Native full-screen browser on managed Android tablets: use Google Play Web App in Single App Kiosk Mode

Android

If you want to run a full-screen browser on your managed Android tablets without any manual user interaction, you can deploy your website as a Google Play Web App and use Single App Kiosk Mode. This approach eliminates browser UI elements like the address bar and launches your web content automatically on device startup.

Before you begin

• Your website must be served over HTTPS. HTTP URLs are not supported by Google Play Web Apps.
• You need access to the Esper Console with permissions to manage apps and Blueprints.
• You need access to Google Play Console or Managed Google Play through the Esper Console.

How to create a Google Play Web App

1. Open the Google Play Console or access Managed Google Play through the Esper Console.
2. Create a new Web App and point it to your HTTPS URL.
3. Google Play generates a Web App APK that wraps your website in a full-screen WebView with no browser UI.

How to add the Web App to your Esper app catalogue

1. In the Esper Console, navigate to Apps & Configuration → Approve Apps.
2. Find and approve the Web App you created in Managed Google Play.

How to set up Single App Kiosk Mode

1. Navigate to Blueprints → Create / Edit Blueprint.
2. Under Kiosk Mode, select Single App Kiosk.
3. Set the approved Web App as the kiosk application.
4. Enable Start on Boot so the Web App launches automatically after device reboot.
5. Save and publish the Blueprint.

How to apply the Blueprint to your devices

1. Navigate to Devices & Groups and select the device or group where you want to apply the Blueprint.
2. Go to Blueprint and select the kiosk Blueprint you created.
3. Apply the Blueprint.

How to verify the setup

1. Reboot the device.
2. Confirm that the Web App launches in full-screen on startup with no address bar, navigation bar, or browser UI visible.
3. Verify that users cannot escape to the Android home screen without the Esper Kiosk Exit PIN.

Troubleshooting

Your website is served over HTTP

Google Play Web Apps require HTTPS. Either migrate your site to HTTPS or consider deploying a custom-built Android WebView app as a private APK instead.

System UI elements remain visible

Some OEM devices may display a persistent navigation bar even in kiosk mode. Check whether your device supports Immersive Mode enforcement through Esper's Display settings in the Blueprint.

The Web App does not appear in Managed Google Play

Google Play may take up to 24 hours to propagate new Web Apps. Wait and try again, or re-attempt approval through the Managed Google Play interface in the Esper Console.

You need a traditional browser instead

Standard Android browsers like Chrome and Opera do not support managed configurations that enforce full-screen mode at launch. If a traditional browser is required for your use case, contact Esper Support to discuss your requirements.

Still need help?

If you encounter issues or have questions about setting up Google Play Web Apps with Kiosk Mode, submit a support ticket.