Single App Mode (also known as Single App Lock) restricts a supervised Apple device to a single application, locking down all other functionality. It is commonly used for kiosk setups, exam environments, point-of-sale systems, and other dedicated-use scenarios. The locked app will automatically relaunch after a device restart.
Important: Single App Mode requires the device to be supervised. Unsupervised devices cannot use this feature. Supervision is configured via Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) or Apple Configurator.
Requirements & Limitations
- Supervision required: The device must be supervised via ADE or Apple Configurator.
- Supported platforms: iOS, iPadOS, Shared iPad, and tvOS. macOS uses a different payload called Autonomous Single App Mode.
- One profile per device: Only one Single App Lock Device Setting can be active on a device at a time.
- App must be installed: If the app specified in the Device Setting is not found on the device, the device will remain locked until the Device Setting is removed.
- Exiting Single App Mode: Exiting requires either removing the Device Setting via MDM in Addigy, or using an administrator-configured passcode. This ensures only authorized personnel can unlock the device.
How to Configure the Device Setting
- Navigate to Catalog > Device Settings and click New.
- Search for and select Single App Lock.
- Enter a Payload Name to identify the Device Setting.
- Enter the app's Bundle ID in the App To Lock field.
- To find the Bundle ID in Addigy, navigate to a device's GoLive page > Software > Apple Apps > select the appropriate token > locate the app and copy its Bundle ID.
- (Optional) Enable any hardware control restrictions under Select the settings to be enabled/that the user can change while in Single App Mode.
- Click Create Profile, then assign it to the appropriate policy and deploy.
App Updates in Single App Mode
When the locked app receives an update, the device will briefly exit to the Home Screen while the update installs. Once complete, the device will automatically return to Single App Mode and relaunch the app.