Last week, we spoke about how to set up an iPad for public access using Guided Access. This week, we talk about how to use the Single App method for putting an iPad into a Kiosk mode.
Which method should I use?
The answer lies in what your exact requirements are and how much effort you are willing to put into setting the iPad up. Single App mode means that it locks your iPad to a single app. This is a more advanced method and you need to use Apple Configurator or a mobile device management server to enable this feature. You can only disable the mode using the same tool that you used to enable the feature.
If you don’t have access to the Apple Configurator, then you can only use the Guided Access method. In this method, the mode is secured with a PIN. The downside with this is that people can try to guess your PIN number to use other apps or to reset your iPad.
So make your decision on which method to use based on access to the Apple Configurator and how secure you want the device to be.
Kiosk mode with the Single App mode.
To start using your iPad in a Single App mode, you first need to put your iPad into a Supervised mode. To do this, go to the iTunes Store and install the Apple Configurator. if you don’t already have the Configurator. You have to install the Apple Configurator on a Mac as it does not work on Windows. Once the Configurator is installed, use it to place your iPad into Supervised mode. Then you use the Configurator to enable Single App mode.
The entire process can be done in 3 steps.
Step 1: Turn off the Find My iPad feature
Click on Settings and then on iCloud. Now slide the Find My iPad button to the Off position. This will disable the Activation Lock that will prevent Apple Configurator from setting up your iPad. Have your iCloud password handy to complete this step.
Step 2: Place your iPad in Supervised mode
First, connect your iPad to your Mac via a USB cable. Once your iPad is recognized, open the Apple Configurator and select Supervised Mode.
Now, click on the Actions menu, then click on Advanced and select “Start Single App Mode”.
Step 3: Select the Single App from the list
Now your iPad is in Single App Mode. You’ll be shown a list of all the apps on your iPad, including the system apps and the apps that you have already installed. Select the app that you want to lock the iPad to. You can click on the “Options” button to enable/disable specific features such as Touch, Motion, Volume, Sleep/Wake etc. You can choose to enable only those features that make sense for you. Click the Select App button when you are done. And now your iPad is truly locked to just this one app.
Disabling Single App mode
To Disable the Single App Mode, connect the iPad to the Mac. Open the Apple Configurator. Select the Actions menu > Advanced > Stop Single App Mode.
So make your decision on which mode makes sense for you and set up your iPad to work safely and securely in a Kiosk mode for public use.