Using Google ChromeOS Flex in Kiosk Mode with Screenly Anywhere

Eric
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Last updated: July 22, 2025

For this guide, we'll be setting up a Dell laptop with Screenly Anywhere, using Google ChromeOS Flex. In this article, we'll be using a Dell Inspiron 13 5000 2-in-1 Touch as the reference model. 

To get started, let's get Screenly Anywhere setup to run on your Kiosk.

  1. Log into your Google Admin Console, and go to Devices > Chrome > Apps and Extensions > Kiosks.
  2. Click the yellow circle, and select Add by URL.

  3. Enter the URL for Anywhere: https://anywhere.screenly.io, and agree to the terms.

    add by url.png
  4. Ensure the option for Web App Can Run Offline is enabled.
  5. In the Additional URL Origins For This Kiosk App section, enter in the alternate Anywhere URL: https://anywhere.screenlyapp.com.

  6. Click the small X in the upper-right corner, and for the Auto-Launch App > Installation Policy setting, change this from none to the Screenly Anywhere app you just added. On the settings pop-up that opens, you'll see additional settings you can manage related to auto-launching the app. Once completed, you can move on to the next section.

    Auto launch setting.png

The steps to install ChromeOS Flex vary slightly depending on if you're doing a manual or automated installation. The automated installation can be completed by using PXE boot with Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), or completed via the USB Installer. Let's walk through how to use the USB option (recommended for enrolling less than 100 devices).

  1. Log into your Admin Console, and go to Devices > Chrome > Enrollment Tokens. Click Enroll.
  2. Select the option for Non-ChromeOS devices (ChromeOS Flex).

  3. Select Automatic Enrollment (USB Installer).

    automatic enroll screen.png
  4. On the wizard that pops-up, select Create a USB Installer. Follow the prompts to install the packaging tool.
  5. Select an organizational unit (OU) to tie the token to a specific OU, and select the option for New Token.
  6. Select the license to be applied. In our case, we are using a Kiosk and Signage Upgrade license, but you could also use a Chrome Enterprise or Education Upgrade.
  7. Follow the prompts to create a ChromeOS Flex system image associated with the token.

  8. Follow the prompts to create the USB installer, then install ChromeOS Flex on the target device.

    enrollment mid range shot.jpg

  9. The device will automatically be enrolled once you complete the initial steps, which include connecting it to your network. Once finished, it will restart and automatically launch into Screenly Anywhere.

    screenly anywhere loading on boot.jpg
  10. You can now pair your screen as normal, and start displaying your content on the kiosk!
add screen pin kiosk2.gif

 

Tips and Tricks

  • Create different OU's for your digital signage deployment. You can then apply special settings that affect only your digital kiosks. If needed, take it a step further and create sub-OU's to isolate by location or region.
  • You can set up a kiosk with either a Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, or a Kiosk and Signage Upgrade license. You can find the differences between the two here.
  • If you get stuck, you can find multiple Google tutorial guides here, or feel free to drop us a message. 

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