Android Kiosk Mode: Definition & Set Up Guide for Tablets/Phones

Android Kiosk Mode locks an Android device to a single application or a specific set of applications, preventing users from accessing other device functions, settings, or the home screen. It's commonly used for dedicated purposes like retail point-of-sale systems, digital signage, self-service kiosks, or educational tablets, typically configured via Mobile Device Management (MDM) software or built-in Android features.

These Android kiosk devices are typically configured via Mobile Device Management (MDM) software or built-in Android features. Key Features of Kiosk Mode include Single-App Mode, i.e., locking the device to a single specific app, and Multi-App Mode, i.e., allowing access to a limited set of approved apps.

Enterprises are looking for a way to lock multiple Android devices into kiosk mode for business operations.For a better idea about how a typical kiosk mode differs from a normal mode on an Android device, see the illustration below:

1 Key Features of Android Kiosk Mode

Now that you know what is a kiosk mode for an Android device, let us explore the key features of Android kiosk mode e.g. app lockdown to restrict access to certain apps, system permission control that decides which system settings can be accessed, and device security and data management by allowing remote upgrades and patch management.

Function Lock

Android Kiosk Mode enables strict function lock settings to control how users interact with the device and what they are allowed to access. These include:

• Single-App mode: Locks the device to one specific app. Users cannot exit or switch to other apps, preventing access to the content on your device in case you lend the device to someone else.
• Multi-App mode: Allows limited access to a selected list of apps in a secure, controlled environment. Users can switch between selected apps, but they cannot access system settings or unauthorized applications.
• Access restrictions: Access Restrictions are security settings used in Android tablet kiosk mode to limit user interaction with the system, disable system navigation, status bar, hardware buttons, and access to settings.

System Permission Control

System Permission Control in Android tablet kiosk configurations allows administrators to manage system-level permissions for apps and users. This is done to prevent apps from accessing sensitive features, such as the camera, and to limit access to Wi-Fi and VPN configurations, as well as prevent unauthorized apps from running in the background.

It also includes blocking access to system settings and app stores to avoid unauthorized system modifications or application installations.

Security and Data Management

Security and Data Management focuses on protecting device integrity, securing user data, and ensuring compliance with privacy policies. This feature of kiosk mode helps protect stored data in case the device is lost or stolen. Administrators can remotely lock or erase data.

Moreover, kiosk mode supports remote monitoring of device status, pushing updates or configuration policies (such as through an MDM platform), and admins can set up automatic data upload (such as visitor registration information) or offline mode (such as saving locally when there is no network).

2 Why You Need Android Kiosk Mode for Tablets/Phones?

In the business scenarios discussed below, the demand for the kiosk mode function is strict. Usually, these requirements include security, multi-device settings, long-term locking and preventing easy exit. 

Retailers

Used as self-service ordering machines or product inquiry terminals. Users can only access the ordering system or product catalog.

Hospitality

Used as digital concierge tablets, room service ordering panels, or check-in/check-out kiosks in hotels. Devices are locked to specific service apps to enhance guest experience and prevent unauthorized access.

Education

Used as classroom interactive tablets (only allows access to educational software). Ensures students stay focused by preventing access to unrelated content or system settings.

3 General Methods to Enable Kiosk Mode on Android Tablets

1Method 1: Screen Pinning (Android 5.0+) – Fast, Free but Limited

Overview:

Screen Pinning is a built-in Android feature (introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop) allowing users to lock a single app to the screen. Once pinned, the user cannot switch to another app unless the correct PIN or pattern is entered to unpin. It’s best for casual use or temporary setups without enterprise control.

Target Audience:

Ideal for individual users, developers, or teams conducting ad-hoc testing or demo environments where minimal control is sufficient.

Prerequisite:

Available on Android 5.0+ devices that are not enrolled in enterprise or MDM management. Works only on stock Android environments.

Key features supported:

• Locks a specific app to the foreground
• Prevents switching to other apps
• Requires password/PIN to exit
• Easy to enable via system settings (no coding or third-party apps)
• Basic single-app mode
• Manual app pinning

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Completely free and built into Android
• Quick setup, no installation or configuration needed
• Useful for short-term or one-off scenarios

Cons:

• Easy to bypass if the user knows the PIN
• No support for multi-app workflows or remote management
• Not suitable for large-scale or commercial use

Use Case Example:

A tablet used at a trade show to demo a single app or website, where visitors can interact with one specific interface without navigating elsewhere.

Conclusion:

Screen Pinning is best for temporary demonstrations or personal use cases. It’s not suitable for professional kiosk deployments where security, branding, or multi-app control is required.

2Method 2: MDM Solution Like AirDroid Business - Enterprise-Level Centralized Management

Overview:

AirDroid Business is a professional MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution that enables IT admins to remotely manage and lock down Android devices into kiosk mode. It offers a full suite of enterprise features, including app control, device policy enforcement, and real-time monitoring from a centralized web console.

Target Audience:

Designed for enterprises managing 10+ devices, particularly those managing a mix of Android device brands across distributed teams or locations.

Prerequisite:

Devices must be enrolled in the AirDroid MDM system. No specific hardware requirement, works with any Android 4.0+ device, making it brand-agnostic and widely compatible.

Key features supported:

• Single-app and multi-app kiosk modes
• Full-screen lock with customizable UI (blocks status bar, notifications)
• Auto-launch apps on boot
• Disable USB, power button, volume keys, and access to settings
• Remote policy enforcement, bulk deployment, and alerts
• Remote wipe and data protection options
• Visual workflows, scheduled policies, and AI-based monitoring

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Centralized device control for large deployments
• High-level security and compliance
• Supports diverse Android devices and complex workflows
• Enables remote troubleshooting and updates

Cons:

• Paid service
• Requires initial setup, device enrollment, and training for admins

Use Case Example:

A nationwide retail chain uses AirDroid Business to manage 200 Android tablets deployed across stores, each locked to a sales and inventory app with real-time backend sync and remote policy enforcement.

Conclusion:

AirDroid Business is ideal for organizations seeking full control over their Android fleet. It provides the security, flexibility, and scalability essential for reliable commercial kiosk deployments.

4 Samsung-specific Method for Kiosk Mode

1Method 3: Samsung Kiosk Mode via Knox Configure/Capture - （Hardware-level security + Bulk deployment)

Overview:

Samsung Knox Configure/Knox Capture offers a Samsung-exclusive method to enable Kiosk Mode with deep system-level control. It leverages Samsung’s proprietary APIs to configure and lock down devices at the hardware level.

It enables enterprises to restrict user access to selected apps and device functions, hide status/navigation bars, and enforce security policies securely at the hardware level, Ideal for businesses that use multiple Samsung tablets.

Target Audience:

Enterprises or organizations deploying multiple Samsung tablets, particularly those who already work within the Samsung ecosystem and require advanced device lockdown, security, and hardware-level management.

Prerequisite:

A valid Knox license is required, and only Samsung-branded tablets that support Knox can be used. Enrollment and configuration must be done through the Samsung Knox platform.

Key features supported:

• Full single-app and multi-app kiosk modes
• Complete full-screen lock with no access to status bar or other system features
• Auto-launch apps upon boot
• Disable hardware buttons, USB ports, and system settings
• Custom branding, boot screen configuration, and device functions
• Remote management and bulk deployment via Knox Portal

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Hardware-level control and security
• Tight integration with Samsung device features
• Ideal for professional and enterprise-grade deployments
• Bulk configuration and provisioning support

Cons:

• Only available for Samsung devices
• Requires purchase of Knox licenses
• No cross-platform compatibility

Use Case Example:

A logistics company equips its drivers with Samsung tablets configured through Knox to launch only a delivery tracking app, preventing access to other apps or settings. Devices are deployed and managed in bulk via the Knox cloud portal.

Conclusion:

Samsung Knox is the best option for organizations committed to the Samsung ecosystem and needing strong security with scalable deployment. However, it's limited to Samsung hardware and requires licensing investment.

Comparison Table

5 How to Set Up Kiosk Mode on Android Tablets and Phones?

You’ve learned that Android Kiosk Mode allows you to lock devices into single-app or multi-app mode, restrict hardware buttons, hide system UI (status bar, navigation), and enforce device usage policies remotely.

But before diving into the setup methods, it's important to understand that different users face different challenges. Some are looking for quick fixes for personal use, while others need enterprise-level control over dozens of tablets. Based on these, you can choose from three main kiosk setup options:

1How to Set Up Screen Pinning?

To enable Screen pinning on an Android device, follow the steps:

Why Is Screen Pinning Not Suitable for Business Purposes?

Businesses need a secure and permanent source for enabling Kiosk mode, while screen pinning is a temporary source with no security measures. Businesses need full security as they are attacked by expert hackers, so a secure system is always preferred.

In screen pinning, users still can have the option to access other apps beyond the app we have selected, and secondly, app can move to the background to access the notifications. Confidential data can be breached quickly, even in Screen Pinning mode. Hence, the corporate sector is never recommended to use this method.

2How to Set Up Samsung Tablet Kiosk Mode?

Samsung tablets offer two ways to enable kiosk mode depending on your needs, a Built-in Pin app (Screen Pinning) method and an advanced Knox-based solution:

Built-in Pin App (Screen Pinning)

Available on most Samsung tablets running Android 5.0+, this method lets you lock the device to a single app through system settings.

Samsung Knox Kiosk Mode (via Knox Configure)

Samsung tablets, Knox Configure enables deep customization, remote control, and full lockdown.

3How to Set Up Android Kiosk Mode by Using MDM Solution Like Airdroid Business

AirDroid Business MDM is an all-in-one solution that helps organizations fully control and manage their Android devices. IT admins can transform devices into single or multi-app kiosk modes, or a kiosk browser to run only approved content.

Video Tutorial

Lock Android into Kiosk Mode with AirDroid Business

Step-by-step guide for setting up Android Kiosk Mode using AirDroid Business MDM

Single App Mode:

For Single-App Mode, choose “Kiosk Launcher” and select “Single app.” Pick your desired app (like Chrome) and enable the "Run Consistently" option to auto-launch and lock the app after reboot.

Website Kiosk:

To create a Website Kiosk, first set a browser as the default app in single-app mode. Then, add your desired website to the allowlist to restrict access to only that site.

Multi App Mode:

For Multi-App Mode, select “App Allowlist for Kiosk” and add the apps you want users to access.

6 How Do I Turn off Pinned Screen?

7 Closing

In this guide, we explored three effective methods for enabling Android tablet kiosk mode, each tailored to different needs. Screen Pinning offers a quick, no-cost option for personal or temporary use, while Samsung Kiosk Mode via Knox provides robust, hardware-level security for enterprises using Samsung tablets.

For businesses managing multiple devices across brands, AirDroid Business MDM delivers a powerful, centralized solution, offering flexible kiosk configurations, remote management, and enhanced security. By choosing the method that aligns with your goals, you can ensure a secure, controlled, and streamlined Android device experience.

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