Kiosk mode (screen pinning)

What kiosk mode is

Kiosk mode uses Android’s screen pinning / lock task behavior so the capture screen stays in the foreground for visitors. While the app is pinned:

• Visitors see the mood capture experience.
• The main operator navigation (for example the bottom bar to Results and Admin) is hidden, so passers-by cannot open staff areas from the UI.
• The status and navigation bars are hidden in an immersive layout; edge swipes may show system bars briefly (normal Android behavior).
• The app locks to landscape while pinned (typical for a fixed tablet stand).

Configure kiosk mode

SmileyMeter does not add its own PIN or password for kiosk exit. Exit uses the same device lock you configure in Android settings (PIN, pattern, or biometric).

1. In Android Settings → Security (or your OEM’s equivalent), ensure screen pinning / pin windows is allowed if your device requires it.
2. Set up a secure lock screen on the tablet. Unpinning relies on this.
3. Open SmileyMeter and go to the Capture screen.
4. Tap Go to kiosk mode and confirm any system dialog.

If the system blocks pinning, the app shows a message and may offer to open Security settings. Cancelling the system dialog does not break the app—you can keep using Capture and navigation as usual.

You are responsible for configuring and maintaining a screen lock on this tablet (PIN, pattern, or biometric), as your venue or IT policy requires. Exiting kiosk mode relies on that lock to confirm unpinning. SmileyMeter does not set up, store, or manage your device PIN or other lock credentials for you.

Exit kiosk mode

Use Android’s system unpin flow. The exact gesture or buttons depend on your navigation mode, Android version, and manufacturer—follow the on-screen prompts your device shows.

• Gesture navigation (no on-screen Back and Overview keys): swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold until the unpin confirmation appears.
• Three-button navigation: on many devices, hold Back and Overview (Recents) together until prompted to unpin.

If you enabled the usual security option during setup, you must enter your PIN, pattern, or password (or use biometric unlock if the device allows it) to complete unpinning. This is not a separate SmileyMeter password. When authentication succeeds, the app unpins and you regain normal access; navigation to Results and Admin is available again.

Official Android help: Pin and unpin your screen.

Keep screen on while pinned

While kiosk mode is active, SmileyMeter sets the window to keep the screen on so the kiosk does not dim or sleep from the app’s perspective. This applies only while pinned; when you unpin, normal display sleep behavior returns unless you change system settings elsewhere.

For 24/7 installations, also review the tablet’s Display sleep timeout and any battery optimization that might affect long-running use.

See also

• Admin settings — other venue configuration.
• Documentation home