Guided Access on your iPhone is a powerful accessibility feature that allows you to lock your device into a single app and control which features are available. This is particularly useful when you want to:
- Let a child use your iPhone without worrying about them accidentally accessing other apps or settings.
- Focus on a specific task without distractions from other apps or notifications.
- Prevent accidental gestures from interrupting your workflow.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to enable and use Guided Access on your iPhone, maximizing its benefits and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Setting Up Guided Access
Before you can use Guided Access, you need to enable it in your iPhone’s settings. Here’s how:
-
Open the Settings app: Locate and tap the Settings icon on your home screen.
-
Navigate to Accessibility: Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
-
Find Guided Access: Scroll down to the “General” section and tap on “Guided Access.”
-
Turn on Guided Access: Toggle the switch to the “on” position. The switch will turn green, indicating that Guided Access is enabled.
Guided Access settings screen showing the Guided Access toggle highlighted. -
Set a Passcode: Tap on “Passcode Settings” and then “Set Guided Access Passcode.” Enter a passcode, then re-enter it to confirm. This passcode will be required to end a Guided Access session.
-
Enable Touch ID or Face ID (Optional): On the Passcode Settings screen, you can also enable Touch ID or Face ID as an alternative way to end a Guided Access session. This can be convenient if you prefer not to enter a passcode each time.
Starting a Guided Access Session
Once Guided Access is set up, you can easily start a session within any app.
- Open the Desired App: Launch the app that you want to lock the iPhone into.
- Triple-Click the Side or Home Button:
- On an iPhone X or later (or any iPhone without a Home button), triple-click the side button (power button).
- On an iPhone 8 or earlier (or any iPhone with a Home button), triple-click the Home button.
- Configure Restrictions (Optional): Before starting Guided Access, you can customize which areas of the screen are active. Use one finger to circle areas you want to disable touch input on. You can move, resize, or remove these circled areas.
- Start Guided Access: Tap the “Guided Access” button, then tap “Start” in the top-right corner. If you didn’t set a time limit, the session will begin immediately. If you did, the timer will start.
Controlling Available Features During Guided Access
Guided Access allows you to fine-tune which features are available while the session is active. To access these options:
-
Triple-Click the Side or Home Button: As before, triple-click the appropriate button.
-
Enter Your Passcode (if prompted): If you didn’t enable Touch ID or Face ID, you’ll need to enter the Guided Access passcode.
-
Tap Options: In the bottom-left corner of the screen, tap the “Options” button.
-
Customize Features: A menu will appear with various features that can be toggled on or off. These include:
-
Sleep/Wake Button: Disables the power button.
-
Volume Buttons: Disables the volume buttons.
-
Motion: Limits the device’s response to motion (e.g., prevents screen rotation).
-
Keyboards: Disables the keyboard from appearing.
-
Touch: Disables all touch input on the screen.
-
Dictionary Lookup: Enables or disables the Look Up feature when selecting text.
-
Time Limit: Sets a time limit for the Guided Access session. When the time limit expires, the session will automatically end.
-
-
Tap Done: Once you’ve configured the desired options, tap “Done” in the top-right corner to save your changes.
Ending a Guided Access Session
When you’re ready to end the Guided Access session:
- Triple-Click the Side or Home Button: As before, triple-click the appropriate button.
- Authenticate:
- If using a Passcode: Enter your Guided Access passcode.
- If using Touch ID or Face ID: Use your fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Tap End: In the bottom-left corner of the screen, tap the “End” button. The Guided Access session will end, and you’ll be able to use your iPhone normally.
Guided Access: Enhancing Focus and Control
Guided Access is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance focus and control over your iPhone experience. By understanding how to enable, configure, and use Guided Access effectively, you can tailor your device to suit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a parent, a student, or simply someone who wants to minimize distractions, Guided Access can be a valuable asset.
