Setting Up Automatic RDP Launch in Locked-Down Android Devices

A customer needs an automatic launch of a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) session in kiosk mode, requiring no user intervention. The device should be locked down to allow access only to the RDP session. This guide specifically focuses on configuring the Microsoft Remote Desktop app to achieve this setup.

• Device running Android with SOTI MobiControl
• Microsoft Remote Desktop app (com.microsoft.rdc.androidx)
• Pre-configured .rdp file. – the .rdp file is explicitly used for Microsoft Remote Desktop connections

1. Apply a Native, Full Device Lockdown configuration to restrict usage, as shown in the following screenshot.

2. In the Home Screen Items section, add a Launch action for the following Microsoft Remote Desktop app. This acts as a whitelist, so ensure the app is added here. Also, ensure the app is installed on the device via an App Policy. 

com.microsoft.rdc.androidx

3. Create a folder on the device (e.g., /sdcard/RDPFiles) and place the pre-configured .rdp file inside. In this exercise, we have created a file named TestSOTISup.rdp, but in a customer environment, the .rdp file would have a different name that is more relevant to their setup. 
4. Add an Intent action in the Home Screen Items section to open the .rdp file automatically:

file:///sdcard/RDPFiles/TestSOTISup.rdp#Intent;type=application/rdp;component=com.microsoft.rdc.androidx;end

Important: Update the file name (TestSOTISup.rdp) to match the name of the user's .rdp file.

5. Enable the Launch Automatically on Start-up and Enable Single App Mode options for this home screen item, as shown in the following image.

Once the device restarts, the RDP session automatically opens and connects without user intervention. Ensure no other apps or configurations are accessible in kiosk mode.