Keep a single app in the foreground: combine Kiosk Mode with Hidden Dock for controlled access

Android

If you need a single app to stay in the foreground on your managed devices but also want staff to access Wi-Fi settings during connectivity issues, you can combine Kiosk Mode with Hidden Dock. This approach locks your app to the foreground while providing controlled access to system settings without fully unlocking the device.

Before you begin

This solution requires Kiosk Mode and Hidden Dock features available in your Esper blueprint. Hidden Dock is ideal for shared-device scenarios—such as food delivery, retail POS, or field service deployments—where occasional staff intervention is necessary.

How to set up Kiosk Mode with Hidden Dock

In the Esper Console, navigate to Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Blueprint (or open the blueprint applied to your device group).
Locate the Kiosk Mode settings section and enable it.
Set your target application as the single app to pin to the foreground.
Enable the Hidden Dock feature within the Kiosk Mode configuration. The Hidden Dock is typically revealed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and remains hidden during normal operation.
Verify that Wi-Fi settings are permitted within the Hidden Dock. Check Blueprint → Device Settings → Esper Settings to confirm that Wi-Fi and other necessary settings modules are enabled.
Apply and save the updated blueprint by going to Devices & Groups → [Your Group] → Blueprint → Apply.

How to verify your setup

On the device, confirm that your target app launches automatically and fills the foreground.
Simulate a Wi-Fi disconnection to test recovery.
Perform the Hidden Dock gesture (swipe up from the bottom) and verify you can access Wi-Fi settings.
Reconnect to Wi-Fi and dismiss the dock to return to your pinned app.

Troubleshooting

The Hidden Dock gesture doesn't work on my device:

Some device manufacturers override gesture navigation in ways that conflict with Hidden Dock. Check your blueprint for alternative Hidden Dock trigger methods available for your device model.
Test the Hidden Dock invocation on a test device to confirm compatibility before rolling out to your full fleet.

Wi-Fi settings are not accessible from the Hidden Dock:

Verify that your blueprint's Esper Settings permissions are not overly restricted.
Go to Blueprint → Device Settings → Esper Settings and confirm that settings modules—particularly Wi-Fi—are enabled.

The app does not stay in the foreground after a crash or connectivity loss:

Confirm that your blueprint has Auto-launch on boot and App restart on crash enabled for your target application under Apps & Configuration settings.

Additional considerations

Multi-App Mode cannot keep a single app in the foreground. This is an Android platform limitation. Multi-App Mode allows users to switch between apps and access the launcher freely, so it is not suitable for this use case.
Train your staff on the Hidden Dock gesture. The exact invocation method (swipe-up count, long-press pattern) varies by Blueprint configuration. Provide clear instructions to users who need to access Wi-Fi settings.
Consider password protection for Hidden Dock access if there is a risk of users accidentally or intentionally exiting the kiosk app.
Confirm Hidden Dock availability for your Esper Agent version. Check your device's current Esper Agent version to ensure this feature is supported.

Still need help?

If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, contact Esper Support. provide your device model, Android version, Esper Agent version, and a description of the problem you are encountering.