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github-actions[bot] edited this page Mar 30, 2026 · 1 revision

Features and Modes

Understanding FreeKiosk's display modes and capabilities

Docs Home • Installation • Integrations

Tip

Choose your operational mode first, then proceed to Installation and Integrations.

Table of Contents

Display Modes

WebView Mode

Display any website in fullscreen kiosk mode.

Capabilities:

  • Any HTTPS/HTTP URL
  • SSL support (including self-signed certificates)
  • Fullscreen immersive experience
  • Perfect for Home Assistant dashboards

Best for:

  • Home Assistant dashboards
  • Information displays
  • Web-based applications
  • Digital signage
  • Corporate dashboards

External App Mode

Lock the tablet to a specific Android application.

Capabilities:

  • Lock to any installed Android app
  • Auto-relaunch on exit/crash
  • Test mode for safe deployment
  • 5-tap gesture + PIN for settings access

Best for:

  • Cloud gaming (Steam Link, Xbox Cloud Gaming)
  • Digital signage apps
  • Corporate applications
  • Media players
  • Custom Android apps

Dashboard Mode

Multi-URL tile grid for quick navigation between multiple dashboards.

Capabilities:

  • Configurable tile grid
  • One-tap navigation between URLs
  • Auto-return to dashboard after inactivity
  • Custom names and URLs for each tile

Best for:

  • Multi-dashboard environments
  • Resource collections
  • Quick access portals
  • Control centers
  • Multiple Home Assistant views

Media Mode

Enhanced media playback and multi-app support.

Capabilities:

  • Native media player integration
  • Multi-app switching
  • Time-based content scheduling
  • Performance monitoring

Best for:

  • Video playback
  • Audio streaming
  • Media galleries
  • Scheduled content rotation

Note

See Roadmap and Changelog for detailed release information.

Security & Control

Lockdown Levels

Level Description Use Case
Basic WebView kiosk with minimal restrictions Testing, personal use
Standard External app with navigation blocking Single-app deployments
Enterprise Device Owner full lockdown Production, public kiosks

Security Features

  • Device Owner Mode - Complete device control
  • Navigation Blocking - Disable home, recent apps, settings
  • Overlay Prevention - Block system dialogs and notifications
  • Watchdog Service - Automatic recovery and monitoring
  • PIN Protection - Secure settings access
  • Screen Pinning - Task locking policies

Provisioning & Operations

Deployment Methods

Method Tools Scale Guide
Manual Touch interface Single device Installation
ADB Script Command line Small batches ADB Config
MDM Integration Enterprise tools Large fleets Coming soon

Operational Features

  • ADB Provisioning - Headless scripted deployment
  • Configuration Backup - Save/restore complete settings
  • Auto-launch - Boot-time automatic startup
  • Keep-alive - Continuous monitoring and recovery
  • Remote Control - REST API and MQTT automation
  • Mass Deployment - Configure multiple devices via scripts

Choosing Your Mode

Quick Decision Guide

Use Case Recommended Mode Setup Guide
Home Assistant Dashboard WebView Mode Installation
Cloud Gaming Kiosk External App + Device Owner ADB Configuration
Corporate Kiosk External App + Device Owner Installation
Multi-Dashboard Dashboard Mode Installation
Media Display Media Mode Installation
Custom Android App External App Mode ADB Configuration

Configuration Examples

Home Assistant Dashboard:

adb shell am start -n com.freekiosk/.MainActivity \
    --es url "https://homeassistant.local:8123" \
    --es pin "1234"

Cloud Gaming Kiosk:

adb shell am start -n com.freekiosk/.MainActivity \
    --es lock_package "com.valvesoftware.steamlink" \
    --es pin "1234" \
    --es test_mode "false"

Corporate Information Display:

adb shell am start -n com.freekiosk/.MainActivity \
    --es url "https://dashboard.company.com" \
    --es pin "0000" \
    --es rest_api_enabled "true"

Next Steps

Clone this wiki locally