Q: What is SCOUT Kiosk Mode?
A: SCOUT Kiosk Mode allows Enterprise Admins to customize the Launcher on Sonim devices for maximum employee productivity. It helps in optimizing device screens, keeping things simple for device users and allowing access to only those apps which are work or productivity-related. It also gives flexibility to the admin to customize look, feel and access to any and all applications.
Q: How does Kiosk Mode work?
A: Kiosk can only be configured via Sonim CLOUD. If no Kiosk profile is assigned to the device in Sonim CLOUD, a message will appear in the Kiosk Mode element under the Setup tab -> “Please visit https://www.sonimcloud.com to create a Kiosk Mode profile”.
Q: Which devices support Kiosk mode?
A: Kiosk feature is available for XP3, XP5s and XP8 devices.
Kiosk Client
Q: Can I apply Kiosk mode from the device instead of using CLOUD?
A: Applying the Kiosk which can be done via the Kiosk Mode UI in SCOUT > Setup > Kiosk Mode ONLY if the device has a Kiosk profile associated with it from CLOUD.
Q: Is there a way to exit Kiosk Mode and return to the standard launcher?
A: Exit Kiosk Mode from device by selecting the Exit Kiosk icon in the top right of the display and entering the correct Exit PIN.
Q: I have whitelisted an application. What if the device does not have that specific app installed on the device? Will Kiosk mode work?
A: Whitelisting an application is independent of the application being installed on the device. If the whitelisted application is installed, it will be displayed in the Kiosk mode. If it is not installed, it will not be available to be displayed.
Q: Will physical key events work when in Kiosk mode?
A: Relevant physical keys (PTT, Yellow and Red) will work in Kiosk Mode if the application assigned to that button is whitelisted on the Kiosk.
Q: Many applications on the device are not whitelisted. Can they be updated?
A: Refer to Table 1 App updates in Kiosk mode for whitelisted and non-whitelisted applications.
Q: How does auto update and manual update affect non-whitelisted apps?
A: For XP3 and XP5s models, device initiates a check with Sonim CLOUD server every seven days for any app updates that are relevant to the specific firmware installed on the device. Regardless of SCOUT being whitelisted or not
- Whitelisted apps and non-whitelisted apps will be auto-updated if there are any updates available via App Updater
For XP8, Refer to Table 1 App updates in Kiosk mode for whitelisted and non-whitelisted applications.
Q: I do not want the Play Store application to be whitelisted and available on Kiosk client. Is this possible?
A: Yes, Admin simply does not have to choose the Play Store application from the list of whitelisted applications on the CLOUD.
Q: Will apps be updated via the Play Store/App Updater while the device is in Kiosk mode?
A: Play Store updates are relevant only for XP8 models. See table below for details.
For XP3 and XP5s device models, SCOUT client initiates a check with Sonim CLOUD server every seven days for any app updates that is relevant to specific firmware. Regardless of SCOUT being whitelisted or not, both whitelisted apps and non-whitelisted apps will be auto-updated if there are any updates available via App Updater. This can be blocked by restricting App Updater via a Sonim CLOUD “SCOUT Resource”.
Table 1 App updates in Kiosk mode for whitelisted and non-whitelisted
| XP8 | auto-update enabled in PLAY STORE APP | auto-update NOT enabled IN PLAY STORE APP |
| Play Store whitelisted | · Whitelisted apps on Kiosk will be updated automatically · Non whitelisted apps will not be available for updates. (Use Play Store to enable the app for auto-updates) · Kiosk app will also be updated automatically and installed with a 1-2 second flicker | · Whitelisted apps on Kiosk will have to be updated manually · Non whitelisted apps will not be available for updates. (Use Play store to enable the app for auto-updates) · Kiosk app can be updated manually |
| Play Store NOT whitelisted | · Whitelisted apps on Kiosk will be updated automatically · Play Store app is not disabled even though it is not whitelisted and therefore can be auto-updated. · Non-whitelisted apps are disabled and not available for auto-updates | · Whitelisted apps on Kiosk will have to be manually updated and will not be updated automatically |
Q: What happens if User tries to search for a non-whitelisted app and tries to install? Will it install but just not be available on the Kiosk?
A: If the app is outside of device app list, then app will be installed but not available on Kiosk
Q: If SCOUT is not whitelisted, will App Updater and other features of SCOUT be available in the background?
A: Yes, they will be available in the background because they are not being disabled.