Android Kiosk / Simple Mode
š 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 Androidās 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.
š” 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 Faeranās new home screen launcher support so LaunchBox can be used as a child-friendly primary launcher.
š§© 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
š¦ 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

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Comments4
May 28
PinnedHi there,
With todayās 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
Weād love to hear what you think or if thereās anything else you think can be improved. Thanks for bearing with us while we go that implemented
Feb 17
PinnedHi Folks,
For anyone interested, this feature is now avaliable as part of our 1.22 beta that is ongoing. If youāre willing to test it, you can gain access to it now following the details here:
https://forums.launchbox-app.com/topic/93312-launchbox-for-android-122-beta-thread/#comment-504618
Sep 10, 2025
PinnedHi there!
Thanks so much for submitting this request and for taking the time to explain your use case ā that context is always super helpful.
Iāve gone ahead and fleshed out the main idea using the info you provided, and Iām opening it up to the community for further discussion and feedback. Please let me know if this fleshed-out version doesnāt 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