Configuring Exam Mode
Exam Mode is a special restrictive setting designed for use during examinations. When enabled, it locks down OrbitNote to comply with typical exam rules, ensuring students only have access to permitted tools.
When Exam Mode is active, it:
Locks the user into the single, currently open PDF document.
Disables all features and settings except for:
Text-to-Speech (Read Aloud)
Document navigation (scrolling, zooming)
The Search function
You can enable or disable Exam Mode in two ways: remotely via MDM (for administrators) or manually within the app (for individual users or teachers).
Method 1: Using MDM (For Administrators)
This is the recommended method for enabling Exam Mode across multiple devices at once. Add the following key-value pairs to your Managed App Configuration profile in your MDM solution.
Configuration Key | Value Type | Value | Description |
OrbitNoteExamModeEnabled | Boolean | true | Enables Exam Mode. |
OrbitNoteExamModeEnabled | Boolean | false | Disables Exam Mode. |
OrbitNoteExamModePassword | String | YourSecurePassword | Sets the password required to manually exit Exam Mode on the device. |
Important Notes for MDM:
Setting a Password: If OrbitNoteExamModeEnabled is set to true, you must also provide an OrbitNoteExamModePassword.
Disabling: If OrbitNoteExamModeEnabled is set to false, the password is removed from the device, and Exam Mode is disabled.
Value Type: Some MDM platforms may prefer an Integer type instead of Boolean. In that case, use 1 for true (Enabled) and 0 for false (Disabled).
Method 2: Manually (In-App Configuration)
This method is useful for single-device setup or for teachers to manage in a classroom.
Part 1: Unlock the Hidden Setting
Before you can see the option, you must first unlock the administrative settings:
Open the OrbitNote app and go to Settings (the cog icon).
Scroll down to the Product Information section.
Triple-tap (tap three times quickly) on the Version Number.
An "Enter command" alert will appear.
Type adminsettings (all one word, lowercase) into the text field and tap OK.
Part 2: Enable Exam Mode & Set Password
A new Exam Mode toggle will now be visible under the Advanced section in Settings.
Tap the Exam Mode toggle to ON.
The first time you do this, you will be prompted to create and confirm a new password. This password will be required to disable Exam Mode.
Tap OK. Exam Mode is now active.
Part 3: Disable Exam Mode
Go to Settings > Advanced.
Tap the Exam Mode toggle to OFF.
You will be prompted to enter the password you created.
Enter the password and tap OK. Exam Mode is now disabled.
Note: The app will remember this password. The next time you enable Exam Mode, it will ask for this same password instead of asking you to create a new one.
⚠️ Important: Forgot Password
If the manually-set password is forgotten, the only way to reset it is to delete and reinstall the OrbitNote app on the device.
(If Exam Mode was originally enabled by MDM, the device will simply re-receive the MDM configuration after reinstallation.)