This guide walks you through the complete process of turning any Android device into a HootBoard kiosk — whether it's a tablet, a large display, or any other Android-powered screen. By the end of this guide, your device will be fully locked into HootBoard mode, ready for your visitors to interact with.
Index
| # | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| — | Factory Reset Your Device | Required first step before setup |
| Part 1: Android Device Setup | ||
| 1 | Welcome Screen | Tap 6 times to trigger QR scanner |
| 2 | Scan the QR Code | Scan the HootBoard enrollment QR |
| 3 | Connect to the Internet | Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet |
| 4 | Device Preparation | Wait for device to get ready |
| 5 | Organization Notice | Tap Next |
| 6 | Work Setup Preparation | Wait for work setup |
| 7 | Set Up Work Device | Accept & continue |
| 8 | Work Apps Setup | Wait for apps to configure |
| 9 | Privacy Notice | Tap Next |
| 10 | Checking for Updates | Wait for updates |
| 11 | Google Services | Accept Google services |
| 12 | Finish Device Settings | Finish device setup |
| ⚡ | Background Permission | Always tap ALLOW |
| Part 2: HootBoard Setup | ||
| 13 | Welcome to HootBoard | Choose Digital Signage or Interactive Kiosk |
| 14 | Downloading & Installing | Wait for updates to download |
| 15 | Automatic Reboot | Device reboots automatically |
| 16 | Kiosk Launch | HootBoard logo appears |
| 17 | Get Started | Tap Setup My HootBoard |
| 🔧 | Accessing the Admin Panel | Top-left corner × 7 taps |
| 🔓 | Unenrolling a Device | Remove kiosk mode |
| ❓ | Troubleshooting | Common issues and fixes |
What you'll need before starting:
- An Android device (running Android 8.0 or higher)
- The HootBoard enrollment QR code (get it from our download page here.)
- A stable internet connection — either a Wi-Fi network the device can connect to, or a wired Ethernet connection plugged in before you begin
📌 Important: The screenshots and examples in this guide were captured on a specific Android device. Your device may look slightly different depending on the manufacturer, Android version, and screen size — but the overall steps and flow will be the same. Look for the same buttons and options described in each step.
Before You Begin: Factory Reset Your Device
⚠️ This step is required. The HootBoard setup can only be started on a device that has been freshly factory reset. You cannot run the setup on a device that is already signed in or configured.
To factory reset your device:
- Go to Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset)
- Confirm and wait for the device to restart
- Once it restarts, you'll see the Android welcome screen — that's where this guide begins
⚠️ Warning: Factory resetting will erase everything on the device. Make sure to back up any important data before you proceed.
Part 1: Android Device Setup
After the factory reset is complete, your device will restart and show the Android welcome screen. Follow these steps:
Welcome Screen
You'll see a "Hello" greeting on the screen. This is the standard Android setup screen that appears after a fresh reset.
👉 Do NOT tap "Start" yet. Instead, tap the screen 6 times quickly anywhere on the blank area. This triggers the QR code scanner for enrollment.
Scan the QR Code
A QR code scanner will appear on the screen with the message "Scanning for a QR code..."
👉 Hold up the HootBoard enrollment QR code in front of the device's camera. The device will read it automatically.
Connect to the Internet
If your device doesn't already have internet access (e.g., via a wired Ethernet connection), you'll be asked to connect to Wi-Fi.
👉 Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password to connect.
💡 Tip: If your device is connected via Ethernet cable, this step may be skipped automatically.
Device Preparation
The device will now start preparing itself. You'll see a message like "Getting your device ready…" with a loading spinner.
👉 Just wait. This can take a minute or two. Don't touch anything.
Organization Notice
A screen will appear saying "This device belongs to your organisation."
👉 Tap "Next" to continue.
Work Setup Preparation
The device will show "Getting ready for work setup…" with a loading circle.
👉 Wait for this to finish. It may take a few minutes.
Set Up Work Device
You'll see a screen titled "Let's set up your work device" with an illustration and a "View terms" link.
👉 Tap "Accept & continue" at the bottom right.
Work Apps Setup
The device will now show "Keep your work apps at your fingertips" while it configures itself.
👉 Wait for this to complete. You'll see a message at the bottom saying "Setting up your device…"
Privacy Notice
A screen titled "This device isn't private" will appear, explaining that your IT admin may be able to see data and activity on the device.
👉 Tap "Next" to proceed.
Checking for Updates
The device will check for and install any available updates. You'll see "Checking for updates…"
👉 Wait for this to finish.
Google Services
The Google services screen will appear with various options for location, scanning, and diagnostic data.
👉 Review the settings if you'd like, then scroll down and tap "More" followed by "Accept" to continue.
Finish Device Settings
You may see an "Anything else?" screen with optional device settings like navigation style.
👉 Tap "Finish device setup" to continue.
⚡ Important: Background Permission
At some point during the setup process, you may see a dialog asking:
"Let app always run in background?"
👉 Always tap "ALLOW". This is critical — it ensures HootBoard can keep running without being shut down by the device's battery saver.
📌 Note: This dialog can appear at different points during setup depending on your device. Whenever it appears, make sure to tap ALLOW.
Part 2: HootBoard Setup
Once the Android setup is complete, HootBoard will launch automatically.
Welcome to HootBoard
You'll see the HootBoard welcome screen with the logo and two options:
- Digital Signage — Display content automatically without user interaction
- Interactive Kiosk — Allow users to interact with the screen and browse content
👉 Choose the option that fits your use case, in this context, its Interactive Kiosk.
Downloading & Installing
HootBoard will now download the latest updates and configure itself. You'll see a series of "Nearly there!" screens as it goes through different stages:
👉 Just wait. This process is fully automatic and may take a few minutes. Do not turn off the device or press any buttons.
Automatic Reboot
Once the updates are complete, the device will automatically reboot. You'll briefly see "Nearly there! Rebooting device…"
👉 Don't worry — this is expected. The device will restart on its own.
Kiosk Launch
After the reboot, you'll see the HootBoard logo on a dark screen as the kiosk app starts up.
Get Started
The HootBoard kiosk welcome screen will appear with:
- The HootBoard logo
- A "Welcome 👋" greeting
- A "Setup My HootBoard" button
👉 Tap "Setup My HootBoard" to begin configuring your kiosk content.
🎉 Congratulations! Your device is now running in HootBoard Kiosk Mode. The device is locked down and will only show the HootBoard experience.
Bonus: Accessing the Admin Panel
If you ever need to access the admin settings on a device that's already in kiosk mode:
👉 Tap the top-left corner of the screen 7 times quickly. This will open the Admin PIN screen.
You'll be asked to enter a 6-digit Admin PIN. This PIN is set during the initial setup or by your HootBoard account administrator.
Once you enter the PIN, you'll see the Settings panel where you can manage:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Device Info | View device details and status |
| Network | Change Wi-Fi or network settings |
| Display & Audio | Adjust screen brightness, volume, etc. |
| Input Method | Configure keyboard or input options |
| Maintenance | Access maintenance tools |
| Security | Change Admin PIN, disable lockdown, or unenroll the device |
Bonus: Unenrolling a Device
If you need to remove a device from HootBoard kiosk mode:
- Access the Admin Panel (tap the top-left corner 7 times)
- Enter your 6-digit Admin PIN
- Go to Security
- Tap "Unenroll Device"
📌 Note: Unenrolling removes HootBoard's kiosk lock from the device. The device will return to a normal Android state. If you want a completely clean Android setup, you should factory reset the device after unenrolling (Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data).
After unenrolling, the device will return to the standard Android home screen:
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| QR scanner doesn't appear | Make sure the device is factory reset. The 6-tap trick only works on the initial Android setup screen right after a fresh reset. |
| Can't connect to internet | Try a different Wi-Fi network, or connect the device via Ethernet cable before starting the setup. |
| "Let app run in background?" dialog | Always tap ALLOW. If you tapped Deny by mistake, you may need to factory reset and start over. |
| Setup seems stuck | Be patient — some steps can take 5-10 minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not turn off the device. |
| Kiosk app doesn't launch after reboot | Wait a few minutes. If it still doesn't launch, factory reset the device and start the setup again. |
| Forgot the Admin PIN | Contact your HootBoard account administrator to retrieve or reset the PIN. |
Need Help?
If you run into any issues or have questions, reach out to the HootBoard support team here: support@hootboard.com
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