How to lock your iPad or tablet into kiosk mode
Lottie Hodson
Want to use tablets in a public environment, but need a simple solution to prevent users from changing settings or switching apps? Find out how here
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Follow the steps below to set-up Assigned Access:

1. To use Assigned Access, you must first set up another account. You will need to be logged in as an administrator to do this: find out how here.

2. Swipe the right edge to access PC settings and select: All settings > Accounts > Other accounts > Family & other people > Add someone else to this PC > I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without Microsoft account.

3. Under ‘Who’s going to use this PC’, fill in the details (name could be ‘Kiosk’) and enter a password. Next, log out of your current account, and log in to your new ‘Kiosk’ account. Install the app you would like to use for Assigned Access and log out again.

4. Finally, log back into your Administrator account, open All Settings, and select: Accounts > Set up assigned access > Choose the Kiosk account (which account will have assigned access) > Choose the app (which app this account can access).

Once these steps have been followed through, the device will be locked down into the one app you chose. To end Assigned Access, simply log out of the ‘Kiosk’ account and back into your own account by clicking Ctrl + Alt + Del.

How do I restrict use of hardware buttons?

Whilst signed into Assigned Access (see above), all hardware keys and other touch gestures will be automatically disabled, meaning settings cannot be toggled without signing back in to your own user account.

Security settings for Android tablets:

How can I lock an Android tablet down into one app?

There are many free apps available for Android users that mimic the effect and possibilities of Apple’s Guided Access and Windows’ Assigned Access mode. Some of these include SureLock, Kiosk Browser Lockdown or Kioware (available to download on Google Play store). Simply follow the on-screen instructions to set your passcode and give users access to selected apps only.

How do I restrict use of hardware buttons?

Depending on your Android tablet, you may or may not have a physical ‘Home’ button on your device. Although the ability to disable hardware buttons may not be included in the tablet’s system settings, the apps suggested above will prevent use of hardware buttons (this mode will only end after entering passcode). Apps such as Kids Lock are also available, which can disable hardware buttons and prevent users from accessing the home screen and settings such as the volume control. To disable hardware buttons, simply follow the on-screen instructions.

How do I keep my content alive?

There is a hidden setting on Android that allows you to keep the screen on indefinitely, but only whilst plugged into the charger. First you will need to activate the Developer Mode. To do this select: Settings > About phone > Build number entry (tap 7 times), then choose: Settings > Developer options > Stay awake. As long as your phone or tablet is plugged in, the screen won’t go to sleep after a certain amount of time.

This easy-to-follow guide works well on a device-by-device basis (for 10 tablets or less), but if managing a larger number of devices, check out our introduction to managing multiple tablets.

Physical security

When introducing tablets into a public environment, physical security is another essential element to making your project a success. Tackling this can be tricky, so why not check out our durable and secure range of tablet and iPad kiosks? With a number of mounting options available, our models cater for every situation.