How to exit kiosk mode on your Lenovo tablet
To exit kiosk mode on a Lenovo tablet, you need to know how the lockdown was configured: a personal device running a kiosk app can often be broken out by force-stopping that app, while an organization-managed tablet requires admin credentials or access to the MDM console. The correct method depends entirely on who set up the restriction, so identify that first before trying any of the steps below.
Before you begin: who controls the tablet?
Kiosk mode locks your Lenovo tablet to a single app or a small set of apps, which is useful for public displays, retail checkouts, or training stations. But when you need to install updates, troubleshoot a problem, or simply use other apps, you have to exit it. The first thing to determine is whether your tablet is managed by an organization through a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, or whether you or someone you know enabled a kiosk app directly on the device. If the tablet was issued by an employer, school, or another organization, the administrator controls the kiosk configuration, and you will likely need their help or the security code they set. If you set up the kiosk app yourself on a personal tablet, you can usually exit it with the methods below that don't require remote management.
Method 1: Use the exit gesture and admin PIN
Many kiosk configurations on Lenovo tablets include a hidden exit gesture that lets you temporarily leave the locked mode without fully disabling it. This is the fastest way to regain control if the gesture is enabled.
- Tap that corner six times in quick succession.
- When the "Actions" dialog appears, select "Exit home screen temporarily" or a similar option.
- Enter the administrator PIN or security code when prompted.
After entering the correct code, you'll have access to the home screen and other apps. Note that this only works if the MDM configuration profile has the "Allow users to exit kiosk mode temporarily" setting enabled. If no dialog appears after tapping the corner, the exit gesture may be disabled, and you'll need to use another method.
Method 2: Disable kiosk mode from the MDM client app
For tablets managed by an MDM solution like Miradore, you can permanently disable kiosk mode directly from the MDM client app installed on the device. This is the most reliable way to exit kiosk mode on a Lenovo tablet when the administrator has given you the necessary security code.
- Open the MDM client app on your Lenovo tablet.
- Navigate to the Settings section within the app.
- Select "Disable kiosk mode."
- Enter the security code when prompted.
The security code for Miradore-managed devices regenerates every 30 days, so make sure you have the current code from your administrator. Once you enter it, kiosk mode is turned off permanently, and the tablet returns to its normal home screen. If the MDM client app is not visible on the home screen, you may need to use the exit gesture from Method 1 to access it temporarily.
Method 3: Force-stop the kiosk application
If your Lenovo tablet is not managed by an MDM and you enabled a kiosk app yourself, you can often break out of the locked mode by force-stopping the app that is running it. This method works when you can still access the system settings, even if the kiosk app covers most of the screen.
- Scroll to "Apps & notifications" or simply "Apps."
- Find the kiosk application in the list, it's usually the app that is currently running in full screen.
- Tap the app, then select "Force stop."
After force-stopping the app, the tablet should return to the home screen, and you'll have access to all your other apps and settings. Keep in mind that some kiosk configurations lock the system bars, home button, power button, and volume buttons, which can make it difficult to reach Settings. If you can't swipe down or access the settings at all, try the force restart method below or contact the person who set up the kiosk mode.
Still stuck? Last-resort options
If none of the above methods work, you have two remaining options, but both come with significant caveats.
A force restart can disrupt the kiosk app temporarily, which might give you a brief window to access the home screen before the app relaunches. Press and hold the power button for about 10-15 seconds until the tablet powers off completely, then press it again to turn the device back on. This can help if the kiosk app is frozen or unresponsive, but it will not permanently disable kiosk mode if the app is set to launch on boot. Any unsaved data will be lost during the restart.
The final option is a factory reset, which erases all data and settings on the tablet and returns it to its original factory state. This will exit kiosk mode, but it will also wipe every file, app, and account on the device. Before proceeding, back up anything important. To perform a factory reset, go to Settings, navigate to System or General, find "Backup & Reset" or "Reset," and select "Factory data reset." Confirm the action and wait for the tablet to restart. Be aware that if the tablet is managed by an MDM, it will likely re-enroll in the organization's management after the reset, and kiosk mode may be reapplied automatically. For a personal device that was set up with a kiosk app, a factory reset will remove the app and restore full functionality. If the tablet still reverts to kiosk mode after a reset, contact Lenovo support or your administrator for further assistance.
