What is Kiosk Mode and How to Enable It?

Customer engagement plays a big role in keeping users loyal and coming back. One study found that engaged customers spend 60% more on each purchase. That is why many businesses are turning to kiosks as a simple, effective way to improve both efficiency and user experience.

Whether it’s retail, hospitality, or public service, kiosks help speed up everyday tasks and create a more focused experience for users. Kiosk mode, in particular, helps businesses control what devices can do, keeping them secure while improving how customers interact with them.

Kiosks have evolved from basic information terminals to fully integrated digital tools that work alongside the rest of your systems.

In this blog, we will walk through what kiosk mode is and how to set up kiosk mode so you can use it to improve the way your business runs.

What is kiosk mode?

Kiosk mode is a device setting that locks the screen to a specific app, group of apps, or website, while blocking access to all other functions. It works on Android, Windows, and iOS devices, and is commonly used to turn tablets or computers into purpose-built kiosks for tasks like check-ins, self-service, or digital signage.

Once enabled, kiosk mode locks down the device so users can’t access other apps, settings, or files. This not only keeps the experience focused and easy to use but also helps cut down on data usage and prevents misuse.

You will often see kiosk mode used on public terminals, digital signboards, self-service checkouts, or task-specific devices in places like retail stores, hospitals, and classrooms. It helps businesses and IT teams make sure the device is used only for what it is meant to do.

What are the different types of Kiosk Mode?

When rolling out kiosk mode across your devices, one thing is clear: not every setup fits every use case. Depending on how the device will be used, whether in a store, classroom, or waiting room, you need to choose the type of kiosk mode that fits best.

Here are the three main types to consider:

Single App Mode

Single app kiosk mode locks the entire device to just one application. Users can’t open any other apps, access the home screen, change settings, or do anything outside that one app. This is ideal for situations where the device serves one clear purpose like printing tickets at a station, checking in at an event, or displaying a digital menu. It helps reduce confusion for users and prevents any misuse of the device.

Multi-App Mode

Multi-app kiosk mode allows the device to run a small group of selected applications. Users can switch between these apps, but all other features, settings, and apps are blocked. This mode is useful when the task requires a bit more flexibility but still needs control. For example, in a school, a tablet might give students access to reading apps, video lessons, and quizzes and nothing else. In offices, devices can be limited to communication and productivity apps only.

Browser Mode

Browser kiosk mode locks the device into a web browser, but access is limited to specific websites or web applications. Users can’t type in random URLs or browse freely. This is often used in libraries, help desks, or hospital waiting areas where users need to access information but shouldn’t be able to visit unrelated or risky sites. It keeps the experience focused, safe, and easy to manage.

Benefits of Kiosk Mode for Business

Kiosk mode is more than just a way to lock down devices. It is a practical tool that helps businesses run smarter, safer, and more efficiently. By turning everyday devices into purpose-built kiosks, companies across industries can streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and reduce overhead costs. Here’s a closer look at the key advantages kiosk mode brings to modern business environments:

1. Enhanced Customer Service

Kiosk mode helps businesses deliver faster, more focused customer service by turning devices into task-specific tools. Whether it is a self-service checkout, a hotel check-in screen, or a product information display in retail, kiosk devices streamline the user experience and reduce wait times. This leads to better engagement, fewer service delays, and more satisfied customers.

2. Increased Operational Efficiency

By limiting devices to specific apps or websites, kiosk mode removes distractions and ensures employees or users stay focused on the task at hand. For example, in warehouses or restaurants, kiosk-configured tablets can be used solely for order taking or inventory updates. This kind of controlled usage boosts productivity and simplifies workflows across business operations.

3. Cost Reduction

With kiosk lockdown in place, businesses can reduce support and maintenance costs. Since users can’t tamper with settings or download unauthorized apps, devices require less troubleshooting and last longer. Kiosk mode also helps lower data consumption by blocking background apps and non-essential browsing, especially on mobile networks.

4. Improved Security and Compliance

Kiosk mode strengthens device security by limiting access to only approved functions. This reduces the risk of unauthorized usage, data leaks, or malware. It is especially valuable in industries like healthcare or finance, where protecting sensitive information and maintaining regulatory compliance is a top priority. By keeping the device locked down, businesses can meet security standards without extra tools or software.

5. Scalability and Flexibility

Whether you are managing five devices or five hundred, kiosk mode scales easily with your business needs. It supports a wide range of use cases from digital signage and customer feedback stations to employee tools and public information kiosks. With remote management features offered by most kiosk solutions, businesses can configure, monitor, and update devices without needing to handle them physically, saving time and resources as operations grow.

Common Use Cases of Kiosk Mode in Different Industries

Kiosk mode is widely used across industries to simplify workflows, enhance user interaction, and secure devices for specific tasks. By restricting devices to only the apps or functions they are intended for, businesses can reduce distractions, prevent misuse, and offer a seamless experience to customers and employees alike. Here’s how kiosk mode fits into various industries:

Retail

Retail businesses use kiosk mode to power point-of-sale systems, self-checkout kiosks, product browsing stations, and in-store digital signage. It ensures that devices run only retail-specific applications, helping streamline purchases, reduce staff workload, and improve customer experience. Kiosk mode also prevents misuse by locking down devices to only essential retail functions.

Hospitality

In the hospitality industry, kiosk mode is used for guest self-check-in/check-out, digital room directories, restaurant ordering systems, and feedback collection. Hotels and restaurants benefit from reduced wait times and fewer manual touchpoints. Locked-down devices make the experience smooth and prevent guests from accessing anything outside the intended service interface.

Education

Schools and universities use kiosk mode to keep students focused and secure during digital learning. It is commonly applied in exam devices, interactive learning stations, and digital libraries. Kiosk mode helps restrict access to only educational tools and prevents students from accessing games, social media, or settings during class or tests.

Healthcare

Hospitals and clinics use kiosk mode for patient registration, appointment scheduling, telehealth sessions, and feedback systems. With devices locked to specific medical apps or forms, healthcare providers can ensure data privacy, reduce manual errors, and streamline patient intake, all while staying compliant with healthcare regulations.

Logistics

Logistics companies rely on kiosk-configured devices for delivery tracking, barcode scanning, inventory management, and warehouse automation. These devices are often used in rugged environments, and kiosk mode ensures they stay focused on the task, avoid unauthorized usage, and maintain efficient workflows across fast-moving operations.

Banking and Finance

Banks use kiosk mode to offer secure self-service banking features, including account access, bill payment, fund transfers, and loan applications. By locking down ATMs or branch-based tablets, financial institutions can protect user data, prevent fraud, and ensure devices are only used for approved banking services.

Aviation

Airports implement kiosk mode in check-in terminals, boarding pass printers, flight information displays, and passenger feedback kiosks. It helps streamline travel processes and keeps devices dedicated to their specific function. With kiosk lockdown, passengers can use these systems independently while ensuring system integrity in high-traffic zones.

How to Enable Kiosk Mode?

Setting up kiosk mode is simple but choosing the right method depends on how many devices you need to manage and what operating system they run on. In most business environments, there are two main ways to enable kiosk mode: using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution or installing dedicated kiosk software.

MDM solutions offer a more scalable and secure approach, especially for businesses managing multiple devices across locations. They allow IT teams to remotely configure, monitor, and lock down devices without touching them physically.

With an MDM platform like Scalefusion, you can easily configure:

• Android kiosk mode for single app, multiple apps, and browser mode.
• iPad kiosk mode to lock down iOS devices for digital displays, forms, or self-service portals.
• Windows kiosk mode to turn desktops or tablets into task-specific stations.

Using an MDM-based kiosk solution helps ensure consistent device performance, better security, and easier control from a central dashboard. 

Choose Scalefusion MDM for All Your Kiosk Mode Requirements 

Kiosk mode is a versatile and secure solution for enhancing operational efficiency and customer interaction across various industries. By implementing kiosk device management, organizations can streamline processes, safeguard sensitive information, and provide a focused, user-friendly experience. Whether you’re in retail, healthcare, education, or any other sector, your devices can be customized to meet your specific needs and objectives.

Interested in seeing how kiosk mode can transform your business operations? Contact our experts and schedule a demo to discover the entire range of Scalefusion’s kiosk management capabilities. Sign up to start your 14-day free trial, today!

FAQs

What is the purpose of kiosk mode?

Kiosk mode is used to lock a device to a specific app, group of apps, or website, preventing users from accessing anything outside the intended function. Its main purpose is to improve security, reduce distractions, and create a focused, task-specific experience for users in environments like retail, healthcare, hospitality, and education.

Which is the best kiosk mode?

The best kiosk mode depends on your business needs. If you only need one app running like a POS system or check-in screen, single app kiosk mode is ideal. If users need access to a few essential apps, multi-app kiosk mode is a better fit. Some industries may benefit from browser-based kiosk mode for restricted web access. Choosing the right mode ensures better performance, security, and user experience.

How do I switch to kiosk mode?

You can enable kiosk mode using either a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution or dedicated kiosk software. MDM platforms like Scalefusion let you remotely configure kiosk mode for Android, iOS, and Windows devices. This method offers centralized control, scalability, and security for businesses managing multiple devices.