use tablets for self-ordering at tables or counters. By enabling Android single app kiosk mode, the tablet runs only the menu or ordering app, preventing customers from accessing other apps or settings.

This setup offers two major benefits:

• Prevents misuse of the device, reducing IT support and maintenance.

• Enhances customer experience through a focused, interactive interface.

It also helps the restaurant’s branding by keeping the customer engaged with their digital menu throughout the experience.

2. Display Kiosks in Retail Stores

In retail stores, Android devices are used in an intuitive manner. The table displays information about the products and discounts available online through the browser by setting the browser in kiosk mode.

Benefits include:

• Educates customers about ongoing offers and new stock.
• Keeps the interface clean and distraction-free.
• Ensures devices serve only their intended role, reducing operational risk.

3. Interactive Kiosks in Amusement Parks and Museums

Parks, museums, and other public venues often install interactive kiosks that show maps, ticket prices, schedules, or gather visitor feedback. Using Android single app mode, these devices run only the assigned application and block access to anything else.

This leads to:

• Reduced IT maintenance and downtime.
• A better and faster experience for visitors.
• Lower chances of tampering with device settings.

4. Information Kiosks at Government Institutes

Public-facing government offices often use tablets to display information, guide citizens, or collect digital forms. Running the devices in Android single app kiosk mode ensures people stay focused on the task or information at hand.

Key advantages:

• Offers a professional, consistent interface for public services.
• Helps deliver accurate, easy-to-navigate public information.
• Prevents distractions or unauthorized use.

How to Enable Single App Mode on Android Tablets or Phones?

There are a few different ways to enable Single App Mode on Android devices, depending on your use case, level of control needed, and technical expertise. Here are three common methods:

1. Use Built-in Settings (App Pinning)

App Pinning is a basic version of single application mode Android available in most Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and above. It lets you “pin” an app to the screen, preventing users from switching to other apps.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Security (or Security & Location).
2. Tap on Screen Pinning or App Pinning.
3. Turn it ON.
4. Open the app you want to lock.
5. Tap the Overview (Recent Apps) button and swipe up.
6. Tap the Pin icon on the app’s card.

Limitations:

• Users can unpin the app by pressing the back and overview buttons together.
• Not suitable for unattended or large-scale deployments.
• Doesn’t block access to system settings.

2. Use Android APIs or Custom ROMs

Developers can use Android’s Lock Task Mode API (introduced in Android 5.0+) to programmatically enable Android single app kiosk mode. Some companies also use custom ROMs to deeply control the device behavior beyond what stock Android allows.

Steps using Lock Task API:

1. Build a custom Android app and assign it as a Device Owner using Android Enterprise.
2. Use the startLockTask method in your app to enter kiosk mode.
3. Set your app to launch automatically on boot.
4. Block user navigation and status bar access via code or policies.

Using Custom ROMs:

• Flash the device with a custom ROM that disables unwanted features and runs only one app at startup.
• Useful for deep control in highly specific use cases.

Limitations:

• Requires development skills and access to device admin tools.
• Not ideal for businesses without an in-house dev team.
• Risky if not tested thoroughly across devices.

3. Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solution

An MDM lets IT admins remotely configure Android single app kiosk mode from a central dashboard, no need to touch each device manually.

Steps:

1. Enroll the device into your MDM platform.
2. Assign the device to a kiosk profile or policy.
3. Select the app you want to lock the device into.
4. Enable Single App Mode from the MDM console.
5. The device will now reboot into that app and block everything else.

Benefits:

• Ideal for large-scale deployments in retail, logistics, education, and field operations.
• Allows remote updates, monitoring, and support.
• Supports advanced restrictions like blocking USB, camera, Wi-Fi settings, etc.

Which is the best method to Lock Android Devices in Single App Mode?

When comparing methods to lock Android devices in Single App Mode, it becomes clear that only one option delivers the level of security, control, and scalability businesses need.

• Screen Pinning:  Screen Pinning is built into Android and works for quick fixes, but it is easy to bypass and doesn’t survive reboots. It also lacks bulk management, making it unsuitable for business deployments.
  
• Lock Task API / Custom ROM: The API or custom ROM approach offers more control than screen pinning, but it requires coding skills, manual setup, and ongoing maintenance. Managing devices this way at scale is impractical for IT teams.
  
• Kiosk Mode via MDM Solution:  Kiosk Mode via an MDM solution is the most reliable method for businesses. IT admins can remotely lock devices to a single app, enforce restrictions like disabling Wi-Fi or USB, push updates, and manage thousands of devices from one dashboard. Devices reboot directly into the assigned app and users cannot exit it, ensuring complete control and security.

While screen pinning and APIs have limited use cases, Android Kiosk Mode via an MDM solution is the best way to lock Android devices in Single App Mode. It combines simplicity, scalability, and enterprise-grade security, making it the right choice for organizations.

Take Control of Your Android Device’s Security with Scalefusion

Whether you are managing customer-facing kiosks, field devices, or employee tablets, locking Android devices into Single App Mode is one of the most effective ways to ensure security, focus, and consistent performance. With Scalefusion, you can set up and manage Android single-app kiosk mode across thousands of devices remotely, securely, and without any coding.

Take the next step toward better control and security with Scalefusion. Book a free demo or start your 14-day trial today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the advantages of using Single Application Mode? 

Android Single App Mode offers several benefits, including enhancing focus by limiting access to a single app, improving security by restricting unauthorized usage of other apps, and optimizing the device for specific tasks like kiosks or point-of-sale systems. This mode is ideal for businesses and educational environments where a device needs to be locked down for a specific function.

2. Which devices support Single Application Mode?

Most Android smartphones and tablets support Single Application Mode, including devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and later. To lock an Android tablet to one app or lock an Android phone to one app, you typically need to use Android’s built-in settings or third-party MDM solutions to configure Android tablet single app mode.

3. Is Single App Mode secure?

Yes, Single Application Mode is secure. It helps to lock Android to one app, reducing the risk of users accessing unauthorized apps or system settings. This is particularly useful when you need to lockdown Android tablet to one application in public or enterprise settings, ensuring that the device is used solely for its intended purpose.

4. How to lock Android tablet to one app?

To lock an Android tablet to one app, you can use Android Single Application Mode. This can be done by enabling Kiosk Mode through the device’s settings or using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. Go to Settings > Security > Screen Lock, then select Pin or Password. Next, under Advanced Settings, enable the option to lock Android tablet to one app. Alternatively, third-party MDM software can be used to lockdown Android tablet to one application and restrict access to other apps.