Device stuck in Kiosk Mode — switch modes or change the kiosk app

Android

When a device is locked in Kiosk Mode, there is no on-device option to exit it. Kiosk Mode is enforced remotely by Esper, and the only way to change it is by updating the Blueprint assigned to that device from the Esper Console.

Why this happens

Kiosk Mode is a policy enforced by the Esper Agent, not a setting stored locally on the device. The device continuously applies the configuration defined in its assigned Blueprint, so any change must originate in the Esper Console and be pushed to the device over the network.

Before you begin

• You must have permission to edit and publish Blueprints in the Esper Console.
• The device must be online to receive the updated policy. An offline device will apply the change automatically once it reconnects.

Switch from Kiosk Mode to Multi-App Mode

1. Log in to the Esper Console.
2. Go to Blueprints and open the blueprint currently assigned to your device.
3. Navigate to Device Settings → Kiosk Mode and change the device mode from Kiosk Mode to Multi-App Mode.
4. If you want a specific app to open automatically when the device starts, enable Launch on Start for that app. This prevents the device from booting to a blank launcher.
5. Click Save, then click Publish to make the updated blueprint active.
6. Go to Devices & Groups, select your device, and click Converge. This forces the device to pull and apply the latest Blueprint immediately rather than waiting for its next scheduled sync.

Verify: The device should exit Kiosk Mode and display the full launcher or your configured app list within 5 minutes of converging. Confirm the sync completed by checking that the device shows In Sync under Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Blueprint.

Change the kiosk app without leaving Kiosk Mode

1. Log in to the Esper Console.
2. Go to Blueprints and open the blueprint assigned to your device.
3. Navigate to Device Settings → Kiosk Mode and keep the mode set to Kiosk Mode.
4. Select a different app as the pinned kiosk application.
5. Click Save, then click Publish.
6. Go to Devices & Groups, select your device, and click Converge.

Verify: The device should display the new kiosk application on its next restart. Check convergence status under Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Blueprint to confirm the update was applied without errors.

Troubleshooting

The device shows as Offline

The device must be online to receive Blueprint updates. Restore network connectivity, then return to Devices & Groups, select the device, and click Converge again. The policy will be applied automatically once the device reconnects.

The device is online but the mode has not changed

Check the convergence status for errors:

1. Go to Devices & Groups and select your device.
2. Click the Blueprint tab to review the convergence status and any error messages.
3. Check the Activity Feed for any policy application failures.
4. Confirm the Esper Agent is up to date under Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Esper Software Updates. An outdated agent may not support all Blueprint settings.

The device cannot be brought online

There is no on-device or offline method to exit Kiosk Mode. The device must be online and able to receive Blueprint updates from the Esper Console. If the device cannot be brought online, contact Esper Support for assistance.

If this doesn't resolve it

If the device remains in Kiosk Mode after converging, or Blueprint errors persist, submit a support ticket and include the following:

• Device name and serial number
• Name of the Blueprint assigned to the device
• The mode you are trying to switch to
• A screenshot of the convergence status and any error messages from the Blueprint tab

Still need help?

If your device remains stuck in Kiosk Mode after trying these steps, please submit a support ticket and include your device name, the current kiosk app, and any error messages you've encountered.