How to Activate Guided Access on Business Android Devices

Guided Access is a feature available on iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads, rather than Android devices. It basically locks a device to one app and lets you control which parts of the app can be used.

This feature is mostly used in situations when someone else uses the device, such as a child or a student. It keeps them focused on one thing or task and stops them from switching to other apps without a special passcode.

Although guided access is not available on Android, alternative apps provide similar usage limitations, which is known as "app pinning".

Since Android is widely used in businesses, Android Guided Access serves as a valuable tool for preventing misuse of devices in commercial contexts, such as kiosks or tablets designated for specific uses.

1What is Guided Access on iOS?

Before we talk a bit more about Android Guided Access, it’s important to know about Guided Access for iOS.

If you’re an iOS user already, you might have heard about this feature. It works by restricting the device to the app or apps of your choice, for a period of time that you set. It’s not just apps; you can disable the volume buttons, keyboard, orientation (so landscape or portrait), and even disable the touch function altogether.

While the latter feature might not be something you’d ever use, it certainly gives a flavour of the vast number of use cases with Guided Access.

2What does Guided Access on Android do?

So, what does Guided Access on Android look like?

Well, the Android version works similarly to iOS. It works by allowing you to pin any app to the screen, by tapping the Recent apps button on the bottom and long-pressing the app that you want to pin.

The feature has been around a little longer than the Android version, so there are some key differences in its functionality.

✨ A significant one being that the Android version doesn’t require a passcode to enable or disable the feature – you can still use a passcode, but it’ll be the one for unlocking your phone in general, meaning if your employees know this, they could easily unlock it and bypass the restrictions you’ve put in place.

3How to turn on Guided Access on Android devices?

While it has its limitations, it’s still a handy tool in its default form. If you’re wondering how to enable the feature, follow these simple steps:

When app pinning is on, you need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password before you can unpin. It’s that simple.

Pin a specific app

Here’s how to pin a specific app:

4How to unpin a screen?

Unpinning apps will depend on how the system navigation is set up on the device. To check this, on the Settings app navigate to System > Gestures > System navigation.

Then, based on your settings, here’s how you’ll need to unpin an app:

1. Gesture navigation: Swipe up and hold

2. 2-button navigation: Touch and hold Back and Home buttons

3. 3-button navigation: Touch and hold Back and Overview buttons

If you had set it up using a protected method, so a PIN, pattern or password, you'll have to enter it to unpin.

5If things go south

Things sometimes break and app pinning is no different. But, if you find that Guided Access is not working, there’s an easy fix to get things back up and running:

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6How Guided Access supports your business

In today’s world, you’re able to manage almost your entire life through your smart devices. Socialising with friends, ordering groceries, managing your finances.

The list is almost endless. But, if you’re a business owner who provides mobile devices to employees, sometimes you just want them to access job-specific apps, so your day-to-day operations run smoothly.

We’ve thought about some scenarios for business where Guided Access would be a useful feature to implement.

Self-service kiosks

Make sure that users only access the self-service feature of the device in your business, which will keep issues to a minimum and streamline the check-in process altogether.

Point-of-sale terminals

Keep employees focused on using the POS terminals for sales only, minimising misuse of the device.

Digital signage

If you’re using digital signage in your business, pinning the app that controls the system will ensure no signage gets accidentally changed or wiped, helping you to stay on brand and keep messaging consistent without issue.

Dedicated displays

If you’re at a conference, museum, tech store, or anywhere using a device with the sole intent of showing one specific piece of content, like a presentation, app pinning will ensure visitors only interact with what you want them to.

School devices

Optimise the learning environment as a teacher by app pinning educational content only, locking off games and other distractions.

Company-owned devices

Company-owned devices are distributed to employees or front-line workers to do their jobs, but you can still maintain control by app pinning so only work-related features are accessible.

7What are the business limitations?

Guided Access on Android is a very useful feature, but it’s not without its limitations. There are some features that are a little bit different compared to iOS.

• Security

The passcode to enable and disable app pinning is the same as the device passcode, so anybody who knows that could easily disable it. This might not be the most secure option for business owners.

• Scale

Guided Access on Android suffers with a scalability problem. There’s no way to configure multiple devices at once, meaning you’re stuck configuring devices manually, one at a time.

• Customization

With Guided Access, you have the flexibility to be more granular with your controlling of the device, locking down areas of the screen, restricting touch screen functionality, or even blocking gestures.

Android Guided Access is not there yet with the same level of customisation.

8How to set up Guided Access on Android in scale

For your business, you’re going to want to manage your devices as closely as possible as to prevent misuse, unnecessary time wasting and costs that unfettered mobile devices can bring.

AirDroid Business’ Kiosk Mode bridges the gap between what you need as an employer and what the built-in Android Guided Access feature currently offers, so it may prove to be a stronger choice.

AirDroid Business is a high-quality tool for managing mobile devices in businesses. It helps you keep track of and control all your employees' mobile devices.

One standout feature is Kiosk Mode, which takes customization to the next level. It allows you to create a personalized environment with limited access to specific apps, websites, and device functions.

With the ‘single-app / multi-app’ mode, for example, you will have greater control through the ability to lock Android devices into single- or multi-app use, something not currently supported through the basic Guided Access feature.

Check out all the benefits this solution will bring you:

9Getting started with AirDroid Business MDM

So, while Android Guided Access’ in-built functionality is useful, it’s not fit for purpose for business owners who want to protect their tech, brand, and maximise productivity. Its limited granularity, customisation constraints, and its scale and security issues just don’t quite cut it.

That’s why AirDroid Business' Kiosk Mode solution is the most fool proof way to improve the running of your business operations.

By using this solution, you’ll prevent misuse of your devices with fully customisable and scalable solutions that ease the pressure on teams, particularly IT admins, who can then spend time doing more important things.

AirDroid Business MDM is the best possible way for you as a business owner to achieve device management that truly enhances your business. Your IT team will thank you, your employees won’t cause you any unnecessary headaches, and your devices will work optimally. Win win.

Common FAQs

How to do guided access on android?

Maverick

1. Open the app you want to pin.
2. Press the Recent Apps or Overview button (usually a square or rectangular icon at the bottom).
3. Find the app you want to pin and touch and hold its icon.
4. Tap the "Pin" icon or option that appears.

Now, the app is pinned to your screen, and others can't be accessed until you unpin it. To unpin, you usually need to touch and hold the Back and Recent Apps buttons simultaneously. Keep in mind that specific steps might vary slightly depending on your Android device and version.

Is there a guided access for android?

Maverick

Android doesn't have something exactly like guided access, but there are other apps and features that do similar things, like "app pinning." You can lock any app on your screen by pressing the Recent apps button at the bottom and holding down the app you want to lock.

How do I get guided access on my Samsung?

Maverick

Navigate to ''Settings'' and look for ''PIN''. You should find ''Pin App'' or ''App Pinning''. Turn it on. Then, select the app icon and choose ''Pin''.