What is Android Kiosk Mode?
Last Update: 21 September 2026 | Author: Hülya Asa
Android Kiosk Mode is a specialized setting for Android Enterprise devices that restricts smartphones, tablets, or scanners to displaying only specific apps selected by the company. This configures the devices for dedicated tasks, such as serving as information terminals, booking tools, or payment systems (POS). The following article explains how to set up Kiosk Mode on Android devices, such as smartphones and android tablets, the benefits it offers businesses, and how to manage it using an MDM solution.
How does the Android Kiosk Mode work?
Android Kiosk Mode is a special setting applied to devices via MDM (Mobile Device Management). It restricts the mobile device to a limited set of apps and functions. Depending on the kiosk profile, users can:
- Open only authorized apps.
- Have the device automatically launch a specific application upon startup.
- Be prevented from accessing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile network settings.
- Be prevented from using the notification panel or the recent apps overview.
- Exit kiosk mode only by entering a predefined password.
Kiosk mode can only be applied to dedicated work devices (COBO – Company Owned, Business Only). It makes no difference whether the device is a tablet, a smartphone, or a handheld scanner. Kiosk mode is frequently used on ordering terminals—such as those in restaurants—or on information terminals, like those found in shopping malls. However, Android kiosk mode is not merely a visual setting. When kiosk mode is applied to a device, certain background applications are blocked by default. Device operation may also change; for instance, the Home button might be disabled. The displayed app can be exited only via the Back button, or sometimes not at all.
Which Android devices support the Kiosk Mode?
In principle, any Android device can support kiosk mode. In earlier versions, Samsung even offered its own “Samsung” kiosk mode; however, this has been deprecated since Android 13 and can no longer be used on newer devices. Instead, Samsung devices now utilize the kiosk mode interface provided by Google for Android Enterprise devices.
MobiVisor MDM offers its own kiosk mode—the “Device Owner” kiosk mode—which provides even more configuration options.
Advantages and disadvantages of Android Kiosk Mode: When is using Kiosk Mode really the right choice?
Android Kiosk Mode serves to restrict available functions and accessible settings to only those strictly necessary for work tasks. In this sense, mobile devices only become “proper” work tools through the use of Kiosk Mode. Android introduced an early version of Kiosk Mode back in 2014—part of its corporate strategy to make a stronger push into the business market. The “Lock Task Mode” of that time already included several core features of today’s Kiosk Mode. To this day, the following characteristics of Kiosk Mode remain particularly important for Android’s business customers:
1. Secure control over corporate devices.
Alongside the “Lock Task” feature for corporate devices, the COBO model was introduced in 2014, granting companies full control over mobile devices via MDM. This enabled companies—for the first time—to transform standard smartphones and tablets into cost-effective, easy-to-manage work devices. Additionally, the use of restrictions made it possible to enhance data protection on the devices.
2. Preventing unauthorized changes.
“Lock Task”—much like today’s kiosk mode—ensured that employees did not accidentally or intentionally alter device settings, download apps on their own, or exit the designated work applications. This prevents errors and ensures the devices remain ready for use at all times.
3. Disabling unnecessary features:
Not every function used by smartphone and tablet users in their daily lives is appropriate for the workplace. For instance, MDM allows for the disabling of screenshots, the deactivation of the camera, and much more. Additionally, the “Lock Task” function can be used to hide widgets and apps, thereby preventing unwanted interactions.
Benefits of the Kiosk Mode:
Even before the “Lock Task” feature was introduced in 2014, one thing had become clear: companies need a way to configure the use of work devices precisely according to their own specifications. To achieve this, they can use Kiosk Mode alongside standard MDM policies. The benefits of Android Kiosk Mode stem from its core function: preventing unwanted user actions. In practice, this looks like this:
- Targeted app restriction: Android Kiosk Mode allows you to specify which apps are available on a device. The Google Play Store can be hidden, and the administrator can predefine the desired apps. Web apps and web clips can also be integrated. This ensures a clear, user-friendly interface and prevents users from installing unnecessary apps or altering the prescribed layout.
- Centrally control device settings: Settings such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can be restricted or completely hidden from users. The notification bar and the Settings app can also be hidden. Instead, the necessary configurations are mandated centrally via an MDM policy. This ensures devices remain uniformly configured and prevents users from altering important settings—whether accidentally or intentionally.
- Protecting Kiosk Mode from unauthorized exit: Users cannot exit Kiosk Mode on their own. Switching to the standard Android interface is only possible if an administrator enters the designated exit password. This prevents users from accessing unauthorized functions or applications and ensures the device remains reliably restricted to its intended use.
- Control NFC and mobile network settings: NFC and relevant mobile network settings can be hidden from or restricted for users. This prevents connections or communication settings from being altered independently. Doing so increases control over the device and can help improve security and data protection standards, particularly in sensitive corporate environments.
- Creating a uniform and secure device environment: By combining app restrictions with hidden system settings in kiosk mode, companies establish a standardized device environment. Employees see only the functions required for their tasks, while unnecessary or potentially security-sensitive options remain hidden. Centralized configuration via MDM also reduces manual administrative effort and simplifies the management of large numbers of devices.
Challenges of the Kiosk Mode:
As is often the case: if the technology works smoothly, everything runs smoothly. However, there are naturally situations where we—as MDM experts—would not recommend it, or where kiosk mode might prove to be a hindrance. We therefore wish to explicitly point out the disadvantages of kiosk mode here:
- Limited flexibility for users: While restricting the system to predefined apps ensures a clear, uncluttered interface, it can also limit flexibility. If an employee needs an additional app or function on short notice, they cannot install or activate it themselves; changes generally must be made by an administrator via the MDM.
- Higher configuration effort during initial setup: To ensure kiosk mode functions reliably, apps, web apps, device settings, and permissions must be carefully defined in advance. Incorrect configuration can result in required functions being unavailable or employees being restricted in their daily work.
- Dependence on central administration: Since many settings are controlled via an MDM policy, users rely on central IT administration. For instance, if a Wi-Fi configuration needs to be changed or an additional application approved, the employee cannot carry this out themselves.
- Restricted access to system settings: Hiding Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or mobile network settings increases control over the device but can also be inconvenient in day-to-day use. For instance, if connection issues arise, the user cannot access the relevant settings themselves. Depending on the configuration, assistance from the IT department is therefore required.
An additional hurdle involves exiting kiosk mode: while the protection mechanism prevents unauthorized access, it also complicates legitimate maintenance or support tasks. Administrators require the appropriate access rights or the exit password to make changes or resolve issues. Consequently, when managing a large number of devices, it is essential to ensure that the IT team can access the devices at any time.
When should you apply the Kiosk Mode in your company?
Within our customer base, kiosk mode is primarily used by companies that place a strong emphasis on data protection and/or use their devices for specific tasks. If settings rarely or never need to be changed, kiosk mode serves as an excellent operating mode that generally requires little maintenance. Furthermore, kiosk mode can be removed at any time via remote support (a feature included with MobiVisor MDM), meaning it is not a permanent setting; companies can take mobile devices out of kiosk mode and use them for other purposes. Naturally, the kiosk mode can also be switched depending on the specific use case. In fact, many of our customers have a choice of multiple kiosk modes to apply to their devices.
If companies use dedicated COBO devices, they can also restrict them significantly—however, kiosk mode offers even more possibilities.
Kiosk Mode vs. COBO
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Kiosk mode is useful if:
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COBO with policies and restrictions is sufficient, if:
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the device is used only for a specific work process.
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Employees need the device for several different tasks.
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Only one or very few apps are used.
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Several apps should be used flexibly.
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Employees do not need to and/or are never supposed to change system settings.
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Employees occasionally need to adjust settings—such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or others—themselves.
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The device is used by many different persons.
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The device is associated with only one person.
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A unified User interface is the top-most priority.
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Employees need a certain degree of flexibility in the device usage.
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the aim is to prevent users from accessing other apps or functions.
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IT merely wishes to restrict certain apps and functions
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the device functions as a workstation, terminal, or digital display
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it is a fully functional company mobile phone or work tablet
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It's especially important that unapproved changes or manipulations are avoided.
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User autonomy and flexibility are more important than a fully controlled environment.
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What is the difference between single-app mode and kiosk mode?
Single-app mode is a variation of kiosk mode. As the name suggests, restrictions are even stricter here, as only one app runs on the device and cannot be exited. Consequently, the devices are designed for a single specific function. For example, one of our clients uses single-app mode to deploy tablets as room booking tools. You can read more about this in our case study: “Basislager Coworking.” When a device runs in single-app mode, the preconfigured app opens immediately upon startup. In this scenario, the device’s Home, Overview, and Back buttons are disabled. Single-app mode is particularly well-suited for stationary devices dedicated to a fixed, unchanging task. It is also a practical way to prevent customers from performing any actions on the device other than the specific one intended.
When are Kiosk Mode and Single-App Mode used?
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What?
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Single App Mode
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Kiosk Mode
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Apps
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Only one particular app is used.
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One or more apps are used.
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Purpose
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Device serves only for one task.
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Device is used for several, defined tasks.
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User Interface
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Nutzer arbeitet direkt in der freigegebenen App
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Administrator kann die Oberfläche und verfügbaren Apps stärker kontrollieren
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Flexibility
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Very low - only one accessible app.
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Higher - several apps might be accessible. Web-clips and webapps can be provided as well.
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Typical use case
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Digital terminals, scanners, self-service applications
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Enterprise devices in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, or retail
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Can settings be reached?
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Settings and notifications are generally hidden.
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Settings and the notification bar can be displayed.
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Where is kiosk mode used?
Typical use cases for Kiosk Mode are:
Production and manufacturing:
A tablet is used exclusively for a production app, machine control system, or digital checklists. Access to other apps or system settings is not required.
Warehousing and logistics:
A device is used solely for a specific application—such as a scanner, warehouse management, or shipping app—preventing employees from accessing other applications.
Healthcare and nursing:
Tablets can be restricted to specific documentation or communication applications. A clearly defined interface simplifies operation, particularly for shared devices.
Retail:
Tablets can be dedicated exclusively to point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, stocktaking, or digital customer information.
Digital check-in or self-service terminals:
When customers or visitors operate a device themselves, access should be restricted to the specific application intended for that purpose.
Information and display devices:
A tablet or Android device serves as a digital information display, for instance, continuously showing only a specific web application or web clip.
How can I activate Kiosk mode?
Kiosk mode is a setting that can only be applied within the enterprise setup of devices. As a reminder: Android Enterprise is the corporate program from Android and Google that enables mobile devices to be configured for work-related use. Typically, enterprise deployment also requires an MDM solution to manage the mobile devices and secure them with additional settings, ensuring GDPR compliance. Single-app mode and kiosk mode are examples of such settings. Apps and settings can be defined directly via the MDM.
Here is how to activate Kiosk Mode, using MobiVisor as an example:
1. Create a group containing devices and apps:
Important: Only apps installed on the device can be displayed in kiosk mode later! By assigning apps to a group, you ensure they are installed on all devices. We have explained in detail how to add apps for Android devices in this tutorial: Adding Apps for Android Enterprise devices (GER)
2. Set up a kiosk mode:
Make sure to use a clear and descriptive name.
We also recommend adding the MDM client app (unless the device is intended to run in single-app mode) to facilitate troubleshooting in case support is needed—especially if the device loses its internet connection.
3. Add the kiosk mode to a policy:
You can also apply the kiosk mode to individual devices. However, for better organization, we recommend using policies and groups.
4. Apply the policy to a group:
To do this, return to the group settings and add the kiosk policy via the “Policies” tab. You can do this even before setting up the devices; once the devices complete the setup process, they will switch directly into kiosk mode.
You can find a detailed, illustrated guide on using kiosk mode on our help page: MobiVisor Help Page: Android-specific functions and applications.
How do I remove kiosk mode from Android devices?
Android kiosk mode can be removed in two ways: by the administrator or by the user. When setting up kiosk mode via MDM, a password can be defined to exit the mode. If necessary, the administrator can provide this password to the user, allowing them to exit kiosk mode independently in exceptional cases. This might be required if the device has lost its internet connection and can no longer be managed via MDM, or if the user needs to access settings that are normally hidden in kiosk mode. Once the issue is resolved, either the user or the administrator can synchronize the device, and kiosk mode will reappear. To remove kiosk mode entirely, the kiosk policy can simply be removed from the group.
Would you like to use Android smartphones or tablets in kiosk mode? We would be happy to advise you on this.
FAQ
What is Android Kiosk Mode?
Android Kiosk Mode is a special setting that restricts the usage of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Only a limited number of apps are available, and access to settings is either restricted or completely blocked.
What do I need for Android Kiosk Mode?
To use Kiosk Mode, you need Android Enterprise devices and an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution. Kiosk Mode can only be applied via an MDM policy on dedicated business devices (COBO model).
Can multiple apps be allowed in Android Kiosk Mode?
Yes, that is possible. Many companies configure Kiosk Mode to display only the necessary work apps while blocking the rest. The number of apps you wish to display does not matter.
What is Single-App Mode?
In Single-App Mode, only one app is permitted—everything else is blocked. Typically, the app cannot be exited; the Overview, Home, and Back buttons are disabled.
Can users change Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings?
This is not possible in Single-App Mode. In Kiosk Mode, this can be configured within MobiVisor.
How is Kiosk Mode activated and removed?
Kiosk Mode can only be activated via an MDM policy; it cannot be configured on the device itself. Kiosk Mode can be removed either by the IT administrator via MDM or by the user entering an exit password on the device.
The latter option must be permitted by the company.
Can I apply the Kiosk Mode to Android tablets, too?
Yes, absolutely! Every device running on Android OS is theoretically supporting the kiosk mode. This includes the majority of android tablets. Since Android is not a unified OS with a single standard, but altered by the manufacturers, the appearance of the kiosk mode might vary.
Hülya Asa
Presales Manager, IOTIQ
Hülya Asa works as a Presales Manager, analyzing the technical requirements of companies regarding mobile device management and assisting them in selecting the optimal solution. Her work focuses on the security of corporate devices, MDM processes, and aligning customer requirements with suitable technical solutions.
Within the MobiVisor ecosystem, Hülya Asa deals with the management of Android and Apple devices, security measures for lost devices, remote device control, and processes for protecting corporate data. Her primary focus is on technical assessment in the presales phase, solution presentations, and helping organizations streamline their mobile security strategies.
Presales management
Mobile device management
Enterprise device security