How can I use the Fully Kiosk with Android 12+?
Devices running Android 12+ may have some Kiosk Mode protection gaps if you don’t follow the recommendations in this FAQ.
- The system status bar (on the top) can sometimes be pulled down and the buttons on the quick settings and notification area can be used. The user however still can’t open Android Settings or other apps if Disable Other Apps enabled.
- The Power Dialog can be opened by a long power button press (if configured). The user can power off or restart the device or make an emergency call.
- The Recent Task view sometimes can be opened and the buttons there (Screenshot etc.) can be used on some devices. The user still can’t change to another app.
Fully Kiosk apps (ver. 1.61+ or 1.21+) will suggest you to open Android Accessibility Settings, look for installed apps/services and enable Fully Kiosk. This will enable the basic status bar and system dialog protection in Kiosk Mode. If you installed the app from APK file in Android 13+ devices the Fully Kiosk option may be disabled and greyed out in Accessibility Settings ( shows “Restricted setting” box). You can enable it by opening the App Info for Fully Kiosk, clicking on three dots in the right upper corner and selecting Allow restricted settings. This method however isn’t 100% reliable.
In order to maintain the secure Kiosk Mode with Android 12+ you have two options:
- Use the device provisioning, enable Disable Status Bar option in Device Owner Settings, enable and configure the Lock Task Mode in Device Owner Settings.
- On the most Samsung devices you can use the options Disable Status Bar, Hide Navigation Bar and Disable Power Button in KNOX Settings.
If there is a risk that your device will upgrade or auto-upgrade to Android 12 please follow the recommendations above.