Cubigo Kiosk 

Configuration requirements / best practice

Device requirements

For Cubigo Kiosk you need an Apple iPad with iOS 11 or higher, preferably a large-screen version (all generations that can run iOS 11 and higher are supported)

We recommend taking the largest iPad pro (12.9") as this allows the text to be considerably larger and ensures the kiosk is accessible to more residents..

Setup

The kiosk can be placed in a desk or floor stand and locked on the Cubigo Kiosk app.

Below are some stands we recommend:

• Desk stand (option 1, option 2)
• Floor stand

As a next step we can lock the iPad to run the Cubigo Kiosk app in “Single app mode”, or if the iPad needs to run multiple applications using “Guided Access”.

Installation

1. Be sure the device is connected to a reliable wireless network.
2. Install the “Cubigo Kiosk” app from the AppStore
   
3. Run the App and login with the Community specific Cubigo Kiosk username and pincode. (Please note that in order to log out of your community's Kiosk app, you can swipe up from the bottom right toward the center of the screen to generate a log-out screen.)
4. Configure the device to run in “Single app mode” which can be configured using a Mac computer and “Apple Configurator 2” and an USB-C cable or using Mobile Device Management software. 

How to Put an iPad in Kiosk Mode

A “kiosk” device is a computer or tablet that’s restricted to a single specific app. 

There are two options to set up the kiosk mode:

• Single App Mode (which is the ideal solution for a kiosk environment)
• Guided Access feature

Single App Mode vs. Guided Access

Single App Mode means exactly what it’s called as it completely locks your iPad to a single app. However, this method is a more advanced feature that may not be for everyone.

To enable Single Apps Mode, you’ll have to use Apple Configurator or a mobile device management server to set this up. Further, it can only be disabled by using the same tool.

But there’s a catch as you will need to access your Mac to enable Single App Mode via the Apple Configurator.

If this is not possible, you’re in luck as Guided Access is a quick easy way to get around this hurdle. However, it won’t be a perfect solution like Single App Mode.

With Guided Access Mode, customers can attempt to guess your PIN number to use other apps or to even reset the device. So there won’t be a concrete way to keep the device secure as someone can always try to guess your PIN.

It’s also important to consider the fact that someone can hold down the Sleep/Wake and Home button together at the same time and reboot your iPad to the PIN screen. This won’t happen in Single App Mode as it will return to the same configured app in Single App Mode.

Kiosk Mode with a Single App Mode Solution

To start setting your iPad to a Single App Mode, you have to first put your iPad into Supervised Mode (and this will require a bit of work to set up). However, it’s worth the effort as you can also remotely enable Single App Mode remotely through a mobile device management (MDM) server (that’s if your business is already using one to manage mobile devices).

For a temporary iPad kiosk, it’s not worth the effort and you can just ignore it. For this post, we will focus on setting up the iPad without an MDM. So first, go to iTunes and download (and install) Apple Configurator.

Apple configurator 2

If you are working on a PC, scrap the idea as Apple Configurator will only work on Macs. Once the Apple Configurator is installed, you can use it to place your iPad into Supervised Mode. Then you can use the Apple Configurator to enable Single App Mode.

Step 1: Turn Off Find My iPad Feature

First click on Settings, then iCloud, and turn off the Find My iPad button. This will disable the Activation Lock that will prevent Apple Configurator from setting up your iPad. You will need to have your iCloud password ready to complete this task.

Step 2: Connect your iPad via a USB cable and Place the Device in Supervised Mode

Apple configurator placing the iPad in supervised mode

To set up your iPad in Supervised Mode, first, connect the device via a USB cable to your Mac. Once your device is recognized, open Apple Configurator and select Supervised Mode.

Next, click on the Actions menu, then click on Advanced, and then select “Start Single App Mode.”

Step 3: Select the Cubigo Kiosk app from the List

Once your iPad has been configured, you will be shown a list of apps to choose from. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on Options and you will have access to all the default features as well. (touch screen, sleep/wake, etc.)

Guided Access: The Quick Solution

Guided Access can be set up by accessing Settings on your iPad. Next click on General, then Accessibility, and Guided Access. This will enable the Guided Access mode.

Next click on Password Settings to set up your PIN code for guided access and select if you can or can’t exit from Guided Access with a Touch ID (that is if your device has a Touch ID sensor).

Next, you can select the app you like you would like to lock on your iPad. Once you have done that, quickly click on the Home button three times. This will generate the Guided Access screen on your iPad.

You can use the buttons to configure it to suit your needs. The Sleep/Wake button will be automatically disabled when the touch screen is enabled (but you can always disable the touch screen and allow people to use the Sleep/Wake button instead).

At the top right corner, you will find the Start button which you can tap whenever you’re ready. When you’re in Guided Access Mode, the iPad screen won’t turn off, so you will have to plug it into a power source if you intend to keep it on throughout the day.

However, on the Guided Access screen, you can enable the Sleep/Wake button to allow the device to turn off the screen. When you do this, anyone who wants access can quickly get it by turning on the device which will take them straight to the Guided Access mode without any need to enter a PIN number.

Updates

Cubigo releases updates for the Cubigo Kiosk app a couple of times per year. This in order to enhance the app performance, to add new functionality or support extra services. 

It is important that you install these updates. Currently, only the MDM scenario supports automatic app updates. In the Configurator scenario, the updates can be done by connecting the USB-C cable and toggling the single app mode to get access to the update from the AppStore.

Accessibility settings

The kiosk app was designed for an optimal view on the “Standard” display setting without special accessibility settings. Please check that the accessibility settings for “Zoom” and “Display & Text Size” are all disabled.

Zoom settings 

Please check that the zoom setting under Settings - Display & Brightness - Display zoom is set to “Standard”

Text size

As final step we can set a slightly bigger default font by changing the “Display & Brightness” - “Text size” settings 2 steps above the default size.