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Android Tablet Setup Guide

Turn your Android tablet into a family organization center. Android tablets offer flexibility across price points and manufacturers, with options ranging from $100-400.

What You'll Need​

  • Hardware: Android tablet (see compatibility below)
  • Time: 20-30 minutes for initial setup
  • Skill Level: Intermediate (varies by manufacturer)
  • Accessories: USB-C or Micro-USB charging cable, optional stand

Compatibility Check​

OS Requirements​

  • Android 9.0 (Pie) or newer required
  • Minimum specs: 2GB RAM, 16GB storage

Tested Brands​

FamilyCast has been tested on the following Android tablet brands:

  • ✅ Samsung Galaxy Tab series
  • ✅ Lenovo Tab series
  • ✅ Google Pixel Tablet
  • ✅ ASUS ZenPad series
  • ✅ Amazon Fire Tablets (see Fire Tablet guide for Fire-specific instructions)

Note: Android tablets vary significantly by manufacturer. Settings locations may differ from this guide.

How to Check Your Model​

  1. Go to Settings → About tablet (or About device)
  2. Look for Android version
  3. Check RAM and Storage specifications
  4. Verify Android version is 9.0 or newer

Not Sure? Email us your tablet model at [email protected] and we'll confirm compatibility.

Important: Kiosk Mode Challenges on Android​

Android tablet kiosk mode varies significantly by manufacturer. Unlike iPads (with built-in Guided Access) or Fire Tablets (with launcher control), Android tablets require third-party solutions or Android Enterprise configuration.

Kiosk Mode Options​

Option A: Third-Party Kiosk App (RECOMMENDED for most users)

  • Use apps like Fully Kiosk Browser or Kiosk Browser Lockdown
  • Easiest for single-device setups
  • $15-30 one-time license per device
  • Works on most Android tablets

Option B: Android Enterprise (for tech-savvy users)

  • Requires Android Enterprise enrollment
  • More complex setup
  • Free but requires Google account and configuration
  • Best if you're comfortable with device management

Option C: Manual Configuration (NOT RECOMMENDED)

  • No true kiosk mode, relies on hiding apps
  • Not secure, easy to accidentally exit
  • Only suitable if tablet is in low-traffic area

This guide covers Option A (Third-Party Kiosk App) using Fully Kiosk Browser as the recommended solution.

Step 1: Initial Tablet Setup​

For Brand New Tablets​

  1. Power on your Android tablet
  2. Connect to WiFi - Select your network and enter password
  3. Sign in with Google account - Or skip if you prefer
  4. Complete initial setup - Skip optional services (Assistant, backups)

Skip Lock Screen Ads (Some Manufacturers)​

Some budget Android tablets show ads on the lock screen:

  1. Check Settings → Display → Lock screen
  2. Look for options to disable ads or promotions
  3. May require one-time payment (varies by manufacturer)

Step 2: Download FamilyCast App​

From Google Play Store (Coming Soon)​

Once FamilyCast is available on Google Play:

  1. Open Google Play Store
  2. Search for "FamilyCast Family Organizer"
  3. Tap Install
  4. Wait for download to complete

Via APK (Alpha Testing)​

During alpha testing:

  1. Open Chrome browser on your tablet
  2. Navigate to: https://help.familycast.app/downloads
  3. Tap Download FamilyCast APK for Android
  4. When prompted, tap OK to allow download
  5. Open Settings → Security → Install unknown apps
  6. Find Chrome in the list
  7. Toggle Allow from this source to ON
  8. Go to Downloads folder (usually in Files app)
  9. Tap FamilyCast.apk → Install
  10. Tap Open when installation completes

Fully Kiosk Browser is a third-party app that locks your tablet into kiosk mode.

Install Fully Kiosk Browser​

  1. Open Google Play Store
  2. Search for "Fully Kiosk Browser"
  3. Tap Install
  4. Open the app when installation completes

Purchase License (Required for Full Features)​

  1. In Fully Kiosk Browser, tap the menu (☰) → Register App
  2. Tap Purchase License ($14.90 one-time, as of 2024)
  3. Complete purchase through Google Play
  4. Restart Fully Kiosk Browser

Why purchase? The free version has ads and limited features. The paid license removes ads and unlocks full kiosk mode.

Step 4: Configure Fully Kiosk Browser​

Set FamilyCast as Home URL​

  1. Open Fully Kiosk Browser
  2. Tap menu (☰) → Settings
  3. Scroll to Start URL
  4. Enter: https://app.familycast.app
  5. Tap Save

Enable Kiosk Mode​

  1. In Settings, go to Kiosk Mode section
  2. Enable the following:
    • ✅ Kiosk Mode (master toggle)
    • ✅ Block Status Bar (prevents swiping down)
    • ✅ Block System Bar (hides navigation buttons)
    • ✅ Block External Apps
    • ✅ Auto-Start on Boot

Set Device Administrator​

To fully lock the tablet:

  1. In Settings, go to Device Admin & Motion Detection
  2. Tap Enable Device Administrator
  3. Confirm when prompted
  4. This allows Fully Kiosk to lock the device fully

Important: You'll need the lock code to exit kiosk mode later.

Set Lock Code​

  1. In Settings, go to Password/PIN
  2. Tap Set PIN/Password
  3. Enter a 4-6 digit PIN (SAVE THIS SOMEWHERE SAFE!)
  4. Re-enter to confirm

Step 5: Configure Display Settings​

Disable Sleep Mode​

  1. Exit Fully Kiosk temporarily (enter PIN)
  2. Go to device Settings → Display
  3. Tap Sleep or Screen timeout
  4. Select 30 minutes or maximum available
  5. Note: Many Android tablets don't allow "Never" sleep

Workaround: Fully Kiosk has a built-in screen wake feature:

  1. In Fully Kiosk Settings → Screensaver & Daydream
  2. Enable Keep Screen On
  3. This keeps screen active even if device tries to sleep

Disable Automatic Updates​

To prevent interruptions:

  1. Go to device Settings → System → System update
  2. Disable Automatic system updates
  3. Go to Google Play Store → Menu → Settings → Auto-update apps
  4. Select Don't auto-update apps

Step 6: Launch FamilyCast in Kiosk Mode​

First-Time Setup​

  1. Open Fully Kiosk Browser (it should auto-load FamilyCast)
  2. Sign in to FamilyCast with your account
  3. Select your display from the list
  4. Allow permissions when prompted

Activate Kiosk Mode​

  1. Once FamilyCast is loaded, press the Power button briefly
  2. Fully Kiosk will activate kiosk mode automatically on wake
  3. Verify you can't exit the app or access other apps

Test Kiosk Mode​

  • Try pressing Home button - Should stay in Fully Kiosk
  • Try pressing Back button - Should stay in Fully Kiosk
  • Try swiping down from top - Status bar should be blocked

Step 7: Exiting Kiosk Mode​

To Exit Kiosk Mode​

  1. Tap the screen 5 times rapidly in the same spot
  2. A password prompt will appear
  3. Enter your lock code/PIN
  4. Tap Exit Kiosk Mode

Alternative: Long-press the Power button → Restart → Exit kiosk before it auto-starts

Forgot Your PIN?

  • Uninstall Fully Kiosk Browser from Settings → Apps
  • Reinstall and reconfigure (you'll lose kiosk settings)

Troubleshooting​

Kiosk Mode Not Working / Can Still Exit App​

Solution:

  1. Verify Fully Kiosk Browser has Device Administrator enabled
  2. Check that all kiosk mode settings are enabled
  3. Ensure you purchased the full license (free version is limited)
  4. Restart tablet and try again

Screen Still Sleeps​

Solution:

  1. In Fully Kiosk Settings → enable Keep Screen On
  2. In device Settings → Display → Sleep → set to maximum time
  3. Keep tablet plugged in (some tablets only allow "never sleep" when charging)

Solution:

  1. Enable Block System Bar in Fully Kiosk Settings
  2. Enable Immersive Mode if available
  3. Some tablets don't allow full hiding of navigation bar (Samsung, Google Pixel)

FamilyCast App Doesn't Load / Blank Screen​

Solution:

  1. Exit Fully Kiosk (5 taps → enter PIN)
  2. Check WiFi connection
  3. Try loading https://app.familycast.app in Fully Kiosk browser
  4. If still blank, check FamilyCast admin panel to verify display has content assigned
  5. Email [email protected] if issue persists

Automatic Updates Keep Interrupting​

Solution:

  1. Disable system updates (Settings → System → System update → OFF)
  2. Disable Play Store auto-updates (Play Store → Settings → Don't auto-update)

Battery Drains Quickly​

Solution:

  1. Reduce screen brightness (Settings → Display → Brightness)
  2. Keep tablet plugged in during operation
  3. Disable unnecessary background apps (Settings → Apps → Force stop unused apps)

Manufacturer-Specific Notes​

Samsung Galaxy Tab Series​

Samsung Knox Warning:

  • Some Galaxy Tabs have Knox security that may interfere with kiosk apps
  • If you see Knox warnings, they can usually be ignored
  • Knox doesn't prevent Fully Kiosk from working

Game Mode Battery Warning:

  • Samsung tablets may show "Game Mode" notifications
  • Disable in Settings → Advanced features → Game Launcher

Lenovo Tab Series​

Lenovo Productivity Mode:

  • Some Lenovo tablets have built-in kiosk mode
  • Settings → Display → Kiosk Mode
  • Can be used instead of Fully Kiosk (basic features only)

Google Pixel Tablet​

Charging Dock Integration:

  • Pixel Tablet includes a charging dock/speaker
  • Perfect as a kitchen or entryway display
  • Dock doesn't interfere with Fully Kiosk Browser

Mounting Your Android Tablet​

Countertop Stands:

  • Universal tablet stand ($15-30)
  • Adjustable viewing angle
  • Weighted base for stability
  • Perfect for kitchen counters

Wall Mounts:

  • VESA-compatible tablet wall mount ($20-50)
  • Adhesive wall mount (damage-free, $15-30)
  • Ideal for entryways

Refrigerator Mounts:

  • Magnetic tablet mount ($25-50)
  • No drilling required
  • Easy to reposition

Search Tips:

  • Search for "[Your tablet model] wall mount" on Amazon
  • Look for universal mounts sized for your screen (e.g., "10-inch tablet mount")

Mounting Tips​

  • ✅ Mount near power outlet (USB-C or Micro-USB)
  • ✅ Use cable management clips to hide charging cable
  • ✅ Consider viewing height (kitchen counter or eye level)
  • ✅ Avoid direct sunlight (causes overheating)
  • ✅ Test kiosk mode before permanent installation

Next Steps​

✅ Tablet is set up! Now configure your content:

  1. Upload Content - Add family photos, calendars, and more
  2. Create Layouts - Design how content appears
  3. Assign to Display - Push content to your tablet

Still Stuck?​

Get help:

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm ET

Setup time: ~20-30 minutes | Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Intermediate | Cost: $100-400 (tablet) + $15-30 (Fully Kiosk license) + $20-50 (mount)