MDM
Android takes the crown of the most-used implements in various industries, proved by the 71.62% operating system global market share in Sept 2023.
Its open-source characteristic is credited to the ranking. That makes kiosk mode possible to use on different kinds of Android devices, hence enterprises can achieve multiple work purposes.
Companies from transport, healthcare, education, retail industries and more apply the mechanism to uplift businesses.
For example, let’s say a cellular phone with Android kiosk mode, can restrict lorry drivers from being able to access distracting apps and avoid misuse; or a digital display can offer self-service with a lockdown screen. Use cases also cover Point of Sale and other Android kiosk device.
In this blog, we explain what Android kiosk mode is and how you can set it up on company-owned devices. Features and common application scenarios are included as well.
First, take a look at the term “kiosk mode”. It stands for a lockdown feature that allows users to operate the device on a fixed screen. When it comes to the entire term. You can tell that it is specially designed for Android system facilities.
Precisely, Android Kiosk Mode is a feature to limit apps and website usage on an Android device with preset lockdown configuration files.
The lock task mode is perfect for enterprises that want devices for few permissions or single use only. And such effective restrictions can largely ensure device security and protect sensitive data.
Question go after. What is the supported endpoint of the Android kiosk lockdown feature?
The answer goes with Android fully managed device. And the availability requires an Android 5.0 system version and later.
Types range from mobile phones, tablets, rugged devices to POS (point of sale). And those dedicated devices like digital signage and kiosks are available too.
Which one to choose depends on your device users.
If you're looking for a device directed at employees, you can take Android phones, tablets, and rugged devices into account. OEMs like Samsung, LG, and Xiaomi are popular choices. Devices from those companies are compatible with Android Enterprise, which is a set of APIs and tools for integrative service of mobile management with third-party EMM solutions. You can set Android Enterprise kiosk mode handily on the handheld device made by them.
As for devices directed at customers, for example, if you want to offer self-service to clients, the lockdown mode is available for digital signage and kiosks by using Android MDM solutions.
Yes, there are quite a few subdivided features listed when you browse a kiosk mode introduction page on the Android MDM provider. And here are some essentials.
Most of the MDM solutions provide single-app and multiple-app patterns. These are two ways that how you can use applications on the locked interface.
Android single app kiosk mode illustrates that the device user is only able to use one app. And the latter pattern can use more than one. The permitted apps can be added to a whitelist through the MDM solution.
Such control comes with benefits. Malware will not be installed so thus keeping the device safe. And individuals will only allow to focus on a specific task and improve productivity.
The kiosk browser is another eye-catching feature of Android kiosk lockdown. It’s similar to the app lockdown but targets website access restrictions.
By presetting whitelisted sites, those false and unreliable web pages are blocked outside the browser.
Securing browsing is just one of the advantages. There are more practices for it. Businesses that have a self-developed custom website can fix it on an unattended access device, then provide services to customers.
Creating a custom lockdown interface is available as well. This gives a hand to make a custom home screen with a company brand and helps to promote corporate image.
You can make one inside your Android MDM kiosk solution.
Unsafe WiFi or VPN connection could harm the mobile device. For safety concerns, Android MDM kiosk mode allows IT admin to block access to a network. As a result, a device user will not able to use the internet and visit perilous websites or apps.
Whatever GMS (Google Mobile Services) or AOSP (Android Open Source Project) supported mobile device, setting up Android kiosk mode with third-party MDM providers is the most effective way.
Options are varied, but the setting process is similar. Here, we take AirDroid Business as an example.
Before starting, you will need an AirDroid account to log into the MDM admin console. It is a panel to activate Android MDM kiosk mode for all enrolled devices. You can sign up here.
There are two ways to add Android devices to the admin console:
Note: AirDroid Biz Daemon is a tool to manage enrolled Android devices in AirDroid and to make settings on the equipment.
6 Times Tap is the easiest one and provides a stable Android MDM kiosk mode.
Please tap the screen 6 times and advance factory reset. Then go to the admin console and scan the QR code with your device.
Now you will be able to grant permission for AirDroid Biz Daemon and begin setting kiosk mode.
You need to create an allow list of applications or websites which can be used on the kiosk lockdown screen.
If you want to have only one app available to use on the device, just activate the Android single app kiosk mode in Kiosk Launcher.
Go to Policy & Kiosk > Policy & Kiosk Config Files > Kiosk Launcher > Single App Mode.
Drop down the button of ‘Select App’ and choose.
If you want to assign several apps, find App Allowlist in Policy & Kiosk Config Files.
Click ‘Add App’ and browse the applications in the popup. Tick those you would like to be available on the device.
To add accessible websites you need to go to Kiosk Browser > Website Allowlist to proceed with operations.
In Brand & Layout, you will see a design panel to decorate the home screen and lock screen. You can change the logo, wallpaper and so on.
After the design, you need to apply it in Policy & Kiosk Config Files. Then, the customized Android kiosk lockdown screen will be displayed on the device.
Advanced Android MDM kiosk mode setting sites in Kiosk Launcher panel. Here you can disallow the system status bar, hide the navigation bar, open Notification Center, etc.
AirDroid MDM solution is available to switch off Wi-Fi, Cellular Data, and Bluetooth. Moreover, you can also configure a password for WiFi and Hotspot to secure the use of Android devices.
Find the setting menu in Policy & Kiosk Config Files > Device Limitation.
Through the above steps, you are close to the end of setting the kiosk config file. Now, provision the configuration to the devices and you can lockdown them at once.
In AirDroid Business, you can choose to apply the file in bulk or individually. There is no quantity limit for devices.
For the sake of security, a code is offered to prevent from breaking away Android kiosk mode. An Android device can only exit the mode by entering the Secure Code. And IT admin can reset it at any time.
See how to use Secure Code here.
Check the mode status by opening the kiosk config file. You will see all the applied devices and their details.
This step is conducive to discovering abnormal equipment timely. So, you can further remote control and maintenance the devices. And your operating costs get saved.
Speaking of the use case, Android kiosk feature has been widely applied in digital signage. With the proven tech, the equipment not only exhibits vivid info to customers but also supports interaction containing various self-services. This makes a wider usage range in different industries.
The lock mode is popular among COBO devices these days. To improve work efficiency, organizations sometimes need to limit personal use of the device.
Based on the above purposes, common applications are as follows:
A retail store can apply the mode in its self-service checkout machines. Therefore, customers will pay without waiting in line.
Self check-in kiosks that placing in the hotel lobby are also good to use the mechanism.
Airports and stations are hot places for unattended devices. Both digital signage and self-service kiosks with Android kiosk mode allow people to get departure information or book a ticket.
Dish out mobile devices that lock as a kiosk to drivers so that they can only use specific apps during transportation. Tracking their location is possible additionally.
Android kiosk device placed in the bank hall is helpful to display information and offer account assistance. Besides, it will guarantee information security.
Those menu items and specials can be shown dynamically with a kiosk-mode digital display.
The government may use Android MDM kiosk mode to provide an info sheet or public announcement by setting devices in its lobby, hallways, and waiting areas.
Another application is the medical industry. Patients can get medical services and treatments with an Android self-service device.
Lockdown mobile device in kiosk mode. Then, teachers can confidingly hand over the phones or tablets to students and assign online tasks.
INFOGRAPHIC
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What if to set up Android kiosk mode without MDM? Is there a built-in kiosk mode for Android device?
Yes. It is called App pinning. When it’s set, people can only use the app that locks on the screen.
However, the feature requires Android 8.1 and up.
The built-in kiosk mode should be manually set on the device. You can turn on it by following these steps:
Security & location > Advanced > App pinning. Next, pin the screen by swiping up and clicking the Pin icon.
It takes three steps to exit kiosk mode on the Android device.
First, get the exit code via the MDM admin console. It’s listed on the top of the Kiosk Config File.
Second, open the device and find the three dots menu icon at the upper right in Biz Daemon.
Lastly, click System Setting and enter the code.
Android Enterprise Kiosk Mode is the APIs that is provided to EMM developers to build a kiosk-like solution on Android devices for dedicated use. Another name for it is Lock task mode.
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