Guided Access is a helpful feature on iPhones that allows you to lock the device into a single app, ideal for kids or specific tasks. However, sometimes you might find yourself stuck in Guided Access and unsure how to exit. This guide provides several methods on How To Cancel Guided Access On Iphone, ensuring you regain full control of your device.
Understanding Guided Access and Why You Might Need to Cancel It
Guided Access limits your iPhone to a single app and allows you to disable certain hardware buttons. This can be incredibly useful for preventing accidental exits from apps or restricting access to other features. However, forgetting your passcode or encountering a glitch can leave you locked in Guided Access. Here’s how to get out.
Method 1: The Classic Triple-Click (Home Button or Side Button)
This is the most common and straightforward method for exiting Guided Access.
- Triple-click the Home Button or Side Button: If your iPhone has a Home button, quickly press it three times. On newer iPhones without a Home button, triple-click the Side button (the power button).
- Enter Your Passcode: You’ll be prompted to enter your Guided Access passcode. This is the passcode you set up when you enabled Guided Access.
- Tap “End”: After entering the correct passcode, tap the “End” button in the top-left corner of the screen.
If you have Face ID or Touch ID enabled, you might be able to use biometric authentication instead of entering the passcode.
Method 2: Force Restarting Your iPhone
If the triple-click method isn’t working, a force restart can often break you out of Guided Access. The process varies depending on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 or later:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button (power button) until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:
- Press and hold both the Side button (power button) and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
- Continue holding until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s and earlier:
- Press and hold both the Home button and the Side button (power button) simultaneously.
- Continue holding until the Apple logo appears.
This force restart should bypass Guided Access and reboot your iPhone, allowing you to enter your regular passcode.
Method 3: Using iCloud’s “Mark as Lost” Feature
This method is a bit more drastic, but it can be effective if you’re completely locked out and none of the other methods are working. You’ll need access to another device (computer, tablet, or another phone) to use this method.
- Go to iCloud.com: On another device, open a web browser and go to iCloud.com.
- Sign In: Sign in with the Apple ID and password associated with the locked iPhone.
- Find My iPhone: Click on the “Find My iPhone” (or simply “Find My”) icon.
- Select Your iPhone: Choose your locked iPhone from the list of devices.
- Mark as Lost: Click on “Mark as Lost.” This will remotely lock your iPhone.
Even though your phone is already locked in Guided Access, using the “Mark as Lost” feature can sometimes override the Guided Access settings and allow you to enter your iCloud password to unlock the device.
Method 4: Letting the Battery Die
As a last resort, you can let the iPhone’s battery completely drain. Once the battery is depleted and the iPhone shuts down, plug it into a charger and let it power back on. This might reset the Guided Access settings and allow you to exit normally. However, this method can take a significant amount of time.
Method 5: Restore Your iPhone with iTunes or Finder
Restoring your iPhone to factory settings is the most extreme solution and will erase all data on your device. However, if you’re completely locked out and none of the other methods work, it might be your only option.
- Connect to a Computer: Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes (on older macOS versions or Windows) or Finder (on newer macOS versions).
- Enter Recovery Mode: The steps to enter recovery mode vary depending on your iPhone model (similar to the force restart steps).
- Restore: In iTunes or Finder, you should see a message indicating that your iPhone is in recovery mode. Click “Restore.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your iPhone to its factory settings. Keep in mind that you will lose any data that isn’t backed up.
Preventing Future Guided Access Lockouts
To avoid getting locked in Guided Access again, consider these tips:
- Remember Your Passcode: Store your Guided Access passcode in a safe place, like a password manager.
- Disable Guided Access When Not Needed: Turn off Guided Access when you’re not actively using it. You can do this in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
- Consider Face ID/Touch ID: If you have an iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID, enable it for Guided Access to bypass the passcode requirement.
By following these methods, you should be able to effectively cancel Guided Access on your iPhone and regain control of your device. Remember to choose the method that best suits your situation, starting with the simplest solutions first.
