# 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?**
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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**
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Before executing these actions, ensure your environment meets the following technical requirements:

RequirementSpecification**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**
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Administrators can execute these actions from the centralized **Manage** tab for individual devices or entire user groups.

1. Log in to the **Hexnode UEM portal**.
2. Navigate to the **Manage** tab.
3. Select the target **Devices, Device Groups, Users, or User Groups**.
4. Click on **Actions** and locate the **Kiosk** section.
5. Select either **Enable Kiosk Mode** or **Disable Kiosk Mode**.
6. **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.
7. Review the confirmation pop-up and click **Continue**.
8. Enter your **Technician Password** and click **Confirm**.

![Auto-enable kiosk mode option in Disable kiosk mode action](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Auto-enable-kiosk-mode-option-in-action.png "Auto-enable kiosk mode option in action")

**Creating the Mandatory Kiosk Policy**
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You cannot “Enable” kiosk mode unless a valid policy is already assigned to the device.

### **For Android Devices**

1. Go to **Policies > New Policy > Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown**.
2. Select **Single App** or **Multi App**.
3. Click **Configure** and use the **+ icon** to add: 
    - **Apps:** Select installed applications.
    - **File Shortcuts:** Add pre-configured PDFs or video files.
4. Navigate to **Policy Targets** and associate it with your devices.

### **For iOS Devices**

1. Navigate to **Policies > New Policy > iOS Kiosk Lockdown**.
2. Select the **Web App** option (required for remote action support).
3. Click **Configure** and add the desired URLs and **Hexnode Browser Lite** settings.
4. Save and associate the policy with the target iOS devices.

**Troubleshooting Guides**
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ProblemPotential CauseResolutionAction fails on iOSUnsupported 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 nothingNo 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 instantlyAuto-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 KioskConnectivity 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)**
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### **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.