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iPad Setup Guide

Turn your iPad into a family organization center with Apple's Guided Access kiosk mode. iPads offer premium build quality and are ideal for living spaces.

What You'll Need​

  • Hardware: iPad (see compatibility below)
  • Time: 10-15 minutes for initial setup
  • Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
  • Accessories: Lightning/USB-C cable and power adapter, optional stand

Compatibility Check​

Supported Models​

FamilyCast supports the following iPad models:

  • ✅ iPad (5th generation or newer, 2017+)
  • ✅ iPad Air (3rd generation or newer, 2019+)
  • ✅ iPad Pro (all models)
  • ✅ iPad mini (5th generation or newer, 2019+)

OS Requirements​

  • iOS 14.0 or newer required
  • iPadOS 14.0 or newer (for iPad Pro)

How to Check Your Model​

  1. Go to Settings → General → About
  2. Look for Model Name (e.g., "iPad Air (4th generation)")
  3. Look for Software Version (e.g., "iOS 17.1")
  4. Compare to the list above

Not Sure? The model number is also printed on the back of your iPad. Email us a photo at [email protected] and we'll confirm compatibility.

Step 1: Download FamilyCast App​

From the App Store (Coming Soon)​

Once FamilyCast is available on the App Store:

  1. Open the App Store app
  2. Search for "FamilyCast Family Organizer"
  3. Tap Get → Install
  4. Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted

Via TestFlight (Alpha Testing)​

During alpha testing, download via TestFlight:

  1. Install TestFlight from the App Store (if not already installed)
  2. Open the TestFlight invite link sent to your email
  3. Tap Accept → Install
  4. Find FamilyCast in TestFlight and tap Install

Step 2: Sign In to FamilyCast​

  1. Open the FamilyCast app from your home screen
  2. Sign in with your FamilyCast account email and password
  3. Select your display from the list (or create a new one)
  4. Allow permissions when prompted:
    • ✅ Notifications (optional but recommended)
    • ✅ Local Network Access (required for some features)

Step 3: Configure Guided Access (Kiosk Mode)​

Guided Access is Apple's built-in kiosk mode that locks your iPad to a single app.

Enable Guided Access​

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access
  2. Toggle Guided Access to ON
  3. Tap Passcode Settings
  4. Tap Set Guided Access Passcode
  5. Enter a 6-digit passcode (IMPORTANT: Save this somewhere safe!)
  6. Re-enter to confirm

Configure Display Auto-Lock Settings​

To prevent the screen from sleeping:

  1. Go to Settings → Display & Brightness
  2. Tap Auto-Lock
  3. Select Never

Important: This setting only works when iPad is plugged in (iOS 10+).

Configure Hardware Buttons (Optional)​

Back in Guided Access settings:

  1. Tap Accessibility Shortcut (at the bottom)

  2. Enable Guided Access - This allows triple-click to start/stop kiosk mode

  3. (Optional) Disable hardware buttons during kiosk mode:

    • Toggle Volume Buttons to OFF
    • Toggle Motion to OFF (prevents screen rotation)
    • Toggle Keyboards to OFF (if not needed)
    • Toggle Touch to OFF (creates a completely locked display)

Step 4: Start Kiosk Mode​

Activate Guided Access​

  1. Open the FamilyCast app
  2. Triple-click the Home button (on iPads with Home button)
    • OR Triple-click the Side/Top button (on iPads without Home button)
  3. The Guided Access screen will appear
  4. Tap Options (bottom left) to configure:
    • ✅ Sleep/Wake Button: OFF (prevents accidental sleep)
    • ✅ Volume Buttons: OFF (prevents volume changes)
    • ✅ Motion: OFF (locks screen orientation)
    • ✅ Keyboards: OFF (if not using text input)
    • ✅ Touch: ON (allows interaction with content)
    • ✅ Time Limit: None
  5. Tap Done
  6. Tap Start (top right corner)

Verify Kiosk Mode is Active​

  • Try pressing the Home/Side button - You should stay in FamilyCast
  • Try swiping up from bottom - Control Center should be disabled
  • Try switching apps - You should be locked to FamilyCast

Step 5: Exiting Kiosk Mode​

To Exit Guided Access​

  1. Triple-click the Home button (or Side/Top button)
  2. Enter your Guided Access passcode
  3. Tap End (top left corner)

Important: Save your passcode! If you forget it, you'll need to restart your iPad to exit Guided Access.

Forgot Your Passcode?​

If you forget your Guided Access passcode:

  1. Press and hold Power button + Home button (or Volume Down on newer iPads) for 10 seconds
  2. iPad will force-restart
  3. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → Passcode Settings
  4. Reset your passcode

Step 6: Power Management​

Keep iPad Plugged In​

For all-day operation:

  1. Use the original Apple charger or a certified USB-C/Lightning cable
  2. Plug into a reliable power source
  3. iPad will automatically manage battery health when constantly plugged in

Battery Health Considerations​

  • ✅ Modern iPads (2018+) have optimized charging that prevents battery degradation
  • ✅ iOS automatically limits charge to 80% when plugged in long-term
  • ✅ Safe to keep plugged in all day

Power Adapter Recommendations​

  • iPad Pro 11"/12.9": 20W USB-C adapter or higher
  • iPad Air/iPad: 20W USB-C adapter (newer) or 12W USB-A (older)
  • iPad mini: 20W USB-C adapter or 12W USB-A adapter

Troubleshooting​

Guided Access Won't Start​

Solution:

  1. Verify Guided Access is enabled (Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access)
  2. Check that you've set a passcode
  3. Make sure you're triple-clicking the correct button (Home or Side/Top)
  4. Restart iPad and try again

Screen Still Dims or Sleeps​

Solution:

  1. Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → Never
  2. Make sure iPad is plugged in (Auto-Lock "Never" only works when charging)
  3. Check that Display & Brightness → Raise to Wake is OFF

Can't Exit Guided Access (Forgot Passcode)​

Solution:

  1. Force-restart iPad:
    • iPads with Home button: Hold Power + Home for 10 seconds
    • iPads without Home button: Press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Power until restart
  2. Once restarted, go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access
  3. Reset your passcode

App Crashes or Content Doesn't Load​

Solution:

  1. Exit Guided Access (triple-click → enter passcode → End)
  2. Close FamilyCast app completely (swipe up from app switcher)
  3. Check WiFi connection (Settings → WiFi)
  4. Reopen FamilyCast and try again
  5. If still not working, email [email protected] with your display ID

iPad Gets Hot​

Solution:

  1. Reduce screen brightness (Settings → Display & Brightness)
  2. Ensure iPad has proper ventilation (not enclosed in case)
  3. Move iPad away from direct sunlight or heat sources

Mounting Your iPad​

Countertop Stands:

  • Tablet stand with cable management ($20-40)
  • Weighted base for stability
  • Adjustable viewing angle
  • Perfect for kitchen counters

Wall Mounts:

  • VESA-compatible iPad wall mount ($30-60)
  • Flush mount for clean installation ($40-80)
  • Ideal for entryways and command centers

Refrigerator Mounts:

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

Search Tips​

Search for: "iPad [your model] mount" or "iPad [your model] stand" on Amazon.

Examples:

  • "iPad Pro 12.9 wall mount"
  • "iPad Air countertop stand"
  • "iPad mini magnetic mount"

Mounting Tips​

  • ✅ Mount near power outlet for constant charging
  • ✅ Use cable management to hide Lightning/USB-C cable
  • ✅ Consider viewing height (kitchen counter or eye level)
  • ✅ Test viewing angle before permanent installation
  • ✅ Avoid direct sunlight (causes overheating and screen damage)

Advanced Configuration​

Restrict Background App Refresh​

To conserve battery and ensure FamilyCast runs smoothly:

  1. Go to Settings → General → Background App Refresh
  2. Toggle OFF for all apps except FamilyCast

Disable Notifications (Except FamilyCast)​

To prevent interruptions:

  1. Go to Settings → Notifications
  2. Tap each app and toggle Allow Notifications to OFF
  3. Keep FamilyCast notifications ON (for family reminders)

Enable Do Not Disturb​

For distraction-free family time:

  1. Go to Settings → Focus → Do Not Disturb
  2. Toggle ON
  3. Configure to allow notifications from FamilyCast only

Next Steps​

✅ iPad 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 iPad

Still Stuck?​

Get help:

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

Setup time: ~10-15 minutes | Difficulty: ⭐ Easy | Cost: $250-800 (iPad) + $20-100 (mount)