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How to Create and Deploy PDF Shortcuts in Android Kiosk Mode

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Hexnode UEM allows administrators to easily deploy a PDF in kiosk mode by creating document shortcuts. These shortcuts enable users to view files securely using the built-in Hexnode Document Reader or an allowlisted third-party viewer.

Prerequisites & Specifications

  • Supported OS:Hexnode Document Reader requires Android 5.0+.
  • File Availability: If the PDF is not on the target device, push it beforehand via a File Management policy.
  • App Maintenance: Regularly update Hexnode apps on enrolled devices to ensure feature compatibility.
  • Limitations: The Hexnode Document Reader cannot open PDF files with embedded fonts.

Create PDF File Shortcut

  1. Navigate to Content > Kiosk File Shortcuts > Documents.
  2. Click Add a File and configure the following:
    • File Type: Select PDF.
    • Display Name: Enter the name visible on the device shortcut.
    • Choose File Source:
      • Upload File: Direct upload from your current device.
      • Hexnode Repository: Select a file previously uploaded to Content > My Files.
      • Device Storage: Enter the local path (e.g., ./storage/emulated/0/Download/filename.pdf).
    • File Icon: Upload an image for the shortcut icon.
    • Open With: Select the viewing app (Hexnode Document Reader is the default).
  3. Click Create.

Directly upload the PDF file in Hexnode to create shortcuts in kiosk mode

Notes:


If using an app other than Hexnode Document Reader, it must be added as a Background App in the Kiosk policy and granted storage permissions. For devices enrolled as Device Owners (Android Enterprise), the player must be a Managed Google Play app with app permissions pushed via the Hexnode UEM portal.

Add PDF Shortcuts to Android Kiosk

You can deploy these shortcuts in either Single App or Multi App Kiosk mode.

Single App Kiosk Mode

  1. Go to Policies > Select or create a policy.
  2. Navigate to Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown > Single App.
  3. Click Configure > Click the + button > Select File Shortcut.
  4. Select the required PDF shortcut file from the list > Done.

Multi App Kiosk Mode

  1. Go to Policies > Select or create a policy.
  2. Navigate to Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown > Multi App.
  3. Click Configure > Click the + button > Select File Shortcut.
  4. Select the PDF shortcut(s) and add any other required applications > Done.

Configure Auto-Launch Settings

  • Single App Kiosk: The shortcut auto-launches by default (0-sec delay). To adjust, go to Launcher > Auto-launch and set the App auto-launch delay.
  • Multi App Kiosk: Default auto-launch is 30 seconds. Configure this under Launcher > Auto-launch by adding the PDF shortcut and setting the specific delay.

Android kiosk mode launch delay for files in kiosk mode

Associate Policies with Targets

  • For New Policies: Go to Policy Targets > +Add Devices > Select targets > Save.
  • For Existing Policies: Go to Policies > Select the policy checkbox > Manage > Associate Targets > Select devices > Associate.

Apart from devices, you can also associate the policies with device groups, user and user groups.

Android 11+ Permissions & Storage Access:


For devices running Android 11 or higher, specific storage permissions are required for the Hexnode UEM app to access and open PDF shortcuts:

  • Required Permission: The ‘Manage All Files’ permission is mandatory. This should ideally be granted during enrollment.
  • Error Handling: If denied permission, users will see: “The storage access provided is insufficient to perform this action.”
  • Kiosk Activation: If the policy includes a screensaver or digital signage and permission is denied, activation will fail. Grant permission when the ‘Kiosk Activation Failed’ prompt appears on the device.
  • App Updates: If the permission is revoked after an app update, the user must grant it via the in-app prompt or manually via the device Settings page under Special App Access > All Files Access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Where are my created shortcut files stored in the portal?

    Any PDF added via the Documents section of Kiosk File Shortcuts will automatically appear in Content > My Files.

  2. Can I use the Hexnode Document Reader for all PDFs?

    It is supported on Android 5.0+, but note that it cannot render PDF files containing embedded fonts.

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