Guided Access is an iOS feature available on iPhones and iPads. Android also has this feature but under a different name. Screen Pinning is an alternative to Guided Access on Android, providing similar functionality.
In addition to the built-in pinning app option, several Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions let you run a single app on an Android device in kiosk mode.
If you are looking for Android Guided Access and don’t know where to look, you have come to the right place. This article provides an overview of App Pinning and explains how to turn on guided access Android.
Key Takeaways:
- You can use the iPhone’s guided access on Android with its built-in app pinning feature.
- Set one app in focus and disable access to all other functions from system settings or using third-party apps.
- Android’s guided access is helpful for privacy, security, reducing workload, minimizing distractions, managing large teams, and branding.
What is Guided Access on Android?
Trusted by businesses around the globe, Guided Access is useful for various purposes. For instance, you can benefit from it by turning your device into digital signage or POS terminals at retail stores or quick-service restaurants.
Guided Access or App Pinning lets you lock one app on a mobile or tablet, making other apps inaccessible. This functionality can also be used when handing over your phone to an unknown person or children. Besides restricting apps and features, it also disables the volume buttons, keyboard, and screen rotation.
Android Screen Pinning and iPhone Guided Access have a few differences in functionality. One major difference is that turning this feature on and off on Android is not password-protected. If you give your phone to someone after pinning an app, they can easily exit the mode.
How to Turn on Guided Access on Android?
Once you have a basic understanding of Android Guided Access, you may try it on your device. To enable the local pinning app feature, follow the simple steps below.
Here are steps to turn on guided access Android:
Step 1) Launch the Settings on your mobile or tablet.
Step 2) Scroll and navigate to the Password & Security tab.
Step 3) Tap on the System Security option.
Step 4) Look for the App pinning and select it.
Step 5) Read the on-screen instructions and turn on App pinning.
Step 6) Return to the menu and choose the app you want to keep in focus mode.
Step 7) Open the recent task screen and tap on the three dots for the app.
Step 8) Select Pin from the drop-down menu.
Tap and hold the Back and Recent buttons simultaneously to exit the pinning mode. Whether you own a Samsung mobile or Android device from another manufacturer, you will find a pinning app option in its settings.
To avoid manually looking for it, enter the pin app or app pinning in the settings search bar for a quick lookup.
Best Mobile Device Management (MDM) & Kiosk Solutions
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a security software companies use to monitor, manage, and secure employees’ smart devices. Almost all of these software offers Kiosk features that restrict the device to one or few apps.
Kiosk devices are commonly used for advertising and are placed in retail stores, airports, shopping malls, public transportation hubs, etc. Several MDM and dedicated kiosk software are available in the market, but finding the right option can be difficult.
Here are some of the best mobile device management (MDM) and Kiosk solutions trusted by technology experts worldwide.
1) TinyMDM – Best Assistant For Guided Access
TinyMDM lockdown mode turns any Android device into a kiosk and lets you control it from a desktop. Activating the guided access of this MDM service means users can use the applications the admin allows and cannot exit the mode without the security code.
Features:
- One-Click Mode Switch: With this Guided Access Android tool, you can switch between normal and Kiosk modes on your Android mobile and tablet with just one click.
- Two Kiosk Modes: Choose Classic Kiosk mode, which disables all other mobile features. The Open Kiosk mode allows you to access the Status bar, Widget, and settings.
- Personalized Interface: All the frequently used apps are displayed on the home screen for quick setup. You can customize the interface with your company branding if multiple apps are allowed.
- Temporary Access Sessions: TinyMDM allows you to hold special user access sessions on Kiosk devices to temporarily access the installed apps with personal accounts.
- Free Trial: Take advantage of a 30-day free trial with technical support. Credit card details are only required when you continue using the MDM solution after the trial ends.
2) KioWare – Top Rated Kiosk Tool
Dedicated Guided Access third-party Tool KioWare can turn desktop and mobile devices into kiosks. You can use this tool to restrict applications and websites on your Android mobile phone. KioWare enables remote control over access, device health monitoring, and content updating in the centralized database.
Features:
- Cloud Hosting: You can install the Kiosk app on the device’s local storage or host it in the cloud. Both have pros and cons, so you should choose based on your situation.
- Usage Statistics: The dashboard shows usage stats every 10 minutes or at the end of a user session.
- Easy Setup: With the world-class customer support team, the Guided Access Android tool enables you to configure and install Kiosks.
- Free Trial: KioWare offers a free version with access to all of its paid features. However, it will show a nag screen to present you with the full version without a nag screen.
- Pricing: You can subscribe to its premium service on Android devices for a one-time fee of $45.
Benefits of Guided Access on Android
Here are a few benefits of the Android Guided Access feature:
- Privacy:
When handing over your phone to kids or an unknown person, you may want to prevent them from accessing your personal information. Kids can unintentionally delete important data like messages, images, files, apps, etc. You can restrict them to one app and protect your data by activating guided access.
- Security:
Permission for selective apps and websites prevents the device users from accessing potentially harmful content. All the sensitive information related to your business remains protected.
- Reduced Workload
Managing the devices of the whole organization is difficult. By setting the focus on a few apps and functions, your IT team benefits from reduced unnecessary workload, resulting in increased efficiency.
- Fewer Distractions
With Guided Access, employees do not have to deal with distractions on their work devices. They won’t use the Android mobile or tablet to play games or watch videos. Moreover, access to a few features makes the interface easy to navigate.
- Manage Conveniently
Another benefit of Android Guided Access is that monitoring the device becomes more accessible for the company administration. Limited device usage also reduces the need for maintenance and extends the lifespan.
- Branding
Customizing the interface of any Android device, including Samsung phones, can boost your brand. You can personalize the font, color, wallpaper, notification sound, and more.
Conclusion
In the article, you learn different ways of turning your Android device into a kiosk. This comprehensive guide can help you pin an app on your mobile screen to hand it over to someone or for business purposes.
App pining is a built-in feature of the Android operating system, making it more reliable and secure. However, you can still go with a third-party solution provided here or do your research.
If you struggle with guided access or any other Android feature, check out more troubleshooting guides.
