How to Start Guided Access on iPhone 13: A Comprehensive Guide

Guided Access is a powerful feature on your iPhone 13 that allows you to lock your device into a single app and control which features are available. This is especially useful when you want to limit distractions, let a child use your phone, or prevent accidental touches from interfering with your current task. Here’s how to start Guided Access on your iPhone 13 and customize its settings.

Setting Up Guided Access on iPhone 13

Before you can start a Guided Access session, you need to set it up in your iPhone 13’s settings:

1. Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone 13.
2. Accessibility: Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
3. Guided Access: Scroll to the bottom and tap on “Guided Access.”
4. Toggle On: Turn the “Guided Access” toggle switch to the green “on” position.
5. Passcode Settings: Tap on “Passcode Settings.”
6. Set Guided Access Passcode: Tap on “Set Guided Access Passcode.”
7. Enter Passcode: Enter a passcode that you’ll use to end Guided Access sessions. Re-enter the passcode to confirm.
8. Face ID/Touch ID (Optional): You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID to end Guided Access. This is convenient if you prefer not to use a passcode.

Initiating a Guided Access Session on iPhone 13

Now that Guided Access is set up, you can start a session within any app:

1. Open the App: Launch the app you want to lock your iPhone 13 into.
2. Triple-Click the Side Button: Quickly press the side button (power button) three times in a row. This will activate the Guided Access menu.
3. Circle Areas to Disable (Optional): If you want to disable specific areas of the screen from responding to touch, use your finger to draw circles around those areas. You can move, resize, or remove these circles by tapping the “X.”
4. Start Guided Access: Tap “Guided Access” in the bottom left corner of the screen. Then, tap “Start” in the upper right corner.

iPhone 13 Guided Access settings in Safari

Alternatively, use Siri: After opening the desired app, simply say “Turn on Guided Access” to Siri.

Customizing Guided Access Options on iPhone 13

Guided Access offers several options to customize the experience further. To access these options:

1. Triple-Click the Side Button: Press the side button three times quickly during an active Guided Access session.

2. Enter Passcode: Enter your Guided Access passcode (or use Face ID/Touch ID if enabled).

3. Tap Options: Tap the “Options” button at the bottom of the screen.

4. Choose Your Settings: From here, you can customize the following:

   • Sleep/Wake Button: Disable the ability to turn the screen off with the side button.

   • Volume Buttons: Disable the volume buttons.

   • Motion: Limit the device’s response to motion. This prevents screen rotation and disables shake-to-undo.

   • Keyboards: Disable the keyboard from appearing.

   • Touch: Disable all touch input on the screen.

   • Dictionary Lookup: Enable or disable the Look Up feature for selected text.

   • Time Limit: Set a time limit for the Guided Access session.

5. Tap Done: Once you’ve configured your desired options, tap “Done” in the top right corner.

Ending a Guided Access Session on iPhone 13

To end a Guided Access session:

1. Triple-Click the Side Button: Quickly press the side button three times in a row.
2. Enter Passcode: Enter your Guided Access passcode. Alternatively, use Face ID or Touch ID if you have it enabled.
3. Tap End: Tap “End” in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Guided Access is a useful feature that can enhance your iPhone 13 experience by providing a controlled and focused environment. By following these steps, you can easily start, customize, and end Guided Access sessions to suit your specific needs.