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Android Kiosk / Simple Mode

šŸ“‹ Summary

Add a Kiosk Mode / Simple Mode option for LaunchBox on Android. This mode would lock down the interface so users (especially children) cannot change settings, delete content, or exit LaunchBox without a password or PIN. It would also hide advanced menus and simplify navigation for family-friendly or dedicated handheld setups.


ā— Problem

Kids or casual users can easily:

  • Change settings unintentionally

  • Delete or modify games or playlists

  • Exit LaunchBox entirely and get stuck in Android’s UI

  • Get lost in menus not intended for them

Rebuilding or restoring configuration takes time, and there is currently no way to lock down or simplify the LaunchBox Android UI.

Other frontends like Batocera and RetroArch offer similar kiosk or simple modes, making LaunchBox less accessible for family or public setups.


šŸ’” Proposal

Introduce a Kiosk Mode / Simple Mode toggle in LaunchBox Android settings.

When enabled:

  • Hide all settings menus unless unlocked with a PIN or password

  • Block deletion or editing of games, platforms, playlists, or metadata

  • Prevent exiting LaunchBox without authentication (useful for home screen launcher mode)

  • Simplify the UI by hiding advanced options and showing only core navigation

  • Optional: allow selecting which features remain visible (e.g., Favorites, Resume, Recently Played)

This mode should work seamlessly with Faeran’s new home screen launcher support so LaunchBox can be used as a child-friendly primary launcher.


🧩 Use Cases

  • Parents giving kids Android handhelds want a safe, locked-down environment where nothing can break

  • Users setting up retro handhelds or TV boxes want LaunchBox to act like a simple console UI

  • Arcade cabinets or public setups need protection from accidental changes

  • Home screen launcher users need to prevent accidental exits to Android menus


šŸ“¦ Benefits

  • Protects library setups from accidental changes or deletion

  • Makes LaunchBox far more family-friendly

  • Offers a clean, simplified interface for handheld or living-room devices

  • Brings LaunchBox Android closer to feature parity with other frontends that already include kiosk or simple modes

  • Works hand-in-hand with home screen launcher support for a true console-like experience

Status: Completed4 comments

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Comments4

  • AstroBob changed status to Completed
    Team•

    May 28

    Pinned

    Hi there,

    With today’s release of LaunchBox for Android 1.22, this feature has now been implemented. You can update to the latest version from within the app to receive this. Details on the feature can be found here

    Using Security Settings

    Notes on the release can be found below:

    LaunchBox for Android 1.22

    We’d love to hear what you think or if there’s anything else you think can be improved. Thanks for bearing with us while we go that implemented

  • AstroBob changed status to Planned
    Team•

    Feb 17

    Pinned

    Hi Folks,

    For anyone interested, this feature is now avaliable as part of our 1.22 beta that is ongoing. If you’re willing to test it, you can gain access to it now following the details here:

  • AstroBob changed status to Open To Community
    Team•

    Sep 10, 2025

    Pinned

    Hi there!

    Thanks so much for submitting this request and for taking the time to explain your use case — that context is always super helpful.

    I’ve gone ahead and fleshed out the main idea using the info you provided, and I’m opening it up to the community for further discussion and feedback. Please let me know if this fleshed-out version doesn’t match your original intended request.

    Feel free to let me know if you have any extra thoughts, examples, or edge cases you think might be relevant!

    Cheers,
    The LaunchBox team

  • OjjoWireDroid

    •

    Sep 10, 2025

    Android Kiosk mode

    I purchased a license for Android Launchbox and I thought there would be a Kiosk Mode option. It took me ages to set everything up, and in just a few minutes my kids managed to do a lot of damage. I'd like a kiosk mode, similar to Batocera, with a password that wouldn't allow my kids to change any settings or delete anything, and would also prevent them from exiting Launchbox. Thank you