The Aplauso kiosk is a web application - any tablet or phone with a modern browser can run it. This guide covers setting up a dedicated physical kiosk at a service location.
Recommended Hardware
| Option | Recommended Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPad (preferred) | iPad 10th gen or iPad mini 6 | Excellent touch response, long battery life, easy managed setup |
| Android tablet | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 or newer | Budget-friendly; use Android kiosk mode |
| Desktop / counter mount | Any above with a floor or counter mount | Vesa mounts + kiosk enclosures available from vendors like Heckler Design |
Minimum display size: 7 inches. Portraits orientation recommended.
Step 1 - Configure the Device
iPhone / iPad - Guided Access
Guided Access locks the device to a single app (Safari) and a single URL.
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access and enable it.
- Set a passcode (different from the device PIN) so staff cannot exit kiosk mode accidentally.
- Open Safari and navigate to the kiosk URL (e.g.,
https://k.aplauso.io/MARIA1orhttps://k.aplauso.io/lookup/{propertyId}). - Triple-click the side button (or home button on older iPads) to start Guided Access.
- Optionally disable the hardware buttons, touch regions, or motion in the Guided Access options panel.
- Tap Start.
To exit Guided Access: triple-click the side button and enter the passcode.
Tip: Enable Auto-Lock: Never in Settings → Display & Brightness so the screen stays on.
Android Tablet - Kiosk Mode
Option A - Android System (no extra app):
- Go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Focus Mode (varies by manufacturer).
- Or use Settings → Apps → Special App Access → Lock Task mode on fully managed devices.
Option B - Dedicated Browser App (recommended): Install a kiosk browser from Google Play (e.g., "Fully Kiosk Browser" or "Kiosk Browser Lockdown") - these provide:
- Auto-launch on boot
- URL whitelist (only k.aplauso.io)
- Disable address bar
- Inactivity timer / auto-reload
Set the homepage to your kiosk URL and configure the app to launch on device startup.
Option C - MDM (for fleets of 5+ devices): Use a Mobile Device Management solution (Jamf, Mosyle, VMware WorkspaceOne) to:
- Push the kiosk URL as a managed bookmark
- Enforce Single App Mode (iOS) or Dedicated Device mode (Android)
- Remotely update the URL if your short code changes
Step 2 - Mount the Device
| Location | Recommended Mount Style |
|---|---|
| Front desk / checkout counter | Counter-top swivel mount with security lock |
| Door hanger / room card approach | No mount - QR code on printed card |
| Spa reception | Wall-mounted enclosure |
| Valet stand | Portable floor stand |
Ensure the charging cable is routed out of sight. Use a MFi-certified cable (Apple) or high-quality USB-C cable and confirm the device charges while running.
Step 3 - Set the Start URL
The URL pinned on the kiosk depends on the use case:
| Use Case | Recommended URL |
|---|---|
| Single employee (dedicated device) | k.aplauso.io/{employeeShortCode} |
| Department tipping (whole spa, whole housekeeping) | k.aplauso.io/d/{departmentId} |
| Outlet tipping (specific restaurant, pool bar) | k.aplauso.io/o/{outletId} |
| Guest can choose who to tip | k.aplauso.io/lookup/{propertyId} |
Get these IDs and short codes from the management dashboard (Manage → Employees / Departments / Outlets).
Step 4 - Test the Kiosk
Before deploying to a service area:
- Complete a full tip flow using a Stripe test card (sandbox environment) to verify payment.
- Confirm the thank-you confetti animation displays correctly.
- Verify Apple Pay or Google Pay appears (if applicable for your property's payment methods).
- Test the room charge flow if enabled.
Power and Maintenance
- Charge devices overnight - the kiosk runs the display continuously.
- Schedule a weekly "restart and update" window to apply browser and OS updates.
- If the kiosk becomes unresponsive, a force-restart (hold power + volume down) resets it without exiting Guided Access on iOS.