Help Center > Setting up the kiosk-mode
The kiosk-mode is useful to help an older adult who is not in the habit of checking their phone regularly to successfully use the Dooinwell service. We're sharing here a few tips to help you set up the Dooinwell app in kiosk-mode.
First, there is something you need to know about "Hey Siri" and the kiosk-mode... When in kiosk-mode with Guided Access (see below), "Hey Siri" detection is disabled. This is a system limitation as "Hey Siri" could be used to launch other apps and hence is antagonistic to Guided Access. This means that if you setup the Dooinwell app on a kiosk device, the vocal assistance feature won't be available on the kiosk-device. For the vocal assistance feature to be available to the older adult, it requires an additional iPhone, iPad, or, an HomePod device in the home. If the only additional device is an HomePod, the kiosk-device will be handling the vocal commands captured by the HomePod (the HomePod is not handling requests on its own but routing them to an iPhone or iPad).
1. Choosing a device to dedicate to the Dooinwell app
Kiosk-mode consists in keeping the Dooinwell app in foreground of a power-connected iOS device 24/7, and as such requires that you entirely dedicate an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to running the Dooinwell app.
Any iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running iOS 14 or higher will be compatible with kiosk-mode. For iPhone, this translates to any iPhone since (and including) the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, and iPhone SE 1st gen. You may therefore not need to purchase an extra device to set up a Dooinwell kiosk, as you may have an old, unused device that is still capable to run smoothly when connected to power.
If you happen to be in need of buying a device, consider purchasing a refurbished device and/ or a 7th gen iPod touch. iPod touch is a cheaper alternative to iPhone and iPad. They do not have mobile network connectivity but will connect to the Wi-Fi network, which is good-enough for a device that stays at home.
2. Choosing a stand
While not mandatory, putting the kiosk-mode device on a stand will be more practical and will enhance the visibility of the device. You'll find plenty of very affordable options by searching for "iPhone stand" or "iPad stand" on Amazon or on your favorite online retailer website.
You may also need to buy a longer than usual USB cable with lightning connector to connect the kiosk device to the nearest power outlet. You'll easily find such cables for sales - just note long-length are usually available under 3rd party brand, not under the Apple brand. With the right cable, you'll be able to choose the best location for the kiosk from a practicality standpoint, and not let the power outlet location dictate the choice.
3. Picking the right location
Primarily choose a location where the kiosk device will be seen regularly during the day, to help with checking in, and, if it works too, in the path to and from the doorway to help with logging the beginning and completion of out-of-home activities.
4. Locking the Dooinwell app on the device with iOS Guided Access
Using iOS guided access will limit the device to the Dooinwell app only and will prevent accidental gestures to quit the app.
• Turn off auto-lock:
- Go to the iOS Settings app > Display & Brightness, then tap on Auto-Lock.
- Select "Never".
• Install the Dooinwell app on the device and sign into it. If you setup a new device for the kiosk mode, make sure you set it up with the iCloud account of the elderly person if they have one.
• Enable iOS Guided Access:
- Go to the iOS Settings app > Accessibility, then turn on Guided Access.
- Tap Passcode Settings, then tap Set Guided Access Passcode.
- Enter a passcode, then re-enter it.
• Start a guided access session:
- Open the Dooinwell app
- On an iPhone X or later, triple-click the side button. On an iPhone 8 or earlier, triple-click the Home button.
- Tap Options. Make sure "Side Button" and "Time Limit" are disabled. Enable all other options. Tap Done.
- Tap Start in the top bar.
Guided Access is now enabled. Only a triple-click and the Guided Access password will allow quitting the app. Keep note of this password so that you can perform routine maintenance on the device or update some iOS settings.
5. Additional fine-tuning
You may want to disable Facetime on the kiosk device so that it does not ring along the elderly person's other iOS devices when someone's calling.
Set the kiosk device volume level to the maximum for the Dooinwell app chime sound to be heard. The chime sound is discreet and is designed for the device's max volume. It only occurs when a required action is about to expire.
You're done.
The Dooinwell app automatically switches to its kiosk-mode when it remains launched in the foreground for more than 5 minutes. If no action is currently required from the elderly user, you should see a dimmed screen with the clock after 5 minutes.
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