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Intro

A permanent device is any device that stays in one place, such as a wall-mounted tablet or a device on a desk or counter. Set it up so it behaves like a dedicated controller for your space (and doesn’t drift into other apps at the worst possible time).

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Setup Kiosk Mode

The screen stays on so your floorplan is always visible, and it optionally automatically dims when not in use to save energy.

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Turn on Kiosk Mode

  1. Open Zendo
  2. Tap
  3. Tap “Settings”
  4. Tap “About Your Zendo”
  5. Tap “Mounted Device (Kiosk)”
  6. Turn on “Kiosk Mode”

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Settings

Kiosk Mode has the following settings:
  • Kiosk Mode (toggle): Keeps the screen awake. When off, the device follows your OS sleep and brightness settings.
  • Brightness (1-100%): Sets the active screen brightness.
  • Screensaver: Choose what happens after a period of inactivity.
    • None: Never enter screensaver.
    • Dim: Lower brightness, keep content visible.
    • Black Screen: Full black screen.
    • Clock: White clock on black background.
    • Screensaver Timer (1-60 minutes): Minutes of inactivity before the screensaver activates.

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Automations

With Kiosk Mode on, your device can be controlled from Home Assistant/Homey, so your automations can change settings and react to its state. A few things you can set up:
  • Wake the screen when motion is detected, or as you arrive home.
  • Keep the battery healthy with a smart plug that charges only between 20% and 80%.
  • Switch to dark mode and dim the screen in the evening.
  • Lock the screen when you’re away or having guests over.
  • Get alerted when a device goes offline.
See Automate your mounted device for step-by-step examples on Home Assistant/Homey.

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Doorbell alerts

A wall-mounted tablet can double as a door panel - it rings and shows who’s at the door when someone presses your smart doorbell. Any devices with Zendo app running will ring; we recommend Kiosk Mode so the screen stays awake and the tablet is always ready. See Use your tablet as a door panel for setup instructions.

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Automatic updates

Whenever you update your floorplan, or add or change accessories, the changes are delivered in real time to every running Zendo app, including when Kiosk Mode is enabled. No need to update each one by hand. For this to work, please make sure:
  • You’ve installed the latest version of the Homey or Home Assistant (HACS) integration.
  • The Zendo app is running on the device. We’d recommend turning on Kiosk Mode so it stays open and ready to receive updates.
If the app isn’t running, you can still manually download the latest settings.

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Setting up new devices

Adding a new tablet is quick - scan a QR code from your phone and the new device pairs over your local network. No links, no typing. See Nearby Device Pairing for step-by-step instructions.

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Enable Guided Access (iOS only)

Guided Access keeps the device locked to a single app. It’s perfect for a shared wall tablet.

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Turn on Guided Access

  1. Open “Settings”
  2. Tap “Accessibility”
  3. Tap “Guided Access”
  4. Turn on “Guided Access”
  5. Tap “Passcode Settings” and set a passcode (recommended).
  6. (Optional) Turn on “Face ID” or “Touch ID” if you’d like a faster exit.

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Start a Guided Access session for Zendo

  1. Open Zendo
  2. Triple-click the Side button (or the Home button on older devices)
  3. Tap “Start”

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End a Guided Access session

  1. Triple-click the Side/Home button
  2. Enter your passcode (or authenticate with Face ID / Touch ID)
  3. Tap “End”