Guided Access is a fantastic feature on iPads that locks the device into a single app, restricting access to other functions. This is especially useful for dedicated devices like those used for Envoy Visitors or Deliveries, preventing users from exiting the intended application. While the traditional method involves the home button, this guide focuses on how to start Guided Access on iPads without a home button, such as iPad Pro models.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Open the Settings App: Locate and tap the Settings app on your iPad.
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Navigate to Accessibility: In the Settings menu, find and select “Accessibility.”
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Find Guided Access: Scroll down within the Accessibility settings until you locate “Guided Access.” Tap on it.
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Enable Guided Access: Toggle the “Guided Access” switch to the “on” position.
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Open the Desired App: Exit the Settings app and open the app you want to lock into Guided Access (e.g., Envoy).
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Activate Guided Access (No Home Button): On an iPad Pro or an iPad without a home button, triple-click the top (lock/power) button to initiate Guided Access.
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Guided Access Interface: A screen will appear allowing you to customize the Guided Access session.
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Start Guided Access: Tap “Start” in the top right corner. You can ignore the instructions about circling areas on the screen to disable them – these settings are optional.
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Set a Passcode: Enter a passcode that you and your team can easily remember. This passcode will be required to end the Guided Access session.
- Important: Make sure to remember this passcode! If you forget it, you will be locked in the app and may need to restore your iPad to factory settings, resulting in data loss.
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Guided Access is Now Active: The iPad is now locked into the selected app. Users will be unable to switch to other apps or access other iPad features without the passcode.
Ending Guided Access
To exit Guided Access mode:
- Triple-Click the Top Button: Quickly press the top (lock/power) button three times in a row.
- Enter Passcode: Input the Guided Access passcode you previously set.
- Tap End: Tap “End” in the top left corner of the screen. The iPad will now return to its normal state.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Mirror Display Auto-Lock (iOS 12.1.1 and above): For iOS versions 12.1.1 and later, it is recommended to enable “Mirror Display Auto-Lock” in the Guided Access settings. When enabled, Guided Access will mirror the Auto-Lock setting in Display & Brightness. When disabled, the screen will turn off after 20 minutes of inactivity.
- Accessibility Shortcut: You can also configure the Accessibility Shortcut (Settings -> Accessibility -> Accessibility Shortcut) to include Guided Access. This allows you to quickly toggle Guided Access on and off by triple-clicking the top button, even if you don’t have a specific app open. This makes enabling Guided Access even faster.
- Face ID/Touch ID: You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID to end Guided Access. This provides a convenient alternative to using a passcode. To enable this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Passcode Settings, and toggle the Face ID/Touch ID option.
By following these steps, you can effectively use Guided Access on iPads without a home button to create a focused and secure user experience. This is particularly useful in environments where you want to limit iPad functionality to a single application.
