Guided Access is a helpful feature on iPhones that allows you to lock your device into a single app. This can be useful for various reasons, such as preventing a child from exiting a game or keeping a customer focused on a specific application in a business setting. However, it can be frustrating if you find yourself locked out of your device because you can’t turn off Guided Access, especially when your phone is locked. This guide provides several solutions to turn off Guided Access, even when your iPhone is locked and the standard methods aren’t working.
Understanding Guided Access and Why It Might Be Stuck
Guided Access limits your iPhone to a single app and allows you to disable certain hardware buttons and screen areas. It’s typically enabled by triple-clicking the side button (on iPhones without a Home button) or the Home button (on older iPhones). Similarly, it’s usually disabled using the same triple-click method and entering a passcode or using Touch ID/Face ID.
However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. You might find yourself stuck in Guided Access mode due to a forgotten passcode, a software glitch, or unresponsive buttons. Here’s how to troubleshoot and regain control of your iPhone.
Methods to Turn Off Guided Access When Your Phone is Locked
Here are several methods you can try to turn off Guided Access when your iPhone is locked:
1. Force Restart Your iPhone
A force restart can often resolve minor software glitches that might be preventing you from exiting Guided Access. The process varies depending on your iPhone model:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button (power button) until you see the Apple logo.
Force Restart iPhone
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the side button (power button) and the volume down button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold both the Home button and the side button (power button) simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
Once your iPhone restarts, it should exit Guided Access mode, allowing you to enter your passcode and use your device normally.
2. Use iCloud to Mark Your Device as Lost
This method requires you to have Find My iPhone enabled on your device and access to another device (computer, tablet, or another phone) to log in to your iCloud account.
- On another device, go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID credentials.
- Click on “Find iPhone.”
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click on “Mark as Lost.”
- Follow the prompts to lock your device.
Marking your device as lost remotely locks it and may override the Guided Access settings, allowing you to regain control.
3. Try Triple-Clicking the Side or Home Button Repeatedly
While it might not work the first time, repeatedly and quickly triple-clicking the side button (or Home button) can sometimes trigger the Guided Access passcode screen, even when the phone is seemingly unresponsive. This method might require patience and persistence.
4. Let the Battery Drain Completely
This is a last resort, as it can take a significant amount of time. However, if none of the above methods work, letting the iPhone’s battery drain completely might force a shutdown that resets Guided Access. Once the battery is fully drained and the phone turns off, charge it and turn it back on. Hopefully, this will bring you to the lock screen.
5. Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes or Finder (if possible)
If you have previously synced your iPhone with iTunes (on older macOS versions) or Finder (on newer macOS versions), you can try restoring your device. This method will erase all data on your iPhone, so use it only as a last resort.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes or Finder.
- If prompted, trust the computer on your iPhone. Since you are locked in Guided Access, this step might not be possible.
- Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes or Finder.
- Click “Restore iPhone.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your device to its factory settings.
6. Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the above methods and are still unable to turn off Guided Access, your best option is to contact Apple Support. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or offer a solution specific to your situation.
Preventing Future Guided Access Lockouts
To avoid future frustration, consider these tips:
- Remember Your Guided Access Passcode: The most obvious solution is to remember the passcode you set for Guided Access. Consider writing it down in a secure location or using a password manager.
- Enable Touch ID or Face ID for Guided Access: If your iPhone supports Touch ID or Face ID, enable it for Guided Access. This provides an alternative way to exit Guided Access without needing to remember a passcode. To do this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Passcode Settings and enable Touch ID or Face ID.
- Disable Guided Access When Not in Use: Turn off Guided Access when you don’t need it to prevent accidental activation and potential lockouts. You can toggle it off in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
Conclusion
Being locked out of your iPhone due to Guided Access can be a stressful experience. By following these steps, you should be able to regain control of your device and prevent future lockouts. Remember to prioritize the methods that don’t involve data loss, such as force restarting your iPhone or using iCloud to mark it as lost. If all else fails, contacting Apple Support is always a viable option.
