How to set up your Chromebook in single-app kiosk mode
Chrome-based devices are very useful for many things and in this guide, we’ll step you through the process of taking your Chromebox and configuring it for use in public places.
Mini PCs powered by Chrome OS, are ideal candidates for single-app kiosk mode uses such as powering digital signage. We’re assuming you’ve already got access to the Chrome app you’ll be using; if not, and you can’t find a suitable off-the-shelf solution in the Chrome Web Store for your needs, take a look at Chrome App Builder, which can step you through the process of setting up and publishing a simple kiosk app. First steps If you’re just starting out with a new Chromebox, there’s a handy quick-start guide online. It comprises five steps, the first two involve performing a site survey and implementing whatever networking equipment you need. In most cases this simply involves ensuring a strong Wi-Fi signal is at the location where you’re placing your kiosk or signage, but if that’s a problem and you’ve got an ASUS Chromebox 3 with built-in Ethernet port, investigate Powerline networking, which can extend wired networks to hard-to-reach places using your electrical circuits. Non-managed use If you’re a small business, you can set up a single Chromebook in Single App Kiosk Mode, which locks the device into a single app with no options for modifying or exiting. Once connected to your network, press Ctrl + Alt + K on a connected keyboard to enable kiosk mode. Log into your account, open a new tab and navigate to ‘chrome://extensions’. Tick ‘Developer mode’ and then click ‘Manage kiosk applications’. Type in the app ID or search for an app by name and click Add. When it appears in the app list, click ‘Set to auto-launch’ button followed by Done. Close Chrome, then restart your device to boot into kiosk mode with the kiosk app running, ready for configuration.
Managed use If you’re already using Chromeboxes throughout your organisation, you can add the Chromebook to an existing Chrome Enterprise. Chrome Education or Chrome Kiosk subscription – you’ll also need a subscription license for your new Chromebox. Start by signing into your company’s Google Admin console using your administrator account. Step one is to create an organisational unit inside which your target device will reside. The organisational unit allows you to create settings and policies that only apply to the devices inside it. To do this, click the menu (≡) button and choose ‘Directory > Organizational units’. Click ‘Create new organizational unit +’ to set it up with a name and (optional) description, then click ‘Done > Create’. Next, you’ll need to enrol your Chromebox – this can be done from the Chromebox itself as outlined here. During enrolment, be sure to place your Chromebox into the organisational unit you created earlier. Navigate back to ‘Device management’, but this time choose ‘Chrome management > Device settings’. Select your new organisational unit to configure the settings you wish to apply to it. Look in the Kiosk settings section and use Chrome’s own comprehensive guide to help configure your Chromebox, including selecting the app you plan to run as well as setting up guest access if necessary. Chrome devices are incredibly versatile and powerful, click here to find out more about the devices that are available.
