The Android Kiosk App
Install the TempClock Kiosk app on an Android tablet, set its manager PIN and site, get to the manager options with the hidden corner, and keep it up to date.
Last checked against the product:
Overview
The recommended way to run a kiosk.
The TempClock Kiosk app wraps the kiosk page in a locked, full-screen Android app. It starts by itself after a power cut, keeps the camera and location working, reads NFC badge cards, and updates itself from your TempClock server. It is not in the Play Store: you install it from your own server.
Before you start
- An Android tablet running Android 8.0 or later, with a front camera. NFC is optional.
- Agency console: Admin or super admin to open Sites > Kiosk setup and Sites > Kiosk devices. Client dashboard: tenant admin.
- The site set up, and ideally the tablet registered on Sites > Kiosk devices. See Kiosk Devices, Badges and Cards.
Install on a Tablet
About ten minutes per tablet.
Allow the install
On the tablet, open Android Settings, then Apps, Special access, Install unknown apps, and allow it for Chrome.
Download the app
In Chrome on the tablet, open the /kiosk-app/ page of your TempClock address (the link is on Sites > Kiosk setup). Tap Download APK, then tap the downloaded file to install it.
Allow camera and location
Grant camera and location permission when asked. You only do this once.
Set the manager PIN
The app asks you to Set a manager PIN for this tablet: 4 to 8 digits. There is no default PIN. Keep it to managers.
Choose the site
On Set up this kiosk, tap Scan set-up QR code and scan the QR from Sites > Kiosk devices (this also registers the tablet) or a site QR from Sites > Kiosk setup. You can also tap Type the site number.
Make it the home screen
In Android Settings, Apps, Default apps, set the Home app to TempClock. Restart the tablet: it now opens straight into the kiosk.
Switch on NFC
If the tablet has NFC, switch it on in Android Settings so workers can tap their badge card.
A set-up code from Kiosk devices works once and runs out after 24 hours. If it has expired, click New set-up code on that tablet's row.
Manager Options
Hold the top-left corner for 3 seconds.
There is no visible exit button, so workers cannot leave the kiosk. A manager holds the top-left corner of the screen for 3 seconds and enters the manager PIN. Manager options then offers:
| Option | Use it to |
|---|---|
| Change site | Move the tablet to another site. Scan a QR code or type the site number. |
| Change manager PIN | Set a new PIN for this tablet. |
| Reload the kiosk page | Pick up a change straight away. |
| Forget this tablet's kiosk registration | Remove its registration before you hand the tablet on. Scan a set-up QR code to register it again. |
| Exit the kiosk app | Leave the kiosk, for example to uninstall or change Android settings. |
Too many wrong PINs lock the options for 60 seconds.
Updates
From your own server, once an hour.
Moving to Version 1.3
A one-off step for older tablets.
Version 1.3.0 has a new app id, so Android installs it as a separate app. On each tablet with version 1.2 or older:
Install the new app
Download and install it as above.
Remove the old app
Open the old kiosk app, hold the top-left corner, choose Exit, then uninstall the old app.
Set it up again
In the new app, set the manager PIN and scan the site QR code again.
NFC badge cards need version 1.3.0 or later. Version 1.3 also keeps the tablet's registration if browser storage is cleared.
Your Own Instance
A dedicated TempClock instance needs its own build of the app.
Troubleshooting
Common problems.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| "This app is built for" another address | The app on the tablet is for a different server. Install the app from your own /kiosk-app/ page. |
| The tablet shows the offline page | Check the Wi-Fi. The app retries by itself. Workers use the paper sign-in sheet meanwhile. |
| The set-up code was not accepted | It was used or has expired. Issue a New set-up code on Kiosk devices. |
| NFC cards do nothing | Check NFC is on in Android Settings, the app is 1.3.0 or later, and the card is registered on Workforce > Badges. |
| Forgotten manager PIN | In Android Settings, clear the TempClock app's storage or reinstall the app. That removes the PIN, the site and the registration, so set a new PIN and scan a set-up QR code again. |
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