In this article, you will learn how to set up your new iPad for your essentry reception. This article is primarily aimed at Super Admins and those involved with configuring visitor experiences.

Checklist

This checklist is for users who have already set up iPads. You can browse this list quickly and read a more detailed description below.

1. Set up the iPad and log in with your Apple ID
2. Set up the AppStore and disable automatic updates
3. Download the essentry Kiosk App from the AppStore
4. Set up Guided Access
5. Connect a printer if needed: How can I connect a printer to my iPad?
6. Start the essentry Kiosk App and turn on Guided Access
7. Pair the iPad with an entrance: How can I connect a device to an entrance?

Initial iPad set-up

You will need to first complete the initial setup of your new iPad. For this process, you will need an Apple ID, which you can also create during the initial setup. If your company already has an Apple ID, you can use that one on your iPad.

1. Turn on the iPad
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to set up your device
3. Connect the iPad to either wifi or cellular (the device will need constant internet access)
4. Add a passcode to secure your device
5. Location services & Siri should be turned off
6. Log in with your Apple ID or create a new one

As soon as you are on the iPad's Home Screen, you have successfully set up your iPad and can continue with the next step.

Download the essentry App

Prerequisites:

• Start the AppStore on the iPad and make sure that you are logged in with your Apple ID. 
• Turn off automatic updates from the Settings app > AppStore > Updates.

Installing the essentry App

Now you're ready to install the essentry Kiosk App from the AppStore onto your iPad. This app is the main touch point for your guests when they arrive at your location. To install the app, follow these steps:

1. Open the AppStore App on your iPad
2. Search the store for "essentry Kiosk"
3. Download the app to your iPad

To connect your iPad with the essentry App to your location, please follow the instructions in this article: How can I connect a device to an entrance?

You can also connect a printer to your iPad to automatically print name badges for all your visitors. Instructions on how to connect a printer can be found here: How can I connect a printer to my iPad?

Note: the device will stay active when the essentry App is open.
 

Note: the app will use the iPad's language as default. To change the default language of the essentry app, you have to change the language of the iPad.

Guided Access

Because the iPad is the main interaction point for your guests and is directed to them, you have to make sure that guests can only use the essentry App. By using Apple's Guided Access feature, you can prevent users from exiting the current app.

Once this mode is activated, your guests will only be able to use the essentry App and the device will be locked within. The screen can also not be dimmed while this mode is active. This is ideal for any kiosk setup and we highly recommend using this mode.

More information about the guided access can be found at Apple Support.

Turn on Guided Access

1. On the iPad, open the Settings app 
2. Go to Accessibility > Guided Access. 
3. Turn on Guided Access on this page. 
4. You can also set a passcode right now or later, when you start Guided Access the first time.

Additionally, if your iPad is running iOS 12.1.x, you have to set it to not lock automatically. 

1. Open the Settings app
2. Navigate to Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock
3.  Select "Never". 
4. Turn on "Mirror Display Auto-Lock". 

Starting the essentry app with Guided Access

• iPads with Homebutton: Now start the essentry App from your home screen and once it is set up, do a quick triple press on the home button. This will start the Guided Access as you can see on this screenshot.
• iPads without Homebutton: Do a quick triple press on the standby button. This will start the Guided Access as you can see on this screenshot.

• You can change the Options if you like and then tap the Start button in the top right corner. 
• You will be prompted to enter a passcode for Guided Access. 
• This passcode can be different from the device passcode and will be needed again to disable the Guided Access.
• Enter your passcode for Guided Access two times. Please do not use easy-to-guess passcodes like 123456 or 000000.

• To exit the Guided Access, you will have to do a quick triple press on the home button, or standby button, again. 
• Enter your passcode you created before in the upcoming popup.

• After you have entered the passcode, you can change the Guided Access settings and resume it or end this mode and use the iPad regularly. 

Updated December 18, 2025 12:05