When using the Archie Visitors app as a kiosk or reception tablet, you may want to prevent visitors from accidentally closing the app, opening other applications, or accessing the tablet's settings.
By default, the Visitors app behaves like any other application installed on your iPad or Android tablet, meaning users can switch to other apps or exit the application. Since the tablet is typically used by external visitors, locking the device to the Archie Visitors app provides a better and more secure experience.
Important: Due to security restrictions imposed by Apple and Google, Archie cannot lock the application directly. Instead, both operating systems provide their own built-in kiosk features that allow you to keep the Visitors app on screen.
Locking your iPad to the Archie Visitors App (Guided Access)
Apple's Guided Access feature allows you to lock your iPad to a single application until an administrator unlocks it.
Enable Guided Access
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Go to Accessibility.
Tap Guided Access.
Turn Guided Access on.
Configure how Guided Access is exited
Choose how you would like to end a Guided Access session:
Use a passcode
Tap Passcode Settings.
Select Set Guided Access Passcode.
Enter your preferred passcode.
Use Face ID or Touch ID
Open Passcode Settings.
Enable Face ID (on supported iPads) or Touch ID.
You can also review the remaining Guided Access options and customize them according to your needs.
Start a Guided Access session
Open the Archie Visitors app.
Start Guided Access using one of the following methods:
Ask Siri: "Turn on Guided Access."
Use Control Center (if Guided Access has been added there).
Use the Accessibility Shortcut.
If desired, circle any areas of the screen that you want to disable.
Tap Session Settings and configure any additional options such as:
Top Button
Volume Buttons
Motion (prevents screen rotation)
Software Keyboard
Touch
Time Limit
Tap Done, then tap Start.
Your iPad will now remain locked to the Archie Visitors app until Guided Access is ended.
End a Guided Access session
Depending on the exit method you configured:
Using a passcode
Triple-click the Top Button (Face ID models) or the Home Button (older models).
Enter your Guided Access passcode.
Using Face ID or Touch ID
Triple-click the Top or Home button.
Authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID.
Locking your Android Tablet to the Archie Visitors App (App Pinning)
Android includes a feature called App Pinning, which keeps a single application open until it is manually unpinned.
Note: Android manufacturers often customize their operating systems. Because of this, the steps below may vary depending on your tablet model. If you cannot find these settings, we recommend checking your device manufacturer's documentation for App Pinning or Screen Pinning.
Enable App Pinning
Open Settings.
Navigate to:
Security, or
Security & Location → Advanced → App Pinning.
Turn App Pinning on.
Enable the option requiring your PIN, Pattern, or Password to unpin the app (recommended).
Pin the Archie Visitors App
After enabling App Pinning:
Open the Archie Visitors app.
Open the list of recent apps:
Swipe up and hold (gesture navigation), or
Tap the Overview button (3-button navigation).
Tap the Archie Visitors app icon at the top of the preview.
Select Pin.
The Archie Visitors app will now remain on screen until it is unpinned using your device's security credentials.
Recommended Setup
For the best visitor experience, we recommend:
Locking the tablet to the Archie Visitors app using Guided Access (iPad) or App Pinning (Android).
Protecting the device with a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.
Reviewing your device's kiosk settings to further restrict access to system features if desired.