How to Turn On Guided Access on iPhone XR: A Step-by-Step Guide

Guided Access is a powerful feature on your iPhone XR that allows you to lock your device to a single app and control which features are available. This is particularly useful when you want to limit distractions, prevent unintended actions, or allow a child to use your iPhone without accessing other apps or settings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to turn on Guided Access on iPhone XR, set it up, control its features, and end a session.

Setting Up Guided Access on Your iPhone XR

Before you can use Guided Access, you need to enable it in your iPhone XR’s settings. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone XR.
2. Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
3. Scroll down to the General section and tap on Guided Access.
4. Toggle the switch to turn Guided Access on.

Next, you will want to configure the passcode settings for Guided Access:

1. In the Guided Access settings, tap on Passcode Settings.

2. Tap on Set Guided Access Passcode.

3. Enter a passcode that you will remember, and then re-enter it to confirm.

   • Note: For added convenience, you can also enable Face ID to end a Guided Access session. This option will appear after you set your passcode.

Starting a Guided Access Session on iPhone XR

Once Guided Access is set up, starting a session is easy:

1. Open the app that you want to lock the iPhone XR to.

2. Triple-click the Side button (the power button on the right side of the iPhone XR).

3. The Guided Access menu will appear. From here you can disable touch controls on certain sections of the screen:

   • To disable parts of the screen, use one finger to circle the areas you want to block. You can move or resize these circles, or tap the “X” to remove them.

4. Tap Start in the upper-right corner of the screen.

iPhone XS settings for guided access showing safari app

Controlling Available Features During a Guided Access Session

Guided Access allows you to customize which features are available while the session is active. To access these options:

1. Triple-click the Side button.
2. Enter your Guided Access passcode (or use Face ID, if enabled).
3. Tap Options at the bottom of the screen. If you don’t see “Options”, triple-click the Side button again and enter your passcode.

Here’s a breakdown of the available options:

• Sleep/Wake Button: Disable the power button.
• Volume Buttons: Disable the volume buttons.

Alt Text: Guided Access setting showing the option to disable volume buttons on iPhone XR.

• Motion: Restrict the iPhone’s response to motion. Disabling will prevent screen rotation and disable shake gestures.
• Keyboards: Disable the keyboard from appearing.

Alt Text: Illustration of the guided access settings with keyboard toggle highlighted.

• Touch: Disable all touch input on the screen.

Alt Text: Guided access feature showing touch control settings on iPhone XR.

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

Once you’ve selected your desired options, tap Done in the upper-right corner.

Ending a Guided Access Session on Your iPhone XR

To end a Guided Access session:

1. Triple-click the Side button.
2. Enter your Guided Access passcode or use Face ID.
3. Tap End in the upper-left corner of the screen.

With these steps, you can now efficiently use Guided Access on your iPhone XR for various purposes, from securing your device during a presentation to providing a safe and focused environment for children.