# Steps to Configure a Multi-App Kiosk for Retail Displays Overview --------- In a retail environment, devices are often used as customer-facing displays or dedicated staff tools. Multi-App Kiosk Mode allows you to lock a device down to a specific set of applications (e.g., a Point-of-Sale app, a digital catalog, and a loyalty program) while preventing access to the rest of the OS, settings, or unauthorized web browsing. This is an essential strategy for preventing tampering, reducing support tickets, and maintaining a focused brand experience. ### Prerequisites Before beginning the configuration, ensure the following requirements are met: - **Android**: Devices should ideally be enrolled in Android Enterprise (Device Owner mode) for maximum lockdown capability. - **iOS**: Devices must be Supervised (e.g., via Apple Business or Apple Configurator). - **Windows**: Supported on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. - **ChromeOS**: Each device requires an active ChromeOS Kiosk & Signage Upgrade license to be managed in kiosk mode. - **Hexnode License**: Ensure your plan supports advanced kiosk management. Step 1: Add Retail Apps to the Inventory ----------------------------------------- Before the kiosk policy can be created, the apps must be added to your [Hexnode app inventory](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/setting-up-app-inventory-in-hexnode-mdm/). 1. Navigate to **Apps**. 2. Click **+ Add Apps**. 3. Select the appropriate app type for your platform: 1. **Android**: Select *Managed Google Play App* for store apps, or *Enterprise App* to upload your own custom APKs. 2. **iOS**: Select *Store App* (or *VPP App* for purchased apps) or *Enterprise App* for custom IPAs. 3. **Windows**: Select *Enterprise App* to upload MSI/EXE files, or *Store App*. 4. **ChromeOS**: Select *Web App* or *Store App*. Step 2: Create the Multi-App Kiosk Policy ------------------------------------------ 1. Navigate to the **Policies** tab and click **New Policy > Create a fully custom policy**. 2. Provide a **Policy Name** (e.g., “Retail Display – Floor Tablet”) and policy description. 3. Choose **Kiosk Lockdown** and under your platform-specific module (e.g., *[Android Kiosk Lockdown](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enable-multi-app-kiosk-mode-android-devices/), [iOS Kiosk Lockdown](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enable-multiple-app-kiosk-mode-in-ios/), [Windows Kiosk Lockdown](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-lock-down-windows-devices-in-multi-app-kiosk-mode-using-hexnode/), [ChromeOS Kiosk Lockdown](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/multi-app-kiosk-mode-chromeos/), or [Linux Kiosk Lockdown](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/multi-app-kiosk-on-linux/)*), select **Multi App** and click **Configure**. [![Screenshot of the Hexnode UEM console showing the Policies tab. A new fully custom policy named ](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Multi-App-Kiosk-Lockdown-Policy-for-iOS-Devices-to-Set-Up-a-Multi-App-Kiosk-for-Retail-in-Hexnode-UEM.png "Multi-App Kiosk Lockdown Policy for iOS Devices to Set Up a Multi-App Kiosk for Retail in Hexnode UEM")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Multi-App-Kiosk-Lockdown-Policy-for-iOS-Devices-to-Set-Up-a-Multi-App-Kiosk-for-Retail-in-Hexnode-UEM.png) Step 3: Selecting and Arranging Apps ------------------------------------- 1. Click the **+ (Add)** icon within the Multi-App Kiosk policy. 2. Select the retail applications you added in Step 1 and click **Done**. 3. **App Arrangement by Platform**: 1. **Android**: You can directly drag and drop the app icons within the Hexnode policy UI to define their display order. 2. **iOS**: To arrange the layout of the kiosk apps, you must configure a separate **iOS > Configurations > [Home Screen Layout](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-customize-home-screen-layout-for-ios-devices-using-hexnode-mdm/)** policy. 3. **Windows, ChromeOS, and Linux**: The operating system automatically dictates the app grid presentation. Step 4: Customizing the Retail UI (Look and Feel) -------------------------------------------------- Retail displays should be branded. Hexnode handles UI customization differently across platforms: - **Setting Wallpapers ([Android](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-set-wallpaper-on-android-devices-with-mdm/), [iOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-set-wallpaper-on-ios-devices-with-mdm/), [Windows](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-set-wallpaper-on-windows-devices/), [Linux](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-set-wallpaper-on-linux-devices/))**: Wallpaper cannot be set directly inside the Kiosk profile. Instead, navigate to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > [Platform] > Configurations > Wallpaper** within the same policy to upload your high-resolution corporate logo. [![Screenshot of the Hexnode UEM console showing the Policies tab during the creation of a new fully custom policy. The Wallpaper option is selected from the Configurations category under Android in the left-hand menu, displaying settings to upload a high-resolution corporate logo for a Multi-App Kiosk for Retail.](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Wallpaper-Policy-for-Android-Devices-in-a-Multi-App-Kiosk-for-Retail-in-Hexnode-UEM.png "Wallpaper Policy for Android Devices in a Multi-App Kiosk for Retail in Hexnode UEM")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Wallpaper-Policy-for-Android-Devices-in-a-Multi-App-Kiosk-for-Retail-in-Hexnode-UEM.png) - **Hide Status Bar (Android Only)**: To create a fully immersive brand experience on Android, navigate to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown > [Peripheral Settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enable-peripheral-settings-for-android-devices-locked-in-kiosk-mode/) > Display** and check the box to **Hide Status bar** (removes clock, battery, and notifications). Step 5: Configuring Security and Peripheral Rules -------------------------------------------------- A retail kiosk must be resilient against tampering. **For Android Devices (via Peripheral Settings)**: Navigate to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown > Peripheral Settings**: - **Hardware Buttons**: Under **Hardware/Power Button**, you can disable the Power Button, Volume Buttons, and Recent Apps button. - **Wi-Fi**: Under **Network**, configure the device to connect to the store’s secure Wi-Fi and restrict users from toggling it off. - **Screen Timeout**: Under Display, enable **Keep screen on** while plugged in. - **Kiosk Exit Password**: Navigate to **Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown > [Kiosk Exit Settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-exit-android-kiosk-mode-in-hexnode-mdm/#method-4-manually-exit-kiosk-mode-from-the-device)** to define a PIN so staff can temporarily exit the mode for maintenance. [![Screenshot of the Hexnode UEM console showing the Policies tab. The Kiosk Exit Settings option is selected from the Android Kiosk Lockdown category within Kiosk Lockdown in the left-hand menu, displaying configuration options to securely manage exit parameters for a Multi-App Kiosk for Retail.](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kiosk-Exit-Settings-for-Android-in-a-Multi-App-Kiosk-for-Retail-in-Hexnode-UEM.png "Kiosk Exit Settings for Android in a Multi-App Kiosk for Retail in Hexnode UEM")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kiosk-Exit-Settings-for-Android-in-a-Multi-App-Kiosk-for-Retail-in-Hexnode-UEM.png) **For ChromeOS**: Navigate to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > Kiosk Lockdown > ChromeOS Kiosk Lockdown > [Kiosk Settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/kiosk-settings-on-chromeos/)** to manage device health monitoring, system reboot settings, and screen behavior. Step 6: Deploy to the Retail Floor ----------------------------------- 1. Go to the **Policy Targets** tab within your open policy. 2. Select the **Devices, Device Groups, Users, User Groups** or **Domains/OUs** (e.g., “New York Store – iPads”). 3. Click **Save**. The devices will sync and automatically enter the restricted multi-app kiosk environment. Best Practices for Retail Kiosks --------------------------------- - **Use Background Apps (Android Only)**: If your retail app requires a secondary service (like a printing service for receipts), navigate to **Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy > Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown > [Background Apps](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-hide-apps-in-android-kiosk-mode-with-mdm/)** and add it. It will run silently without an icon on the kiosk home screen. - **Test the User Flow**: Before shipping devices to stores, walk through the kiosk as a customer would to ensure no “dead ends” exist. - **Enable Remote View and Control**: Use the Remote View and Control features in Hexnode to troubleshoot retail displays from the central office without needing a technician on-site. Hexnode supports full Remote View and Control for [Android](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/remotely-control-android-devices-from-pc-using-hexnode-mdm/), [ChromeOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/access-chromeos-devices-remotely/), [Linux](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enable-remote-view-on-linux-devices-from-hexnode-uem/), and [Windows](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enable-remote-view-for-windows-10-devices/) devices, allowing admins to interact with the kiosk screen directly. For [iOS](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enable-remote-view-for-ios-devices-using-hexnode-mdm/) devices, only Remote View is supported.