Please read this carefully if you are using Signagelive on ChromeOS devices running on the Long-Term Support (LTS Channel) in Kiosk Mode.
As per our communication last year, Google is continuing to deprecate the older "Chrome App" platform in favour of modern Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). This transition will impact how Signagelive runs in Kiosk Mode on ChromeOS devices running on the Long-Term Support (LTS) channel (which is the only channel supported by Signagelive).
The Signagelive Chrome App, which a number of Signagelive customers use for playback in Kiosk Mode, is affected by these changes.
What is Changing with ChromeOS 138 LTS?
With the release of ChromeOS 138 to the LTS channel (October 2025):
Admin-installed Chrome Apps in Kiosk Mode will be DISABLED by DEFAULT.
This means that when your ChromeOS devices update to version 138 (LTS), any Signagelive Chrome App configured in Kiosk Mode will stop working automatically. They will fail to launch and will likely display an error message, interrupting your digital signage playback.
What You Need To Do – Immediate Action Required!
To ensure your Signagelive screens continue to operate without interruption after the ChromeOS 138 LTS update, a Google Workspace or Chrome Enterprise administrator MUST make a policy change.
Here are the steps:
Log in to your Google Admin console:
Go to admin.google.com.
Navigate to Device Settings:
From the Admin console home page, go to Devices > Chrome > Settings.
Select the Device Settings tab.
Find the Kiosk Mode Policy:
Search for the policy: "Chrome Apps allowed for kiosk mode."
Change the Policy Setting:
Change the setting to: "Keep using Chrome apps in kiosk sessions for a limited time."
Apply the policy to the Organizational Units (OUs) that contain your Signagelive ChromeOS devices.
This administrative change will re-enable the Signagelive Chrome App to run in Kiosk Mode on ChromeOS 138 LTS devices.
You can find more information on managing policies within the Google Admin Console here.
Why is this happening?
Google is phasing out the older Chrome App platform entirely. While Signagelive is working on a PWA solution (in the form of an Isolated Web App, more information on this can be found below), this change directly impacts the existing Signagelive Chrome App. Google is providing a temporary measure for LTS users, but it requires administrator action as highlighted above.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Signagelive on ChromeOS
While the above policy change provides a temporary solution, it's crucial to understand that it is only a temporary measure. Google will eventually remove the ability to run Chrome Apps entirely.
Here are the key dates for LTS channel users:
Action | ChromeOS Version | Target Date for LTS Channel |
Admin-installed Chrome Apps in Kiosk Mode are disabled by default. (Requires policy change to re-enable them temporarily). | 138 | October 2025 |
FINAL End of Support for Chrome Apps in Kiosk Mode. (Chrome Apps will permanently stop working, even with the temporary policy enabled). | 150 | April 2027 |
FINAL End of Life for ALL Chrome Apps on ChromeOS. | 168 | October 2028 |
What Signagelive is Doing
Signagelive is actively developing and testing an Isolated Web App, a new generation of our player for ChromeOS, based on the Progressive Web App (PWA) standard. This PWA-adhering version of Signagelive will serve as the long-term solution for Signagelive playback on ChromeOS devices, replacing the current Chrome App. We will provide detailed guidance and migration paths well in advance of the April 2027 deadline.
Recommendations
Act Now: Ensure your Google Workspace/Chrome Enterprise administrator applies the necessary policy change before your devices update to ChromeOS 138 LTS (October 2025).
Plan for Migration: Begin to factor in the migration to a PWA-based solution for your Signagelive ChromeOS deployments. While you have time until April 2027, early planning is always beneficial.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on our Help Centre and communications for updates regarding the Signagelive PWA for ChromeOS, including release dates and migration instructions.
We understand that changes like this can require careful management. Our team is here to support you through this transition. If you have any questions or require assistance with these steps, please contact Signagelive Support.