Although they may have started out as consumer electronics, iPads have evolved tremendously since the introduction of the original iPad. Besides being used as sketching tools and POS terminals, the iPad includes a kiosk or “retail” mode that essentially enables the iPad to display just one app with which the user can interact, making everything easier. So, in light of that, how would you activate kiosk mode?
To place your iPad into your kiosk mode, you can create a makeshift kiosk using the Guided Access feature or download the Apple Configurator 2 app from the app store. Both methods will place your iPad into retail mode allowing access to only one app.
A computer or tablet that can only run one particular app is called a “kiosk” gadget. An iPad may be a terrific, affordable way for small company owners to use kiosk technology. You can successfully enable kiosk mode using the Apple Configurator 2 app or the iPad’s Guided Access function. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at achieving this.
Placing Your iPad Into Kiosk Mode With Apple Configurator 2
Setting up single-app mode is a little challenging. However, this is the correct approach to putting the iPad in Single app mode; you will need access to a Mac and must connect the iPad to the Mac. The Guided Access technique in the next section can be used if you need a faster fix.
- First, check that the app you wish to use in kiosk mode is already installed on your iPad. (For example, the sketching app, POS, fingerprint sign-in app, etc.)
- Download the Apple Configurator 2 software on your Mac PC or laptop from the App Store.
- Connect the iPad to your Mac PC or laptop.
- Launch Apple Configurator 2.
- Select the device and go to Actions>Advanced>Start Single App from the menu navigation bar.
- Select Supervise mode (this may be reversed, but you will need to factory reset the device and not restore it from a backup taken after it was placed in supervised mode).
- Now you will be given the option to choose the desired single app to launch from the list.
- Tap Select app. You will only be able to use the selected app until the feature is disabled.
Note: Connecting the iPad to your Mac will allow you to leave Single App Mode. Once you have connected your iPad to your Mac PC or laptop, launch Apple Configurator 2. Then, stop Single App mode by going to Actions>Advanced>Stop Single App mode from the menu navigation bar. Now your iPad should be back to full access and functionality.
Using Guided Access On Your iPad To Set It Up As A Kiosk
Guided Access lets you choose which app features are available and helps you stay focused on a task by momentarily confining the iPad to a single app. In addition, you can disable sections of the screen that aren’t important to the job at hand or regions where an accidental gesture can be a distraction. Nonetheless, the Guided Access feature can be used to turn your iPad into a makeshift kiosk setting.
To set up a kiosk feature using your iPads Guided Access feature, do the following:
- Open the Settings app on your iPad, go to General > Accessibility > Guided Access, and then activate the slider.
- If your iPad includes a Touch ID sensor, choose “Passcode Settings” to set PIN access for Guided Access and select whether or not you may quit Guided Access using Touch ID. Alternatively, you can use the same or a different PIN code already used on the iPad to disable Guided Access.
- Next, you may choose the app you want to lock on your iPad. Next, tap the “Home” button three times a row in a rapid manner. After that, the Guided Access screen will display, and you may customize it using the settings on this screen.
For example, the touch screen is enabled by default, and the Sleep and Wake button is deactivated. You may, however, enable users to utilize the Sleep or Wake button if you want this feature to be available to them.
- When you’re ready, tap “Start” in the top-right corner of your screen. The iPad’s screen will not switch off when in Guided Access mode; it will remain on and unlocked for anybody to use. You should plug the iPad in if you wish to leave it on. Again, you may enable the Sleep and Wake button on the Guided Access screen.
As a result, any handler will be able to turn off the iPad’s screen. In addition, anyone may activate it and be transported to the app in Guided Access mode without entering a PIN. The pin or Touch ID is required to disable the Guided Access “kiosk” mode.
Guided Access Vs. Single App Mode
Single App Mode does what it says, restricting your iPad to a single app. This strategy, however, is a more complex function that may not be suitable for everyone.
You must utilize Apple Configurator or a mobile device management server to activate Single Apps Mode. Furthermore, it can only be turned off with the same tool. However, there is a catch: you must enter your Mac to enable Single App Mode using the Apple Configurator.
If this is not feasible, Guided Access is a quick and straightforward solution to get past this obstacle. It will not, however, be an excellent solution like Single App Mode.
Customers may use Guided Access Mode to guess the owner of the iPads PIN code to utilize other applications or even reset the device. As a result, there will be no particular method to keep the device safe because someone may always try to guess your PIN.
It’s also worth noting that someone may reset your smartphone to the PIN screen by simultaneously pressing the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons. However, it will not occur in Single App Mode since it will return to the same configured app.
If you have children, you may be aware of Guided Access, which is sometimes mistaken for a parental control function (although it is meant for schools and classified as a Learning feature).
Conclusion
If you intend to utilize the iPad as a POS or a kiosk, employ the Single App mode. It’s the greatest and was designed for this reason. Guided Access is the way to go if you just need to use the program in this mode occasionally. It’s simpler to undo, and you don’t need a Mac to use it.
Where To Next?
This blog is a blog dedicated to using modern computing devices to run and manage a business. If you’re interested in using an iPad for your business, either as an entrepreneur, a small business owner or for your employees to use I recommend reading the following articles:
