All iPads iPad in single app mode

[GBessat]

Hi everyone:
I am curious to know if it is feasible to configure an iPad in single app mode and automated to just receive FaceTime calls.
This is for a 99-year-old person in a retirement home who has not touched a computer in years and is beyond learning to use an iPad.
The idea is that we (his family) could initiate FaceTime calls to chat and share videos of his great-grandson, with only very limited need for him to do anything, except keep the iPad charged and maybe charge the volume. A one-way communication so he does not have to learn to launch FaceTime from his end. Phone calls are still OK.
Can it be done and has anybody done something like that?

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Gerard

 

[0128672]

I think you could create something that might work like this by putting all Apple default apps that can't be deleted from the device into a folder on a secondary screen, and put Facetime on the dock as the only app. You might also set up your elderperson as a family member in family sharing and use some of the Screen Time restriction settings. Under Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can disable access to some of the standard Apple apps, but can leave Facetime enabled.

Set up Screen Time for a family member on iPad

Set up Screen Time for a family member under 18 either on their device or through Family Sharing on your device.

support.apple.com

 

[GBessat]

I think you could create something that might work like this by putting all Apple default apps that can't be deleted from the device into a folder on a secondary screen, and put Facetime on the dock as the only app. You might also set up your elderperson as a family member in family sharing and use some of the Screen Time restriction settings. Under Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can disable access to some of the standard Apple apps, but can leave Facetime enabled.

Set up Screen Time for a family member on iPad

Set up Screen Time for a family member under 18 either on their device or through Family Sharing on your device.

support.apple.com

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Thanks much,

I will definitely explore that idea.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hi everyone:
I am curious to know if it is feasible to configure an iPad in single app mode and automated to just receive FaceTime calls.
This is for a 99-year-old person in a retirement home who has not touched a computer in years and is beyond learning to use an iPad.
The idea is that we (his family) could initiate FaceTime calls to chat and share videos of his great-grandson, with only very limited need for him to do anything, except keep the iPad charged and maybe charge the volume. A one-way communication so he does not have to learn to launch FaceTime from his end. Phone calls are still OK.
Can it be done and has anybody done something like that?

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Gerard

If the iPad isn't old and supports iOS 12 at the minimum, then you should be able to use screen time as mentioned in a previous post.

 

[Blowback]

Also do a search for ‘Kiosk’ mode. It’s what businesses use to ‘single app’ devices.
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Hi everyone:
I am curious to know if it is feasible to configure an iPad in single app mode and automated to just receive FaceTime calls.
This is for a 99-year-old person in a retirement home who has not touched a computer in years and is beyond learning to use an iPad.
The idea is that we (his family) could initiate FaceTime calls to chat and share videos of his great-grandson, with only very limited need for him to do anything, except keep the iPad charged and maybe charge the volume. A one-way communication so he does not have to learn to launch FaceTime from his end. Phone calls are still OK.
Can it be done and has anybody done something like that?

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Gerard
[/QUOTE

 

[cupcakes2000]

There is an option called guided access in the accessibility section, should be able to do something similar to what you ask.

 

[*~Kim~*]

I FaceTime a relative in a care home. They had never used a computer prior to the iPad and while they can’t get to grips with Google or even iMessage (I sent a photo and despite instruction over a call, they couldn’t retrieve it) they do find other things to do with the iPad (another resident has an iPad with some puzzle apps on, and my relative has followed suit.) They also find some catch up TV. The Apple TV app is handy as it means they can type a programme name into that and be directed to the correct player (all required apps and logins set up by me.)

At first they couldn’t get to grips with calling out so I would call them, and they would just have to press accept and wouldn’t have to locate the FaceTime app. One time they did mute the call and one of the carers ended up having to unmute it for them, but other than that it’s worked quite well.

They have the Mini - they said the fellow resident’s 5th Gen was too big.

Secondary screens do seem to confuse my relative, so dumping all unused apps into a folder on the one page vs having it out of view on a second screen is one to think about.

 

[GBessat]

I FaceTime a relative in a care home. They had never used a computer prior to the iPad and while they can’t get to grips with Google or even iMessage (I sent a photo and despite instruction over a call, they couldn’t retrieve it) they do find other things to do with the iPad (another resident has an iPad with some puzzle apps on, and my relative has followed suit.) They also find some catch up TV. The Apple TV app is handy as it means they can type a programme name into that and be directed to the correct player (all required apps and logins set up by me.)

At first they couldn’t get to grips with calling out so I would call them, and they would just have to press accept and wouldn’t have to locate the FaceTime app. One time they did mute the call and one of the carers ended up having to unmute it for them, but other than that it’s worked quite well.

They have the Mini - they said the fellow resident’s 5th Gen was too big.

Secondary screens do seem to confuse my relative, so dumping all unused apps into a folder on the one page vs having it out of view on a second screen is one to think about.

Thank you much Kim. My father in law used a PC for years, but was buying a new one every time he was getting in trouble with the software (!!!) rather than hiring someone to clean his software issues. However, his cognitive skills have declined (he'll turn 99 this fall) to where a single app and just accepting FaceTime calls is probably all he needs and can handle. So, I'll go that route and try it, including hiding all the secondary apps, or using the kiosk setup (not sure if in that mode the call will go through for him to accept. I'll try that at home first.
Thanks to all other posters too!

 

[cupcakes2000]

I’ll urge you to try guided access before all the other things, it’s very simple, built in and doesn’t require doing anything like rearranging icons as the screen will just remain locked on FaceTime.
You can even disable any areas of the screen which may accidentally be pressed, therefore activating some other function. The only way out of it is by quickly triple clicking the home button, and then typing a passcode.
It’s a kiosk function in all but name.