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Why Apps Do Not Appear in Android Kiosk Mode (and How to Fix It)?

TL;DR

If apps not install or appear as an available app in an Android Multi-app kiosk, verify that the app is not added under the Background app section of the kiosk policy. Remove the app from Background app, add it to the Multi-app kiosk section, sync the policy to the device, and then verify the kiosk app list.

In an Android Multi-app kiosk policy, apps that users must open from the kiosk interface should be added to the Multi-app kiosk section. The Background app section is intended for apps that must run in the background and should not be used when the app needs to be launched by the user from the kiosk screen.

Executive Summary

Issue: Apps does not install or become available in an Android Multi-app kiosk.
Cause: The app is added under the Background app section instead of the Multi-app kiosk section.
Resolution: Remove the app from Background app, add it to Multi-app kiosk, and sync the updated policy.
Applies to: Android Multi-app kiosk policies in Hexnode.

Why apps does not appear in the Android Multi-app kiosk

When the app is placed in the Background app section of a kiosk policy, it is not treated as a launchable kiosk app. As a result, the app may not appear as expected when configuring or using the Android Multi-app kiosk.

Note: Do not keep apps in the Background app section if the app must be visible and launchable from the Android Multi-app kiosk interface.

Fix app installation in Android Multi-app kiosk

Open the Android Multi-app kiosk policy in Hexnode.
Go to the kiosk policy area where Background app is configured.
Check whether the app is added under Background app.
If the app is listed there, remove it from the Background app section.
Add the app to the Multi-app kiosk section of the policy.
Save the policy changes.
Sync the policy to the Android device.
Verify that the app is available from the Multi-app kiosk interface.

Troubleshooting checklist

App is still not visible: Confirm that the app was removed from Background app and added to Multi-app kiosk.
App cannot be selected in the kiosk app list: Search for the app entry again after removing it from the background app list.
The device still shows the old kiosk layout: Sync the updated policy to the device and wait for the device to receive the latest kiosk configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the app be added as a Background app in Android kiosk?

The app should not be added as a Background app if users need to open it from the Android Multi-app kiosk screen. Add it to the Multi-app kiosk section instead.

What is the difference between Background app and Multi-app kiosk?

The Multi-app kiosk section defines the apps available to users in the kiosk interface. The Background app section is used for apps that must run in the background and are not intended to be launched directly by users from the kiosk screen.

Do I need to sync the device after moving the app to Multi-app kiosk?

Yes. After updating the kiosk policy, sync the policy to the Android device so the latest app placement is applied.