Hexnode UEM Simplifies Android Kiosk Mode Security

Imagine a corporate showroom where tablets display products without the risk of employees installing unauthorized apps, or a restaurant where ordering terminals restrict customers to menu access only. These scenarios are made possible through Android’s Kiosk Mode, a feature that acts as a "security lock" for devices, limiting functionality to predetermined applications while enhancing management efficiency.

Kiosk Mode is a locking mechanism that confines Android smartphones or tablets to a single application or a curated set of apps. Administrators can remotely enable or disable this mode via platforms like Hexnode UEM, ensuring complete control over device usage. Once activated, users cannot access other apps, device settings, or even notifications, guaranteeing focused functionality.

• Enhanced Security: Prevents malware installation and data breaches by restricting device capabilities.
• Operational Efficiency: Ensures devices remain dedicated to specific tasks, minimizing distractions.
• Simplified Management: Centralized control reduces maintenance costs and streamlines oversight.
• Improved User Experience: Delivers a clean, task-oriented interface.

Kiosk Mode serves diverse industries:

• Retail: Powers POS systems, self-checkout terminals, and product displays.
• Hospitality: Facilitates digital menus, ordering systems, and feedback stations.
• Healthcare: Supports patient entertainment and information kiosks.
• Education: Secures exam devices and learning resource portals.
• Transportation: Drives ticketing machines and passenger information displays.
• Corporate: Manages meeting room booking and attendance tracking systems.

To enable Kiosk Mode:

• Devices must run Android 5.0 or later with active internet connectivity.
• For Android Enterprise-enrolled devices, Kiosk Mode requires Device Owner registration.

Navigate to Policies > New Policy > Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown – Multi-App. Configure the policy by adding approved applications or file shortcuts (PDFs/videos) for Kiosk access.

Link the policy immediately to selected devices, users, or groups, or defer association through the Manage > Associate Targets option.

After policy assignment, activate Kiosk Mode via the Hexnode UEM portal under Management > Actions > Enable Kiosk Mode, authenticating with a technician password.

On the target device, open the Hexnode UEM app, select Activate, and set the Kiosk Launcher as the default. Note: Android 10+ devices require manual launcher permission grants during each activation.

To revert, select devices in Hexnode UEM’s Management tab, choose Disable Kiosk Mode, and confirm with the technician password.

• MIUI Optimization: Disable this feature on Xiaomi devices via Settings > Developer Options to prevent Kiosk instability.
• Android 10+ Navigation: Switch to three-button navigation under System > Gestures for compatibility.