Documentation

Complete guide to install and use FreeKiosk

📋Table of Contents

🚀Quick Install (Basic Mode)

Simple installation for testing or personal use. Ready in 5 minutes.

⚠️

Note

Basic mode allows some system interactions. For complete lockdown, use Device Owner mode below.

Installation Steps

  1. 1

    Download APK

    Get it from the Download page

  2. 2

    Transfer to Tablet

    Via USB, email, or direct download

  3. 3

    Install APK

    Enable "Install from unknown sources" if prompted

  4. 4

    Open FreeKiosk

    Launch the app from your app drawer

  5. 5

    Access Settings

    Tap 5 times in the bottom-right corner

  6. 6

    Configure URL

    Enter your dashboard URL (e.g., Home Assistant)

  7. 7

    Set PIN Code

    Choose a 4-6 digit PIN for security

  8. ✓

    Start Kiosk Mode

    Your tablet is now in kiosk mode! 🎉

🔒Device Owner Mode (Advanced)

For complete device lockdown with no system interruptions, notifications, or escape routes.

✅

Recommended for:

Production deployments, public displays, restaurants, hotels, retail kiosks

Requirements

✅

Android 8.0+ Tablet

Any modern Android tablet

✅

Computer

Windows, Mac, or Linux PC

✅

USB Cable

To connect tablet to PC

✅

ADB Tool

~15 MB download

Step 1: Install ADB

Windows:

  1. Download Platform Tools
  2. Extract to C:\platform-tools\

Mac:

brew install android-platform-tools

Linux:

sudo apt install adb

Step 2: Prepare Tablet

  1. 1

    Factory Reset Your Tablet

    Settings → System → Reset → Factory data reset

    ⚠️ This will erase all data on your tablet

  2. 2

    CRITICAL: Do NOT Add Google Account

    After reset, skip all account setup steps

    ⚠️ Device Owner cannot be set if any account exists!

  3. 3

    Enable USB Debugging

    • • Settings → About tablet → Tap "Build number" 7 times
    • • Settings → System → Developer options → Enable "USB debugging"
  4. 4

    Install FreeKiosk APK

    Install the app, but don't open it yet

Step 3: Activate Device Owner

  1. 1

    Connect Tablet to PC

    Use USB cable. A popup will appear on the tablet

    • • Check "Always allow from this computer"
    • • Tap "Allow"
  2. 2

    Verify Connection

    On your PC, run:

    adb devices

    You should see your device listed

  3. 3

    Set Device Owner

    Run this command:

    adb shell dpm set-device-owner com.freekiosk/.DeviceAdminReceiver

    ✅ Expected output: "Success: Device owner set to package com.freekiosk"

  4. ✓

    Reboot Tablet (Optional)

    adb reboot
🎉

Success!

Your tablet is now in Device Owner mode with complete kiosk lockdown.

⚙️Configuration

Access Settings

While in kiosk mode, tap 5 times in the bottom-right corner, then enter your PIN code.

Available Settings

🌐

URL Configuration

Change the website or dashboard to display

🔐

PIN Code

Modify your security PIN (4-6 digits)

🚪

Exit Kiosk Mode

Deactivate kiosk and remove Device Owner

🔧Troubleshooting

"Not allowed to set device owner"

Cause: Google account exists on device

Solution: Factory reset and DO NOT add any account after reset

"No devices found"

Causes: USB not connected, debugging not enabled, or driver issues

Solution: Check USB cable, enable USB debugging, check tablet screen for popup, install USB drivers (Windows)

Kiosk doesn't lock completely

Cause: Device Owner not activated

Solution: Verify with this command:

adb shell dpm list-owners

Then reboot the tablet

Forgot PIN code

Solution: Factory reset (will lose kiosk setup) or remove Device Owner via ADB first

🗑️Uninstall

If Device Owner is Active

  1. 1Access settings (5 taps + PIN)
  2. 2Tap "Exit Kiosk Mode"
  3. 3Device Owner is automatically removed
  4. 4Uninstall FreeKiosk normally from Settings

Via ADB (If needed)

Remove Device Owner permission manually:

adb shell dpm remove-active-admin com.freekiosk/.DeviceAdminReceiver

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