MDM
Dedicated devices, or corporate-owned single-use devices, are used in various industries for work and commercial purposes, which benefits from the open-source characteristic of Android. Retail, healthcare, logistics and transport, warehousing, and e-learning of education are all examples of dedicated device applications. From small device screens (e.g. tablets for employees) to large (e.g. self-service kiosks for customers), they cannot bypass the company's management and maintenance.
Android kiosk mode in MDM solution, or, Android kiosk software is the solution to help with it.
With task-locking capabilities, the kiosk mode can make the device only usable under preset configurations. For example, let’s say a tablet used by the truck driver, can be restricted from accessing distracting apps through the Android kiosk mode; more, a lockdown screen can be set on the digital display to avoid misuse by the customers.
Let's go deeper into Android Kiosk Mode in this blog and see how you can set it up with an MDM solution.
Android kiosk mode is a screen-lockdown mechanism for devices that are used for specific purposes. Features include only a single app or multiple apps enabled; fixing the device screen to a certain webpage; etc.
How it works? It is implemented by mobile device management software or Andoid kiosk apps and requires a Kiosk setting configuration file to apply to dedicated devices.
Question go after. What terminals are available to use Android kiosk mode? Here is a list.
Using third-party MDM software is the most effective way to set up Android kiosk mode for both GMS (Google Mobile Services) and AOSP (Android Open Source Project) devices. It has a centeralized console to proceed with lockdown, app management, monitoring, remote troubleshooting, location tracking, file transfer, and other settings related to Android dedicated devices.
Here, we take AirDroid Business Android kiosk app 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 dedicated devices.
Note: AirDroid Biz Daemon is the supporting app to install in the controlled end device. It's used together with AirDroid Business.
Most of the MDM solutions provide single-app and multiple-app patterns. These are two features to define what applications can be used 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.
Such control comes with benefits. Malware will not be installed thus keeping the device safe. Individuals will only be allowed 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.
Besides, you can configure browser settings, for example, allow or disallow displaying URL, opening links in a new tab, using incognito mode, disabling back button, and auto-clearing cache.
Using kiosk browser, 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 be able to use the internet and visit perilous websites or apps. Moreover, the misuse of traffic will reduce and you can save costs.
Learn more about features of single/multi-app mode, kiosk browser, whitelist websites, and kiosk launcher.
Speaking of the use case, Android kiosk has been widely applied in various dedicated devices. 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:
1) Retail Store: A retail store can apply Android kiosk mode in its self-checkout machines and mobile POS to streamline payment processes and inventory tracking.
2) Hotel: Self-check-in kiosks that placing in the hotel lobby are also good to use the mechanism. And customers don't need to wait in line.
3) Airport and Train Station: Airports and stations are hot places for unattended self-ticking devices. They allow people to get departure information or book a ticket.
4) Transportation and Logistics Company: Dish out mobile phones and tablets that lock as a kiosk to drivers so that they can only use specific apps during work.
5) Bank: Android kiosk device placed in the bank hall helps display information and offer account assistance. Besides, it will guarantee information security.
6) Restaurants: Those menu items and specials can be shown dynamically with a kiosk-mode digital display.
7) Government: 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.
8) Hospital and Medical Center: Another application is the medical industry. Patients can get medical services and treatments with an Android self-service device.
9) School and University: Lockdown tablets in kiosk mode. Then, teachers can confidingly hand over the phones or tablets to students and assign online tasks.
Here are some pointers to assist you in making the best decision:
Evaluate your goal: Do you want to use it for self-ordering, digital signage or interactive kiosks? Your goal will help you narrow down your choices.
Key functions: Understand the Android Kiosk app's functions to meet your needs.
Security: Find an Android kiosk app that can realize password management, data encryption, and secure browsing.
Compatibility: Find out whether the software suits your devices. Verify the program's compatibility with the device's hardware and system.
Consumer Support: It should offer reliable customer service and assist you with quickly resolving issues.
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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