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Configure Kiosk Mode for Android Devices

Learn more about setting up Kiosk in Trio.

Updated over a month ago

Prerequisites

  • Required permissions: Device Owner access with Trio Connect

  • Supported devices: Android 7.0+ with the Trio agent installed

  • Time estimate: 10-15 minutes

  • Hardware requirements: Android device

Before You Start

When to use the kiosk mode: Configure devices for single-purpose use in retail displays, information centers, point-of-sale systems, or shared workstations where you need to restrict user access to specific applications.

Security considerations: Kiosk mode transforms the entire device experience. Users cannot access device settings, install apps, or exit kiosk mode without administrative credentials.

Network requirements: Devices must maintain internet connectivity for policy application and remote management.


Step 1: Create New Kiosk Configuration

  1. Navigate to Devices > Kiosk in the left sidebar

  2. Click + Create

  3. Expected result: Create KIOSK setting modal appears

Empty kiosk management page with Create button

If you see existing kiosk configurations: Your organization already has kiosk policies. You can create additional configurations or modify existing ones.

Step 2: Name Your Kiosk Policy

  1. Enter descriptive name in KIOSK name field (e.g., "Retail Display Kiosk")

  2. Add optional description explaining the kiosk purpose

  3. Click Confirm

  4. Expected result: Kiosk configuration interface opens with platform tabs

Empty kiosk management page with Create button

Naming best practices:

  • Include location or purpose: "Store Front Display" or "Reception Check-in"

  • Avoid generic names like "Kiosk 1" for easier management


Step 3: Select Platform and Kiosk Type

  1. Verify Android tab is selected (active by default)

  2. Choose your kiosk type from the left panel:

    • Single app: Lock device to one application

    • Multi app: Allow access to multiple pre-selected apps

    • Website Kiosk: Restrict to specific web browser experience

  3. Expected result: Right panel shows kiosk type description and requirements

Platform tabs and kiosk type selection

Choosing kiosk types:

  • Single app: Point-of-sale systems, digital signage, dedicated terminals

  • Multi app: Shared tablets with controlled app access

  • Website Kiosk: Web-based applications or information portals


Step 4: Configure Applications (Single App Mode)

  1. Click + Add configuration in the right panel

  2. Search applications: Use the search bar to find your target app

  3. Select application: Click the app icon from the Android library

  4. Expected result: The Selected app appears in the device preview mockup

App library with search and selection

If your app isn't listed:

  1. Click + Add application to library

  2. Upload your custom APK file

  3. Wait for processing before selection

Application requirements:

  • App must be installed on target devices before kiosk activation

  • Ensure the app supports full-screen operation for the best kiosk experience

Step 5: Adjust Display Settings

  1. Icon size: Select Small, Medium, or Large based on device screen size

  2. Preview verification: Check device mockup shows desired appearance

  3. Expected result: Icon sizing reflects your selection in the preview panel


Step 6: Configure Exit Controls (Critical Security Step)

  1. Scroll to Exit setting section

  2. Toggle "Allow manually exiting kiosk mode" based on your security needs

  3. Set kiosk exit password: Enter secure administrative password

  4. Configure tap count: Set number of taps to display exit prompt (default: 10)

  5. Expected result: Exit controls configured according to your security requirements

Exit settings configuration

Exit control best practices:

  • Secure environments: Disable manual exit, require administrative intervention

  • Semi-public spaces: Enable exit with complex password

  • Tap count: Higher numbers (15-20) prevent accidental exit attempts

Troubleshooting exit controls:

  • If the password field shows dots: This is normal security behavior

  • Remember exit credentials: Store securely for emergency device access


Step 7: Apply Peripheral Settings (Advanced Security)

  1. Click Peripheral Settings in the left panel

  2. Configure hardware restrictions:

    • Wi-Fi controls: Disable hotspot, network switching

    • Hardware buttons: Lock power, volume, home buttons as needed

    • Display options: Control system bars, notifications

  3. Review each toggle: Ensure settings match your security requirements

  4. Expected result: Comprehensive device lockdown according to your specifications

Common peripheral configurations:

  • High security: Disable all hardware buttons, Wi-Fi controls, and system access

  • Moderate security: Allow volume control, disable network changes

  • Basic lockdown: Restrict app switching while maintaining basic device functions


Step 8: Validate Configuration

  1. Click Create in the top-right corner

  2. Wait for validation: System checks configuration across all selected platforms

  3. Review validation results:

    • Green checkmarks: Platform configuration valid

    • Red "Invalid input": Configuration errors require attention

  4. Expected result: Either successful creation or specific error guidance

Validation modal with platform status

If validation fails:

  • Check app availability on target platform

  • Verify peripheral settings compatibility

  • Ensure all required fields completed

Common validation errors:

  • App not found: Selected app unavailable for target Android version

  • Conflicting settings: Peripheral restrictions incompatible with kiosk type

  • Missing configuration: Required settings not completed


Step 9: Assign to Devices

  1. Creation success: Modal displays "Kiosk setting has been created!"

  2. Choose assignment method:

    • Assign: Immediate device assignment

    • Done: Save for later assignment

  3. If selecting Assign: Choose from assignment options:

    • Assign to autopilot: Bulk deployment to managed groups

    • Assign to device group: Target specific device collections

    • Assign to devices: Individual device selection

Assignment strategies:

  • Pilot deployment: Start with a small device group for testing

  • Staged rollout: Deploy to autopilot groups in phases

  • Emergency deployment: Individual device assignment for urgent needs

Step 10: Monitor Deployment Status

  1. Navigate back: Return to the main Kiosk management page

  2. Verify creation: New kiosk appears in policy list

  3. Check assignment status: "Assigned to" column shows deployment progress

  4. Expected result: Policy visible with current assignment status

Kiosk management table with new policy

Advanced Options

Multi-app kiosk configuration: Select multiple applications and configure app switching permissions

Platform-specific deployment: Create separate kiosk policies for iOS, Windows, or macOS devices

Automated assignment: Use device groups and autopilot for hands-off deployment


Troubleshooting

Kiosk not activating on device:

  • Verify the device has the Trio agent and Trio Connect installed and active

  • Check network connectivity for policy download

  • Confirm the device supports device owner mode

Apps not appearing in kiosk:

  • Ensure apps are installed before kiosk activation

  • Verify app compatibility with kiosk restrictions

  • Check app permissions allow full-screen operation

Exit password not working:

  • Verify correct password entry (case-sensitive)

  • Check if the peripheral settings disabled password input

Device conflicts during assignment:

  • Review conflict status in the assignment panel

  • Remove conflicting policies before assignment

  • Consider device group reorganization

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