Guided Access is a helpful accessibility feature on iPhones and iPads that allows you to temporarily restrict your device to a single app. This can be incredibly useful for various situations, from keeping children focused on educational apps to preventing accidental exits during presentations. However, there are times when Guided Access can become unintentionally stuck, leaving users unable to exit the mode and access other functions of their device.
If you’re facing this frustrating situation and wondering How To Turn Off Guided Access, you’re in the right place. This guide provides simple and effective methods to regain control of your iPhone or iPad, even when the usual triple-click method isn’t working.
Method 1: Force Restart Your Device
The most common and often successful method to exit Guided Access when it’s stuck is to force restart your iPhone or iPad. This process bypasses the Guided Access restrictions and restarts your device, effectively turning off the mode. The steps for force restarting vary slightly depending on your device model:
For iPhones and iPads with Face ID (No Home Button):
If your iPhone or iPad doesn’t have a Home button, follow these steps:
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Power (Top) button on the right side of your device.
- Keep holding the Power button until the Apple logo appears. This may take about 20-30 seconds.
- Release the Power button. Your device will restart, and Guided Access should be turned off.
- Enter your passcode when prompted to access your device as usual.
Hands demonstrating the steps to force restart an iPad without a Home button to exit Guided Access
This sequence of button presses forces the device to shut down and restart, interrupting the Guided Access session.
For iPhones and iPads with a Home Button:
If your older iPhone or iPad has a physical Home button, the force restart process is slightly different:
- Press and hold both the Home button and the Power (Side or Top) button simultaneously.
- Continue holding both buttons for about 15-20 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Wait for your device to restart. Guided Access should now be disabled.
- Enter your passcode to unlock your iPhone or iPad.
This method achieves the same result as the previous one, forcing a restart to exit the stuck Guided Access mode.
Method 2: Using iCloud “Mark as Lost” (Alternative Method)
In some rare cases, a force restart might not immediately resolve the issue. Another reported workaround involves using iCloud’s “Mark as Lost” feature. This method requires you to have another device (computer, phone, or tablet) to access iCloud.
- Go to iCloud.com on another device using a web browser.
- Sign in to iCloud using the Apple ID and password associated with the iPhone or iPad stuck in Guided Access.
- Click on “Find iPhone” (or “Find My” if you are using a newer version of iCloud).
- Select the device that is stuck in Guided Access from the “All Devices” list.
- Click on “Mark As Lost”. Follow the on-screen instructions to mark your device as lost. You may be prompted to enter a phone number and a message, but this is optional.
- Once the device is marked as lost, it should theoretically exit Guided Access.
- Turn off “Mark As Lost” in iCloud or on your device after you regain access.
This method is less conventional but has been suggested by users as a solution when force restart doesn’t work. It seems to interrupt the software lock caused by Guided Access.
Troubleshooting Tips if Force Restart Fails
If you’ve tried force restarting your device and are still unable to turn off Guided Access, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps:
- Wait for the Battery to Drain: As a last resort if force restart methods are not working, you can let the battery of your iPhone or iPad completely drain. Once the device powers off due to low battery, charge it again and restart. This might sometimes reset the Guided Access state.
- Check Accessibility Settings: After successfully exiting Guided Access using any of the methods above, it’s advisable to go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access and ensure that Guided Access is turned off if you don’t intend to use it regularly. You can also review the settings here to adjust how Guided Access is activated and deactivated in the future.
- Consider iOS System Repair Tools: If the issue persists and your device remains stuck in Guided Access despite trying these methods, there might be a more significant software problem. In such cases, you might consider using iOS system repair tools available from third-party providers or contacting Apple Support for more advanced assistance. Restoring your device via iTunes or Finder might also be a solution, but remember that this could potentially lead to data loss if you don’t have a recent backup.
Conclusion
Getting stuck in Guided Access mode can be a frustrating experience, but thankfully, there are effective ways to regain control of your iPhone or iPad. Force restarting is usually the most straightforward solution, and understanding the correct button combinations for your device model is key. For more persistent issues, the iCloud “Mark as Lost” method or allowing the battery to drain might offer a way out.
By following these methods, you should be able to turn off Guided Access and get back to using your device without restrictions. Remember to review your Guided Access settings to prevent accidental activation in the future and ensure a smoother user experience.
