How to put an iPad in kiosk mode
IPads may have started out as consumer devices, but they have become incredibly powerful since the first iPad was released. They are great tools for drawing and lower end models tend to end up replacing POS stations in many places. To facilitate all this, the iPad has a kiosk mode that basically allows the iPad to display only one application that the user can interact with.
IPad kiosk mode
The iPad’s kiosk mode ‘locks’ an app on the screen. The user can freely interact with this application and use all its functions, but cannot switch to a different application. The feature ensures that users do not accidentally “close” the application that is intended to be used at a kiosk. For parents, it prevents children from accessing apps that are not for them or manipulating important account and device settings.
Enable iPad Kiosk Mode – Single App Mode
Single app mode is a bit tricky to set up. You need access to a Mac and you have to connect the iPad to the Mac before you can put it in single app mode, but this is the correct way to do it. If you are looking for a faster solution, you can use the guided access method in the next section.
- Make sure the application you want to use in kiosk mode is installed on your iPad.
- In you Mac, Download the Apple Configurator 2 application from the App Store.
- Connect the iPad to your Mac.
- Opened Apple Configurator 2.
- Select the device and in the menu bar go to Actions> Advanced> Start single application mode.
- Select the Monitor mode (This can be undone, but you will have to factory reset the device and not restore it from a backup taken after the device was put into monitoring mode.
- Select application of the list.
- Click Select Application.
- You can Exit single app mode by connecting iPad to your Mac.
- Abra Apple Configurator 2.
- Go to Actions> Advanced> Stop Single App Mode.
Note: iPad will remain in monitoring mode even if you exit single app mode.
Enable iPad Kiosk Mode – Guided Access
Guided Access is designed for use by parents or teachers. It is easier to configure. You don’t need a Mac and you can set it up on the iPad.
- Open the Configuration application.
- Go to Accessibility> Guided access.
- Turn the Guided access ignition.
- Enable a password / Touch ID / Face ID to exit Guided Access.
- Open the app you want to put in kiosk mode.
- press the Home button three times or the Side / Wake / Sleep button three times.
- Tap Start at the Guided Access Bar on top.
- To exit guided access, press the Home button or the Side / Suspend / Wake button three times.
- Enter the access code.
- Touch Finish at the top left to exit Guided Access.
conclusion
If you are going to use the iPad as a point of sale or a real kiosk, choose the single app mode method. It is better and is built for this purpose. If you only need to put the app in this mode occasionally, Guided Access is the way to go. It’s easier to undo and you don’t need a Mac to turn it on.