How to set kiosk mode in Android

Before diving into the setup process, it’s important to clarify what the term “kiosk” refers to in this context.

There are two meanings:

1. Kiosk Mode – A unit is dedicated 24/7 to running a single app.

2. Kiosk – An interactive digital signage unit intended to serve visitors, similar to a real kiosk shop.

To learn more about the differences, you can read this article.

In most cases, these two terms are used together.
For example, you may have a kiosk (interactive, usually touch-enabled) that needs to run only the kiosk app — this is when kiosk mode becomes essential.

To create an interactive kiosk, it’s essential to become familiar with NoviSign’s touch functionality.
For a deeper understanding of kiosk mode setup, continue reading below.
To explore the difference between “kiosk” and “kiosk mode”, refer to this article.

• Chrome OS devices (Chromebase, Chromebox, Chromebit): Supported by following this procedure.

• Windows 10 Enterprise/Education: Only supports kiosk mode with apps from the Microsoft Store.

• Android OS: Does not have a built-in kiosk mode. You’ll need to:

  • Install a third-party kiosk app (like “Fully Single App Kiosk” from Google Play)

  • Configure the NoviSign Android player app accordingly,  so visitor won’t be able to access neither the entrance screen nor the settings.

1. Install the NoviSign App

• Download the latest version from Google Play (search “NoviSign”) or our download from the website.

2. Configure the NoviSign App

• Check the “Start automatically…” box so the app starts after reboot

• (If needed) Enable “Restart on Inactivity” under Play Mode, for devices where auto-start is blocked by firmware.

• Set the appropriate “Video to Video Transition” setting under Display: go to the NoviSign app’s settings by tapping the gear icon in the top right corner of the app’s main screen. Under the “Display” section, find the “Video to Video Transition” option and adjust it if your Android device requires a different setting than the default (“Auto/Performance”).

• Enter the Screen Key by:

  • Typing/pasting it

  • Logging into your account from the app (in the top right corner of the entrance screen of the app you have controls for that) and then choose the screen which you previously created in your online Studio account (our CMS). That is done by clicking the magnifying glass icon and choosing the screen.

• Press “Go” and let media fully download.

• Watch one full playlist cycle.

• Turn off “Display Notifications” under Display to hide system messages from viewers.

3. Install the Kiosk App

• Open Google Play and search for:
  Fully Single App Kiosk
  Direct link

• Install and launch the app.

4. Configure the Kiosk App

• Tap “Select App”, choose “NoviSign”, and press OK.

• Type a secret PIN code, near the “Kiosk Exit PIN” and remember it. Using this PIN in the future, will let you exit the kiosk mode (that is done by tapping the screen fast 7 times, in order to get the PIN dialog and then exit the kiosk mode).

• Press “Start Kiosk Mode” button.

• Turn off “Enable Test Mode”, then press Yes.

• Choose the “Fully Single App Kiosk” as your new Android launcher and press “Always”.

5. Final NoviSign Settings

• In the NoviSign app, go to settings and enable:

  • “Dismiss Key Screen” under Start Mode

    This prevents access to the app’s settings screen.
    To bypass: long-press (about 4 seconds) the top-left corner of the display.

You’re Done!

Now your device is fully locked in kiosk mode.
Even if someone tries to exit the app or press system buttons (the system/action bar), the NoviSign app will stay active and simply restart the playlist.