Guided Access is a powerful accessibility feature on iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches that allows you to restrict your device to a single app and control which features are available. This is particularly useful when you want to let a child use your device or prevent accidental gestures from disrupting your activity. This guide provides a detailed explanation of what Guided Access is, how to set it up, and how to use it effectively on your iPhone.
Setting Up Guided Access on Your iPhone
Before you can use Guided Access, you need to enable it in your iPhone’s settings. Here’s how:
- Navigate to Settings > Accessibility.
- Scroll down and select Guided Access.
- Toggle the Guided Access switch to the “on” position.
After enabling Guided Access, configure a passcode that will be used to end the session:
- Tap on Passcode Settings.
- Select Set Guided Access Passcode.
- Enter a passcode, then re-enter it to confirm.
- You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID as an alternative way to end a Guided Access session.
Starting a Guided Access Session
Once Guided Access is set up, starting a session is straightforward:
- Open the specific app you intend to use with Guided Access.
- Triple-click the Side button (on iPhone X and later models) or the Home button (on iPhone 8 and earlier models).
- (Optional) If there are areas on the screen you want to disable touch input on, use one finger to draw a circle around those areas. You can move or resize these circles as needed, or tap the “X” to remove them.
- Tap Guided Access, then tap Start in the top right corner.
Guided Access settings in iOS Accessibility menu
Alternatively, you can start a Guided Access session using Siri. Open the desired app and say, “Turn on Guided Access.” Note that Siri features may vary by region.
Controlling Available Features During a Guided Access Session
Guided Access allows granular control over which features are accessible during a session:
- Triple-click the Side button or Home button.
- Tap Options in the bottom left corner. If you don’t see the Options button, triple-click the Side button or Home button again and enter your passcode.
- A menu appears, presenting options such as disabling the Sleep/Wake button, Volume buttons, Motion, Keyboards, Touch, Dictionary Lookup, and setting a Time Limit.
- Toggle the options you wish to enable or disable, then tap Done.
Here’s a breakdown of the available options:
- Sleep/Wake Button: Disables the Sleep/Wake button, preventing the device from being put to sleep.
- Volume Buttons: Disables the volume buttons.
Disabling the volume buttons within the Guided Access options.
- Motion: Limits the device’s response to motion, preventing screen rotation and disabling shake gestures.
- Keyboards: Disables the keyboard from appearing.
Example of Guided Access settings to disable keyboards on an iPhone.
- Touch: Disables all touch input on the screen.
- Dictionary Lookup: Enables the Look Up feature when text is selected.
Dictionary Lookup toggle within the Guided Access feature options.
- Time Limit: Sets a time limit for the Guided Access session, automatically ending it after the specified duration.
Ending a Guided Access Session
To end a Guided Access session:
- Triple-click the Side button or Home button.
- Enter your Guided Access passcode.
- Tap End in the top left corner.
If you have enabled Touch ID or Face ID for Guided Access, you can simply double-click the Side button or Home button and authenticate to end the session.
Conclusion
Guided Access is a valuable tool for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to focus on a single task on their iPhone without distractions. By understanding how to set up and use Guided Access, you can enhance your device’s usability and tailor it to specific needs. Whether you’re safeguarding your device from unwanted interactions or creating a distraction-free environment, Guided Access offers a flexible solution.
