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How to disable or enable kiosk mode on devices instantaneously?
The Enable/Disable Kiosk Mode remote actions in Hexnode UEM allow IT administrators to trigger or lift device lockdowns in real-time for both Android and iOS devices, providing immediate control over user access to specific applications.
Why Use Kiosk Remote Actions?
Kiosk mode restricts devices to a single application or a specific set of tools, which is ideal for dedicated-use scenarios like point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital signage, or educational tablets. Remote actions provide a way to bypass or initiate these restrictions instantly without modifying the underlying policy.
- Operational Flexibility: Quickly exit kiosk mode for troubleshooting and re-enter it once resolved.
- Bulk Management: Toggle kiosk states for thousands of devices simultaneously across different platforms.
- Persistent Compliance: Use auto-enable timers to ensure devices return to a locked state automatically.
Prerequisites and Platform Support
Before executing these actions, ensure your environment meets the following technical requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Policy Association | A Kiosk Lockdown policy must already be associated with the device. |
| Android Support | Compatible with Standard, Knox, and Android Enterprise enrollments. |
| iOS Support | Currently supported only for Web App Kiosk with Hexnode Browser Lite. |
| Device State | The device must be online to receive the remote command. |
Step-by-Step Guide: Toggling Kiosk Mode
Administrators can execute these actions from the centralized Manage tab for individual devices or entire user groups.
- Log in to the Hexnode UEM portal.
- Navigate to the Manage tab.
- Select the target Devices, Device Groups, Users, or User Groups.
- Click on Actions and locate the Kiosk section.
- Select either Enable Kiosk Mode or Disable Kiosk Mode.
- For Android (Disable Action only): Auto-enable kiosk mode: Check this to reactivate the kiosk automatically.
- Auto-enable interval: Set a duration (1 to 1440 minutes) before the device relocks.
- Review the confirmation pop-up and click Continue.
- Enter your Technician Password and click Confirm.
Creating the Mandatory Kiosk Policy
You cannot “Enable” kiosk mode unless a valid policy is already assigned to the device.
For Android Devices
- Go to Policies > New Policy > Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown.
- Select Single App or Multi App.
- Click Configure and use the + icon to add:
- Apps: Select installed applications.
- File Shortcuts: Add pre-configured PDFs or video files.
- Navigate to Policy Targets and associate it with your devices.
For iOS Devices
- Navigate to Policies > New Policy > iOS Kiosk Lockdown.
- Select the Web App option (required for remote action support).
- Click Configure and add the desired URLs and Hexnode Browser Lite settings.
- Save and associate the policy with the target iOS devices.
Troubleshooting Guides
| Problem | Potential Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Action fails on iOS | Unsupported kiosk type. | Ensure the device is in a Web App Kiosk using Hexnode Browser Lite. Standard app kiosks do not support this specific remote action. |
| “Enable” does nothing | No policy associated. | Verify that a Kiosk policy is listed in the device’s Policies sub-tab. If missing, the remote action will have no instructions to follow. |
| Android relocks instantly | Auto-enable is active. | If you previously set a short “Auto-enable interval,” the device will relock. Disable this setting during the next Disable Kiosk Mode action. |
| Device stuck in Kiosk | Connectivity loss. | If the device cannot reach the UEM server, the disable command won’t be received. Use the local Kiosk Exit password on the device if available. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does disabling Kiosk mode remove the policy?
No. The Disable Kiosk Mode action only pauses the lockdown. The policy remains associated with the device and can be re-enabled at any time.
Can Kiosk mode be toggled for Android and iOS at the same time?
Yes. Hexnode allows you to select a mixed group of devices in the Manage tab and push the action to all of them in a single bulk command.
What is the “Technician Password”?
This is the administrative password set within your Hexnode UEM portal settings. It acts as a security layer to prevent unauthorized personnel from lifting device restrictions.
How long can kiosk be disabled on Android?
By using the Auto-enable feature, you can set an interval between 1 and 1440 minutes (24 hours). If the option is unchecked, it remains disabled until manually re-enabled.
