Guided Access is a powerful feature on iOS devices that allows you to lock your device into a single app and control which features are available. This is incredibly useful when you want to prevent accidental gestures, distractions, or limit access to certain functionalities when lending your device to someone else, especially children. This comprehensive guide will show you How To Enter Guided Access, configure its settings, and make the most of its features.
Setting Up Guided Access
Before you can use Guided Access, you need to enable it in your device’s settings. Follow these steps:
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Navigate to Settings > Accessibility.
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Scroll down and tap on Guided Access.
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Toggle the Guided Access switch to the on position.
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Tap Passcode Settings, then tap Set Guided Access Passcode.
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Enter a passcode, and then re-enter it to confirm.
- Optional: You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID from this screen, allowing you to end Guided Access sessions using biometric authentication instead of a passcode.
Starting a Guided Access Session
Once Guided Access is set up, starting a session is quick and easy:
- Open the app you wish to lock the device into.
- Triple-click the Side button (on iPhone X and later) or the Home button (on iPhone 8 and earlier).
- If you want to disable specific areas of the screen from responding to touch, use one finger to draw a circle around those areas. You can adjust the size and position of the circles, or tap the “X” to remove them.
- Tap Guided Access, then tap Start in the upper-right corner.
iPhone showing Guided Access settings in Accessibility menu
Alternatively, you can use Siri to start a Guided Access session. Simply open the desired app and say, “Turn on Guided Access.” Note that Siri features may vary depending on your country or region.
Controlling Available Features During Guided Access
Guided Access allows you to customize which features are available during a session. This is especially useful for preventing access to volume controls, keyboard input, or even the ability to use the Sleep/Wake button.
- To adjust these settings, triple-click the Side or Home button to bring up the Guided Access options. If you don’t see the Options menu, triple-click the button again and enter your passcode.
- Tap Options in the lower-left corner.
- Toggle the desired features on or off, then tap Done in the upper-right corner.
Here’s a breakdown of the available options:
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Sleep/Wake Button: Disables the Sleep/Wake button, preventing the device from being turned off or put to sleep.
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Volume Buttons: Disables the volume buttons, preventing volume adjustments.
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Motion: Limits how the device responds to motion. Disabling this prevents the screen from rotating and disables the shake-to-undo feature.
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Keyboards: Disables the keyboard, preventing text input.
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Touch: Disables all screen touches, making the device unresponsive to touch input.
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Dictionary Lookup: Enables or disables the “Look Up” feature when selecting text.
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Time Limit: Allows you to set a time limit for the Guided Access session. When the time expires, the session automatically ends.
Ending a Guided Access Session
To end a Guided Access session, follow these steps:
- Triple-click the Side or Home button.
- Enter your Guided Access passcode.
- Tap End in the upper-left corner.
If you have enabled Face ID or Touch ID for Guided Access, you can double-click the Side or Home button and use biometric authentication to end the session.
Troubleshooting and Further Assistance
If you encounter any issues with Guided Access or need further assistance, Apple’s support resources are a valuable tool. The official Apple Support website provides detailed troubleshooting steps and FAQs to address common problems.
Guided Access is a valuable tool for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to maintain control over their device’s usage. By understanding how to enter Guided Access, customize its settings, and end sessions properly, you can create a safer and more focused environment for yourself and others.
