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BackHow do I enable single app mode on my iPad?
Single App Mode locks a supervised iPad to run only one application. It blocks access to the Home screen, device settings, and all other apps. You can enable single app mode on iPad manually with Apple Configurator 2, or wirelessly across many devices using a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution like Hexnode.
Prerequisites Before You Begin
You cannot set up iPad single app mode on a standard device. Ensure you meet these requirements first:
- Device Supervision: The iPad must be in Supervised Mode.
- App Installation: The target app must already be installed.
- Internet Connection: Required only for remote UEM/MDM management. Apple Configurator can enable Single App Mode locally over USB without internet access.
- Operating System: Use a supported version of iPadOS compatible with Apple Configurator and ensure the iPad is supervised before enabling Single App Mode.
Method 1: Apple Configurator 2 (Manual Setup)
This method suits temporary setups or single devices, but it requires a physical Mac connection and limits scalability.
- Connect your iPad to a Mac using a USB cable.
- Launch Apple Configurator 2 on your Mac.
- Select your device from the connected devices list.
- Click Actions > Advanced > Start Single App Mode.
- Select the application you want to lock.
- Click Options to configure hardware limitations like disabling volume buttons, touch, or sleep mode.
- Click Select App to lock the iPad into the chosen application.
Method 2: Hexnode UEM (Scalable & Wireless)
Cabling every device is impossible for large businesses. Hexnode UEM pushes single app mode on iPad profiles remotely.
- Log in to your Hexnode UEM portal.
- Navigate to the Policies tab.
- Select Kiosk Lockdown, then iOS Kiosk Lockdown.
- Choose Single App from the kiosk options.
- Click Configure, then the + icon to add your app.
- Select the app from the Hexnode app inventory (Enterprise, VPP, or Store apps) or add it directly from the Public Store, then save your selection.
- Save the policy and associate it with your target devices or groups.
Manual vs. Hexnode UEM
| Feature | Apple Configurator 2 | Hexnode UEM |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Wired (USB) | Wireless (Wi-Fi/Cellular) |
| Scalability | Single Device | Supports large-scale deployment across multiple supervised devices. |
| Updates | Managed locally | Over-the-air |
| Exit Mode | Requires Apple Configurator on a Mac | Remote Command |
Hexnode Pro Tip: Hexnode offers granular kiosk controls, including the ability to remotely disable the Sleep/Wake button and disable device rotation as part of the iOS Single App Kiosk policy. You can deploy changes remotely by updating the associated kiosk policy.
Key Takeaway
Single App Mode transforms an iPad into a focused, secure kiosk. Manual tools work for testing, but enterprise success relies on UEM solutions like Hexnode for remote, scalable management.
FAQ
Single App Mode locks a supervised iPad into one app persistently across reboots and is IT-managed. Guided Access is a user-enabled accessibility feature for temporary, session-based locking without supervision.
No. Users cannot exit single app mode on iPad without IT permission. It blocks the Home button, gestures, and settings. Only an admin can remove it via a UEM remote command or Apple Configurator.
No. The iPad must be in Supervised Mode. Unsupervised devices cannot be locked into a single application using Apple Configurator or a UEM.
