How Do You Turn iPad Into a Smart Kiosk?

Why Won’t Your iOS Device Stay Locked Down?

Turning your iPad or iPhone into a kiosk device helps businesses keep their devices focused on one job. Think of it like putting training wheels on a bike. You’re making sure the device only does what you want it to do.

What Is Kiosk Mode?

Kiosk mode locks your device to one app or a few apps. Users can’t get out of these apps to mess with other stuff on the device. It’s like putting a fence around a playground – kids can play inside, but they can’t wander off.

Companies use this for:

• Cash registers at stores
• Check-in computers at hotels
• Information screens in lobbies
• Learning tablets for students

Getting Your Device Ready

Before you start, your iPad needs to be “supervised.” This is like giving a teacher extra control over a classroom. You get this by buying devices through Apple’s business program or using special Apple tools.

Important: Regular iPads from the store won’t work for this. You need business iPads.

Step-by-Step Setup in Intune

Step 1: Log Into Intune

Go to the Microsoft Intune website and sign in with your work account.

Step 2: Create a New Rule

1. Click on “Devices” in the menu
2. Pick “Configuration“
3. Click “Create” then “New Policy“
4. Choose “Template” then “Device Restrictions“
5. Click “Create“

Step 3: Name Your Rule

Give your rule a clear name like “iPad Kiosk for Sales Floor.” Write a short note about what it does. This helps you remember later why you made it.

Step 4: Set Up Kiosk Settings

In the settings page, look for “KIOSK” and click on it. You’ll see three choices:

• Store Apps: Use apps from the App Store (need the store web address)
• Managed Apps: Use apps you already put on devices through Intune
• Built-In Apps: Use apps that come with the iPad (need special app codes)

Step 5: Pick Extra Controls

You can also control:

• Touch screen on or off
• Volume buttons working or not
• Special touch helpers for people who need them
• How long before the screen locks

Step 6: Choose Who Gets This Rule

Pick which group of devices or people should get this rule. Make sure you pick the right group so it only goes to your kiosk devices.

Step 7: Check and Save

Look over all your choices. If everything looks good, click “Create” to save your rule.

Making Sure Apps Install First

Here’s something important: If you’re using managed apps, make sure the app installs on the device before the kiosk rule kicks in. If the rule comes first, it might not work right.

Fix: Restart the device if kiosk mode doesn’t start. This usually fixes the timing problem.

What Users Will See

Once your rule works, users will only see the app you picked. They can’t:

1. Close the app
2. Open other apps
3. Change device settings
4. Turn off the device (if you blocked that)

The device becomes a single-purpose tool, just like you wanted.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Kiosk Mode Won’t Start

• Check if the device is supervised
• Make sure the app installed before the kiosk rule
• Restart the device to refresh settings

Device Keeps Exiting Kiosk Mode

• Look for other rules that might fight with your kiosk rule
• Make sure you assigned the rule to the right group
• Check if iOS 18 updates are causing problems (this is a known issue)

App Not Installing

• Verify the app store link is correct
• For managed apps, deploy them as “required” not “available”
• Check your internet connection

Multi-App Workaround

Apple only lets iOS devices run one app in true kiosk mode. But you can fake multi-app kiosk by hiding most apps and only showing the ones you want. It’s not perfect, but it works for many businesses.

Best Practices

1. Test First: Always try your setup on one test device before rolling it out to all devices
2. Keep Notes: Write down what each rule does so you remember later
3. Plan for Updates: iOS updates sometimes break kiosk mode, so have a backup plan
4. Train Staff: Make sure your team knows how the kiosk devices work

Setting up kiosk mode takes some work upfront, but it keeps your business devices safe and focused. Your devices will do exactly what you need them to do, nothing more, nothing less.