How to use Guided Access on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

Guided Access is an incredibly useful feature that limits your device's functionality to just one app. This can be a game-changer for businesses in several ways:

• Creating Kiosk Mode: You can turn devices into dedicated kiosks for specific tasks like customer check-ins, product demonstrations or digital signage.
• Streamlining Employee Training: It helps guide employees through training modules or tasks within a single app, cutting down on distractions.
• Enhancing Customer Support: By restricting access to only essential applications, you can provide customers with a focused support experience.
• Improving Device Security: It limits access to sensitive data or applications when the device is shared or used in public spaces.

Android Equivalents:

While iOS calls it "Guided Access" Android has similar features through Screen Pinning and advanced Parental Control options. These tools let users lock their phones to a single app or limit access to certain features, making them great for both personal and business needs.

Business Applications on Android:

Companies can take advantage of these features to set up single-purpose devices for various tasks:

• Self-Check-In Kiosks: Lock devices to a single app for guest registration or hotel check-ins.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals: Ensure devices are dedicated solely to billing and payments.
• Digital Signage: Keep the device focused on displaying content or ads without interruptions.
• Dedicated Task Devices: Enable specific applications like inventory management or order taking.

Enabling and Using Guided Access on Android:

When you enable Screen Pinning or similar features, you can manage specific device settings, like volume buttons and touch sensitivity. Typically, a passcode is needed to exit the restricted mode, ensuring secure usage.

What is Screen Pinning?

Screen Pinning is a handy feature on Android that lets you lock a single app on your device. When an app is pinned, you can’t switch to other apps unless you enter the right passcode or perform a specific gesture.

This feature comes in handy for:

• Letting someone else use your phone without risking your private information.
• Making sure kids or students can only access the app you want them to use.
• Avoiding accidental taps during presentations or demos.
• Business scenarios like securing devices for point-of-sale systems or self-service kiosks.

How to Enable Screen Pinning on Android

Here’s how to turn on and use Screen Pinning:

1. Enable Screen Pinning:

   • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
   • Go to Security (or Security & Location, depending on your version).
   • Scroll down and select Screen Pinning.
   • Flip the switch to turn it on.

2. Set Up a Screen Lock (Optional but Recommended):

   • Make sure you have a PIN, password or pattern lock set up.
   • This adds an extra layer of security, requiring authentication to exit Screen Pinning mode.

3. Use Screen Pinning:

   • Open the app you want to pin.
   • Tap the Recents button (the square or three-line icon, depending on your phone).
   • Find the app you want to pin and tap the Pin icon (usually looks like a pushpin).
   • Confirm the action if prompted.

4. Exit Screen Pinning:

   • Hold down the Back and Recents buttons at the same time or follow the on-screen instructions.
   • Enter your PIN or password if needed.

How to Enable Parental Controls on Android

Android’s Parental Controls are designed to help you manage what your kids can access, making their online experience safer.

Steps to Enable Parental Controls:

1. Set Up a Google Account for Your Child:

   • First, download the Google Family Link app from the Google Play Store.
   • Follow the prompts to either create a new Google account for your child or link an existing one.

2. Enable Parental Controls:

   • Open the Google Play Store on your device.
   • Tap on your profile picture, then go to Settings > Family > Parental Controls.
   • Switch on Parental Controls and set a PIN to keep things secure.

3. Customize Restrictions:

   • You can set limits on apps, games, movies, and TV shows based on age ratings.
   • To avoid any surprise charges, enable purchase approvals to prevent unauthorized in-app purchases.

4. Control Screen Time and App Usage:

   • With Google Family Link, you can keep an eye on app usage and set daily limits for screen time.
   • If needed, you can even lock the device remotely.

How to Restrict App Access on Android

If you want to limit app access on your Android device, you can easily do it using the built-in tools or by downloading some handy third-party apps.

Here’s a quick guide:

Using Android’s Built-in Tools:

1. 1. Open your Settings and head over to Apps or App Management.
2. Choose the app you’d like to restrict.
3. From there, you can:
   1. Turn off notifications for that app.
   2. Limit background data or permissions.
   3. Disable or even uninstall the app if you need to. 

Using Third-Party Apps:

1. Check out apps like AppLock or Kids Place on the Google Play Store.
2. Just follow the instructions provided by the app to lock certain apps or set up restrictions.

Best Practices for Using Android Access Controls

1. Keep Your Software Updated: Make sure your Android device is running the latest version to enjoy new features and security updates.
2. Set Strong Passwords: Opt for PINs or biometric locks to keep your device secure.
3. Test Features First: Get to know Screen Pinning and Parental Controls before you start using them.
4. Regularly Monitor Settings: Take some time to review your restrictions and adjust them as needed.

How MDM Can Help Enable Guided Access Features on Android

A Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution can make it a breeze to enable and manage Guided Access-like features on Android devices. With MDM, IT administrators and organizations can easily configure, deploy, and control devices to work in a single-purpose mode or with limited access.

Here’s how MDM can be a game-changer:

1. Automate Guided Access Configuration

An MDM platform lets IT admins remotely activate Guided Access-like features (like Screen Pinning or Kiosk Mode) on Android devices. Instead of having to set up each device one by one, MDM streamlines the process:

• Set up single-app or multi-app kiosk mode.
• Lock devices to a specific app or a group of apps.
• Customize branding, wallpapers, and user interfaces for dedicated devices.

2. Advanced Kiosk Mode for Single-Purpose Use

MDM takes the basic Android Guided Access to the next level by offering advanced kiosk mode:

• Limit device access to certain apps, websites or tools.
• Disable hardware buttons like volume, power or home to prevent tampering.
• Block notifications, pop-ups or system settings that could disrupt usage.
• Manage network connectivity by enforcing specific Wi-Fi or VPN policies.

Use Cases:

• Retail POS Systems: Keep the device focused on a billing app.
• Digital Signage: Show ads or announcements without interruptions.
• Healthcare Devices: Lock devices for patient check-ins or health monitoring apps.

3. Enhanced Parental Control Features

For organizations providing devices for kids or educational purposes, MDM comes with robust parental control features:

• Limit app installations and downloads.
• Restrict browsing to approved websites.
• Set screen time limits and usage policies.
• Prevent misuse by locking access to unauthorized apps or settings.

4. Simplified Deployment Across Multiple Devices

Managing a large fleet of devices can be quite a challenging task, but MDM solutions make deployment a breeze. Here’s how:

• Pre-configure devices with all the necessary apps and settings before shipping
• Implement kiosk mode or screen pinning settings across the board.
• Take advantage of zero-touch enrollment to send devices straight from the factory with all the right policies in place.

5. Real-Time Monitoring and Management

When it comes to real-time monitoring and management, MDM has you covered:

• Keep an eye on device usage and compliance as it happens.
• Update kiosk mode settings or app configurations over the air.
• If there's any misuse or theft, you can lock, wipe, or reset devices remotely.

6. Secure Access with Custom Exit Mechanisms

Unlike the usual Guided Access feature, MDM gives you the flexibility to set up:

• Admin-only passwords or authentication methods to exit kiosk mode.
• Dynamic QR codes or remote admin actions to unlock devices when needed.
• Measures to ensure that end-users can’t bypass security settings without proper authorization.

Relevant Article

1. Refer android article for Set screen lock on an Android device
2. Check out the Android article for instructions on setting a screen lock on an Android device.