Getting started with Apple TV kiosk management

Apple TV Kiosk management transforms a standard Apple TV into a dedicated, purpose-specific device. By restricting the interface to a specific application, IT administrators can ensure security and focus for digital signage, hospitality, or education environments.

Using Hexnode UEM, you can configure these advanced restrictions remotely. Below is the workflow for setting up and managing Kiosk mode on tvOS.

Prerequisites: Enrollment & Supervision

You cannot enable Kiosk mode on a standard consumer-configured Apple TV. The device must meet specific management criteria.

• Enrollment: The device must be enrolled in Hexnode UEM.
• Supervision Required: Kiosk mode is a high-privilege payload. The Apple TV must be Supervised.
  • Method A (Automated): Use Apple Business Manager (ABM) with Automated Device Enrollment (formerly DEP). This allows for zero-touch configuration.
  • Method B (Manual): Use Apple Configurator on a Mac to manually supervise and enroll the device.

App Installation

Before locking the device, the target application must be present on the Apple TV.

• Deploy Apps: Push the required app via Hexnode. This can be a public App Store app or a custom Enterprise App.
• Verification: Ensure the app is fully installed and functional before applying the Kiosk policy.

Configuring Single App Kiosk

Once the device is Supervised and the app is installed, you can apply the Kiosk profile.

• Single App Kiosk Mode: This locks the Apple TV to one specific application.
• Behavior: The selected app launches automatically upon boot. The user cannot minimize the app, access the home screen, or open settings. All other navigation is disabled.

Disabling Kiosk Mode (Exiting)

To return the Apple TV to its standard interface, you must modify the management policy.

• Action: Remove the Kiosk policy from the specific device or disassociate the device from the Kiosk policy group in the Hexnode portal.
• Result: The device will refresh, and the standard tvOS home screen will become accessible again.

Troubleshooting Apple TV Kiosk Mode

If your Apple TV Kiosk is not behaving as expected, check these common configuration errors.

Issue: Kiosk Policy Will Not Apply

Cause: The device is not Supervised.

Fix: Check the device details in Hexnode. If “Supervised” is off, you must wipe the device and re-enroll it using Apple Configurator or Apple Business Manager.

Issue: The Kiosk App Shows a Black Screen

Cause: The app failed to install or is corrupt.

Fix: Remove the Kiosk policy temporarily. Verify that the app opens correctly in normal mode. If it crashes, the issue is with the app (bad .IPA file or expired certificate), not the Kiosk policy.

Issue: Cannot Exit Kiosk Mode

Cause: The device has lost internet connectivity and cannot receive the “Remove Policy” command.

Fix: If the device is hardwired via Ethernet, check the connection. If on Wi-Fi and connection is lost, you may need to factory reset the device via Apple Configurator (USB/pairing) if it cannot reconnect to the network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I run two apps in Apple TV Kiosk mode?

No. Currently, tvOS Kiosk mode (Single App Mode) restricts the device to exactly one application. Users cannot switch between apps.

Q: Does Kiosk mode prevent the Apple TV from going to sleep?

Not by default. You must configure a separate Power Management profile in Hexnode to disable the screen saver and sleep settings if you want the display to remain on 24/7.

Q: Can I use the Apple TV remote in Kiosk mode?

Limited functionality is available. The volume buttons will work (if configured), but the “Menu” and “Home” buttons will be disabled or unresponsive to prevent the user from exiting the app.

Q: What happens if the Kiosk app has an update?

Hexnode can update the app in the background. However, the app may close and relaunch to apply the update, causing a brief interruption in the Kiosk display.