Apple TV kiosk security: An overview

In today’s digital-first world, businesses are constantly looking for smarter ways to engage customers, streamline operations, and deliver content seamlessly. Apple TV, with its sleek interface and powerful capabilities, has emerged as a popular choice for digital signage, self-service kiosks, and conference room displays. But when these devices are deployed in public, security becomes a top priority.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Apple TV kiosk security – from the basics of kiosk mode to advanced security configurations using Hexnode UEM. If you’re new to device management or just looking to tighten up your current setup, this beginner-friendly overview will help you get started with confidence.

What is kiosk mode on Apple TV?

Kiosk mode on Apple TV restricts the device to a single application or a limited set of functions, making it ideal for public or business use like conference room displays, self-serve kiosks, etc.

Once the kiosk mode is launched on an Apple TV, the device goes into a restricted mode where users cannot access the settings, home screen, or other system features. This is a key part of Apple TV kiosk security.

Why is security important in kiosk setups?

Every device connected to the internet is vulnerable to security threats, and it is no different for kiosks. Since these devices handle sensitive information and financial transactions and are placed in public areas where customers directly interact with them, any security lapse can affect the financial gain and reputation of the business. That is why Apple TV kiosk security is essential.

Securing Apple TV in kiosk mode

We can secure Apple TV in kiosk mode using MDM solutions like Hexnode UEM. It is a solution that helps you monitor, manage, and control devices across different operating systems like tvOS, Android, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and more. This is a practical approach to implementing Apple TV kiosk security.

Below is an explanation of how to secure an Apple TV kiosk using Hexnode.

Before locking down Apple TV to kiosk mode, you have to enroll it in Hexnode, which can be done using Apple Configurator or Apple Business Manager.

Enroll your Apple TV with an MDM

1. Ensure your Apple TV is supervised. This can be done using Apple Configurator or Automated Device Enrollment.
2. Connect your Apple TV to a Mac using Apple Configurator.
3. Prepare the device using Apple Configurator and add it to the Hexnode UEM solution.

The complete guide for Apple TV MDM enrollment

Once you have successfully enrolled your device in Hexnode, you can add policies and configurations to the Apple TV based on your requirements. This is a foundational step in Apple TV kiosk security.

Configuring Kiosk mode policy

1. Log in to the Hexnode portal.
2. Go to Policy and select New Policy.
3. Then go to the Kiosk Lockdown option and select Single App. Here, you can configure the application you want to run on Apple TV.

For a comprehensive guide to setting up Kiosk Mode, refer to our documentation.

Peripheral Settings on Apple TV Kiosk Mode

Once you configure the required app in kiosk mode, you can enable additional settings to allow end users access to essential features – while keeping all other device functions hidden. This approach ensures users get only what they need, without compromising control over the device.

Some of the settings you can enable or disable include:

Disable Touch – Prevents any input actions on the device, making it fully display-only.

Disable Auto-Lock – Ensures the device remains active and does not lock automatically.

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You’ll also find options like Voiceover, Zoom, and Invert Colors. Based on your requirements, you can enable or disable these accessibility features. By default, these options are turned off, adding an extra layer of security and restriction to Apple TV in kiosk mode.

4. Once you configure the required security policies, you must target them to the required Apple TV for policy deployment.

Now Apple TV is set to work in kiosk mode.

“If you no longer need the TV in kiosk mode, you can easily revert it to its original state by removing the policy targeting it from the Hexnode portal.”

Extra Layers of Security You Can Add to Apple TV Kiosk Using Hexnode

Now that you know how to enroll Apple TV into Hexnode and enable kiosk mode, here are some additional security features Hexnode provides to further secure your Apple TV in kiosk mode:

• Remote Wipe: You can wipe the device in situations where it is lost, stolen, or repurposed. This action removes all data and managed apps from the device.
• Compliance Policies: You can push compliance policies to Apple TV. The device will be marked as non-compliant if the MDM app/profile is removed or if the device becomes inactive. You can monitor compliance status in the Hexnode dashboard and take necessary actions if the device becomes non-compliant.
• Advanced Kiosk Restrictions: While configuring kiosk settings, you can add extra restrictions such as disabling touch, which enhances physical security and limits user interaction.
• Global HTTP Proxy: You can configure a global HTTP proxy to route all HTTP traffic from managed devices through a secure proxy server, adding a layer of network control and monitoring.
• Digital Certificates: Hexnode supports adding digital certificates to Apple TV, which helps prevent untrusted devices from accessing networks and services like Wi-Fi, email, and VPN.
• Airplay Security: You can configure Airplay settings to prevent unauthorized devices from streaming content to your Apple TV.

Best practices for securing Apple TVs in kiosk environments

Here are some of the best practices you can follow to secure your Apple TV in a kiosk environment, ensuring they remain locked down and safe from misuse. These practices are essential for maintaining strong Apple TV kiosk security:

• Choose a reputable MDM solution like Hexnode
• Prevent users from unenrolling the device
• Lock the Apple TV to a single app to prevent users from exiting or switching apps
• Disable features like Airplay, remote pairing, Siri, and screen recording
• Use Wi-Fi profiles with hidden SSIDs and strong encryption
• Use MDM to schedule or automate tvOS updates and ensure the apps are always running the latest versions
• Regularly check device status and compliance using MDM dashboards
• Protect MDM and ABM accounts with multi-factor authentication

These steps help reinforce Apple TV kiosk security and ensure a smooth, secure experience for users.

FAQs

Can Apple TV be locked to a single app?

Yes, Apple TV can be locked to a single app using Single App Kiosk Mode. The Apple TV must be supervised to use Single App Mode, which is a key feature of Apple TV kiosk security.

Is Apple TV kiosk mode available on all tvOS versions?

No, Apple TV kiosk mode is not available on all tvOS versions. It is only supported on Apple TVs running tvOS 10.2 or later. Ensuring compatibility is part of maintaining effective Apple TV kiosk security.

Summary

Deploying Apple TVs in kiosk environments offers a world of possibilities – from enhancing customer engagement to streamlining internal communications. But without the right security measures, these benefits can quickly turn into vulnerabilities. That’s why implementing kiosk mode with a trusted MDM solution like Hexnode UEM is not just a smart move – it’s a necessary one.

By enrolling your Apple TVs in Hexnode, configuring kiosk policies, and applying advanced restrictions, you gain full control over how your devices behave and interact with users. From remote wipe capabilities to compliance monitoring and network security, Hexnode equips you with the tools to manage your Apple TV fleet efficiently and securely.