Enforce Android Single App Mode on Tablets and Smartphones

  • August 7, 2023
single app mode android

Sometimes the best way to gain focus and clarity on one thing is simply by turning off the rest of the unnecessary background apps. On devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, we’ve got so many options to appease our every need that we get completely distracted by million other things in the process of getting one thing done. In a business scenario where every trivial operation is time and resource sensitive, there is no room for distractions. Productivity is money and no business can afford to lose it in this competitive market. This is why your business needs to find a sustainable approach where you can derive maximum benefits and purpose out of your mobile devices by setting Android single app mode. Perhaps once you turn off all of your unwanted complications, you’ll be more able to focus on the single thing you want most out of your mobile devices?

What Is Android Single App Mode?

Android single app mode is a restrictive mechanism that allows IT admins to lockdown Android tablets to a single application mode. This feature restricts end-users from unauthorized access to non-essential applications and device settings and runs a single pre-determined application even when the device reboots. 

When we say kiosk, usually a wall-mounted or stand-alone station comes to mind. But today, any mobile device such as smartphones and tablets can be used as Android kiosk by locking down devices to run a single app or a specific set of apps with the help of a well-thought Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. When mobile devices run on Android single application mode, they function as effective dedicated devices while ensuring security as well as enhancing user experience. CubiLock MDM solution turns your existing fleet of mobile devices into purpose-driven single app Android that acts as customer-facing portal, digital signages, check-in/check-out devices, and, so much more depending on the needs and requirements of your business-potentially saving you the cost of a separate device or IT management team for this purpose!

android single application mode

How to Lock Android Devices Into Single App Mode Using CubiLock?

Following the simple steps below, devices can be locked down into android single app mode from the user-friendly CubiLock Dashboard. It will open the same determined app every time the device reboots.

  • Step 1: Sign Up and Enroll your Android Devices OR Sign In to your CubiLock Portal.
  • Step 2: Select Device Management > Create New Profile OR Select an existing Device Profile.
  • Step 3: Click on Edit > Applications.
  • Step 4: Navigate to + Choose Application.
  • Step 5: Select the application you need. For Eg: Google Chrome Browser.
  • Step 6: Click on Install Type > Kiosk from the drop-down menu as shown in the screenshot below.
set android single app kiosk mode
Choose an application to set in single app mode
android single app mode
Select an app from the list
enable single app mode android
Set single app mode
lock android to one app

How to Lock Your Phone on One App (DIY)

Android comes with tons of features that we tend to discover later, or probably know about but need to know the exact steps to access those features. Enable kiosk mode on your Android devices (DIY) is easy:

In Settings, navigate to “Security”

Check for “Other security settings”

In the next window find “Pin Windows”, you can set pin to unlock as well

Benefits of Android Single App Mode for Businesses – 

Education

android allow only one app to run

With the wide variety of learning apps available for smartphones and tablets, students can engage in interactive learning without feeling “stuck” in a book. Learning from locked-down tablets that are dedicated to educational apps removes distractions and keeps students engaged and focused in their academic pursuits. With Android single app kiosk mode students are protected from bad internet habits and exposure to harmful content available online.

Interactive kiosks are a good way for a school to have quick access to any information that may be useful for parents, attendees, or people who may be interested in knowing what is going on in the school. There are also many other instructional and informational purposes that interactive kiosks can be used for in places like classrooms or libraries.

Know more: Significance of Mobile Device Management for Schools

Restaurants

using single app mode android

Restaurants are also rapidly going digital by distributing tablets to customers for ordering food. By using an Android kiosk mode, these restaurants cut down on the opportunity for security issues or malcontent by limiting the devices to one function specifically when it comes down to handling payments and serving as a device that helps streamline payment transmission, self-order placements, and digital customization of orders.

With Android single app kiosk mode, payment processes are faster, human errors while taking and placing orders are avoided and customers can place and customize orders at their own pace. It also helps collect real-time feedback that further helps improve and refine service quality.

Healthcare

android one app mode

Hospitals and medical associations have realized many benefits of using Android single app mode which essentially puts regular smartphones and tablets into medical devices. The patient’s medical history, current reports, and prescriptions can all be tracked in one place. This is also a great way to automate the registration process for patients as they can be verified more quickly as they enter or exit the facility, allowing staff members to focus their attention elsewhere. The checkout system can also be run on kiosks placed at the front of hospitals and this is done by simply enabling Android single application mode.

Advertising

android run only one app

Android single app mode is heavily useful to display digital media content, whether digital signages, advertising, or catalogs with an interactive interface that draws in customers and keeps them entertained while they learn about your business. Placing digital advertisements is a proven way to gain more traction and easily capture the attention of consumers.

Retail

lock android tablet to one app

The retail industry regardless of size can get the most out of Android one app mode. Stores place Way finder kiosks, product display kiosks, and product information kiosks scattered inside the store. Android single app kiosk mode gives a premium and sophisticated touch to the shopping experience of your consumers, helping them find what they are looking for easily without the need for staff help or prolonged conversations. It gives an immersive experience that helps improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

By using CubiLock, you can avoid the distraction of any other apps or the home screen on your Android devices, streamline workflow and increase efficiency. Android single app mode will give you a more productive time using your device and avoid the temptation to check other apps. It locks down your devices into a single app mode and turns them into single-purpose devices with just a few clicks.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. How do I put single app mode on Android?

To add your Android device in single app mode, contact a third party app provider. Login the portal and configure settings search the desired app to run in kiosk mode, hiding navigation buttons, and setting up exit PINs. Test the setup to ensure it meets your needs. Keep in mind that steps may vary according to the service provider. 

Q2. What does Android single app mode do?

Single app mode is a feature that allows users to restrict their device to running only one application. Android one app mode locks the device into a single app, preventing users from accessing other applications or making any changes to the device settings. It is commonly used in scenarios where devices are used for specific purposes, such as kiosks, digital signage, or educational settings. Android single app mode improves security and productivity and makes the device management process easy by limiting user interactions to a single designated application.

Q3. What is a single purpose vs multi purpose app mode?

Single-purpose app mode and multi-purpose app mode are two different approaches to utilizing applications on a device. 

Single-purpose app mode restricts the device to run on one application, often for dedicated tasks or specific use cases. This limits user access to other apps and device settings, ensuring a focused and controlled experience. On the other hand, multi-purpose app mode allows users to run multiple applications, providing the flexibility to switch between different apps and perform multiple tasks on the device.

The choice between single-purpose and multi-purpose app mode depends on the use of the device and the level of control and flexibility desired by the organization.

Q4. How do I unlock Android single app mode?

To unlock Android single app mode and access other applications on your device, you can exit single app mode by long-pressing the Recent Apps or Overview button, or by accessing the device’s settings and disabling the relevant single app mode feature. If you are using a third-party app then you have to contact your IT admin to unlock one app mode

android single app mode

Apart from being a true sushi enthusiast, Sadichha (Aka SSH) is a content writer and blogger at CubiLock. She is passionate to enchant everything boring and nitty gritty about technology through her writings for her readers to enjoy and learn from at the same time. When she is not at her desk crafting content, you can catch her occupied with her cat.

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