Some shops put an iPad in the customer waiting area for self check-in, signature capture, or a live "where's my car" status board. Kiosk mode locks the device down so customers can't navigate away.
What kiosk mode does
- Locks the SalesThumb app to a specific surface (check-in, status board, signature pad, or photo gallery)
- Prevents navigation away (no menu, no Settings, no back button)
- Auto-returns to the surface after 60 seconds of inactivity
- Suppresses notifications
- Requires a 6-digit PIN to exit (set per-shop)
Step 1 — Pick the surface
Settings → Kiosk mode → Surface. Options:
- Check-in — customer enters phone number or scans a check-in QR. Confirms identity, signs pre-install waiver, gets a tracker link.
- Status board — large display showing every active job, the bay assignment, the ETA, and a "you'll be called when ready" message. Good for waiting areas.
- Signature pad — locks to the signature-collection surface. Tech approaches with the iPad to capture customer signature.
- Photo gallery — locks to your shop's public install gallery. Good for lobby ambiance.
- Booking page — locks to your booking page. Walk-ins can self-book.
Step 2 — Configure the device
Once you pick a surface, the iPad needs Guided Access enabled (iOS) to truly lock down. SalesThumb's kiosk mode pairs with Guided Access:
- Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → On
- Open SalesThumb → switch to Kiosk mode
- Triple-click the Home / Side button to start Guided Access
- Set a passcode (different from your shop PIN — this is the iOS-level lock)
Now the customer cannot leave the app even with hardware buttons.
Step 3 — Set the exit PIN
Settings → Kiosk mode → Exit PIN. 6 digits. Required to leave kiosk mode from within the app.
Don't use your shop's general staff PIN. Use a specific kiosk PIN that only you + 1-2 trusted staff know.
Step 4 — Mount + secure the device
Physical security matters. Recommendations:
- iPad enclosure with a lock (Heckler Design, Compulocks, etc.) — $80-150
- Mount it to a counter or wall at customer-height (~42")
- Power cable threaded through the mount so it can't be unplugged
- Bright cable lock-down on USB-C if you want to be paranoid
Step 5 — Test the surface
Walk up to the kiosk as if you were a customer. Confirm:
- The surface is what you expect
- Triple-clicking the button doesn't break out (Guided Access is on)
- After 60 seconds of no input, it resets to the home state
- A test check-in actually creates a customer record
Common patterns
- Tint shop with high walk-in volume: kiosk in entry, "Walk-in? Enter your phone to start a quote" → customer enters phone → SalesThumb pulls up their existing record OR creates new → routes them to the front-desk operator with quote already open.
- PPF shop with appointment-only model: kiosk shows status board ("Customer Smith — currently being installed, ETA 1.5 more hours, you'll receive an SMS").
- Detail shop with subscription program: kiosk for sub-customers to sign in + add notes ("any specific spots to focus on today?") before drop-off.