Setting up a tablet in kiosk mode is a great way to ensure
it's used only for its intended purpose, like the ClickTime admin app.1
The process differs between Android and iPad, as each operating system has its
own built-in features and methods.
On Android Tablets
Android has a built-in feature called Screen Pinning
that can be used for a basic kiosk mode.2 For a more robust and
permanent solution, especially in a business setting, a dedicated third-party
app is highly recommended.3
1. Using Screen Pinning (Basic)
This is the simplest method, ideal for a temporary setup.4
Go
to Settings > Security or Biometrics and security
(the name may vary by device).5
Find
and tap on Other security settings.
Look
for Screen Pinning, Pin Windows, or Pin App and
toggle it on.6 You may also have an option to "Ask for
password/PIN before unpinning."7 Turn this on for
security.
Open
the ClickTime app.
Tap
the Recents button (the square icon) to see your open apps.8
Tap
the app's icon at the top of the card and select Pin this app or
the pin icon.9
To exit, you typically hold down the back and recents
buttons simultaneously and then enter your PIN/password.10
2. Using a Third-Party Kiosk App (Recommended)
For a professional, permanent setup, a dedicated kiosk
lockdown app is the way to go. These apps offer more control and security.
Popular options include Fully Kiosk Browser & Lockdown, KioWare
for Android, and solutions like AirDroid Business.
Download
and install a kiosk app from the Google Play Store.11
Launch
the app and grant it the necessary permissions, including Device
Administrator permission, which is crucial for full lockdown.12
Follow
the app's on-screen instructions to set it as the device's default
launcher.
From
the kiosk app's settings (which are usually protected by a password),
select the ClickTime app as the one to be "locked down."
Configure
other settings like a password to exit the mode, disabling hardware
buttons, and setting a remote management option if needed.13
These apps prevent the tablet from being rebooted to the
regular home screen and ensure the app automatically relaunches if the device
is restarted.
On iPads
iPads have a similar built-in feature called Guided
Access.14 For business-grade deployment, especially with
multiple devices, Apple's Configurator is the more powerful tool.
1. Using Guided Access (Basic)
This is a built-in feature that can be enabled on any iPad.15
Go
to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
Toggle
on Guided Access.
Tap
on Passcode Settings to set a passcode to exit Guided Access.16
You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID for quick exiting.
Open
the ClickTime app.
Triple-click
the Home button (for iPads with one) or the Power/Side button
(for iPads without one).17
The
Guided Access options screen will appear.18 You can circle
areas on the screen to disable touch and use the options menu to disable
hardware buttons, the keyboard, or the touch screen entirely.19
Tap Start
in the top-right corner to begin the Guided Access session.20
To exit, triple-click the same button again and enter your
passcode or use Face/Touch ID.
2. Using Apple Configurator (Advanced)
This is the ideal solution for large-scale or permanent
deployments, as it allows for a true "Single App Mode."
You
will need a Mac to use this method.21
Download
and open Apple Configurator on your Mac.22
Connect
the iPad to the Mac via a USB cable.23
Using
Apple Configurator, you will first need to put the iPad into Supervised
Mode.24 This allows for a deeper level of control. Note:
This will erase all data on the iPad.
After
the device is supervised, use Apple Configurator to enable Single App
Mode and select the ClickTime app.25
This
locks the device to the single app, and it can only be unlocked by
reconnecting it to the Mac with Apple Configurator. This is a much more
secure method for a public-facing kiosk.