Guided Access stops working when you exit it the right way

Guided Access is a lock-down mode that restricts your device to a single app and disables certain gestures and buttons. When you want to use your device normally again, you need to exit Guided Access by entering a passcode — not by closing the app or restarting the device. The method depends on which version of iOS or iPadOS you have.

If you set up Guided Access yourself, you chose a passcode at that time. If someone else turned it on, you will need that passcode to turn it off. There is no way around this — it is a security feature. If you do not have the passcode, you will need to contact the person who set it up, or in some cases, restore your device through a computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Exit Guided Access by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or swiping down from the top on older models) and entering your passcode.
  • On devices with Face ID, you can also triple-click the top button to end Guided Access.
  • If you forget your Guided Access passcode, you will need to restore your device using a computer or contact whoever set it up.
  • Guided Access stays on until you deliberately exit it — closing the app or turning off the device does not disable it.

Exit Guided Access on newer iPhones and iPads (Face ID models)

On devices with Face ID, the fastest way to exit Guided Access is to triple-click the top button (the power button on the side of the device). This brings up the Guided Access exit screen without needing to swipe.

If triple-clicking does not work, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. You will see the Control Center. Tap End Session at the bottom of the Control Center. Your device will ask you to enter your Guided Access passcode. Type it in and tap End.

Exit Guided Access on older iPhones and iPads (Home button models)

On devices with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Control Center. Tap End Session at the bottom. You will be asked to enter your Guided Access passcode.

Type in the passcode and tap End. Your device will return to the home screen and Guided Access will be off. You can now use your device normally and switch between apps.

What to do if you forgot your Guided Access passcode

If you do not know the passcode, you cannot exit Guided Access on the device itself. Your options are to contact whoever set up Guided Access (a parent, teacher, or caregiver), or to erase and restore the device.

To restore your device, you will need a computer with iTunes (on Windows or older Mac) or Finder (on newer Mac). Connect your device to the computer, open iTunes or Finder, and select your device. Choose Restore and follow the on-screen steps. This erases everything on the device, so only do this if you have backed up your data or do not need what is on it.

Turn off Guided Access in Settings so it cannot be turned on again

If you want to prevent Guided Access from being used on your device at all, you can disable it in Settings. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then tap Guided Access. Toggle the switch next to Guided Access to the off position.

This removes Guided Access from your device entirely. No one will be able to turn it on unless they go back into Settings and enable it again. If you are a parent or caregiver who set this up for a child, disabling it here is the permanent way to stop using it.

Understand what Guided Access actually locks down

Guided Access does not just prevent you from leaving an app — it also disables specific features depending on how it was set up. The person who turned it on may have disabled the Home button, the side button, gestures, keyboard, or touch input on certain parts of the screen.

This is why simply closing the app or restarting the device does not work. Guided Access is still running in the background. You have to exit it through the Control Center or by triple-clicking the button, and you have to enter the passcode to prove you are allowed to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exit Guided Access without a passcode?

No. Guided Access requires a passcode to exit, and there is no way to bypass it. If you do not have the passcode, contact the person who set it up. If that is not possible, you will need to restore your device using a computer.

Does restarting my device turn off Guided Access?

No. Restarting does not disable Guided Access. You must exit it through the Control Center or by triple-clicking the button and entering your passcode. Guided Access will still be active after a restart.

What if I am stuck in Guided Access and cannot see the Control Center?

Try triple-clicking the top button (or Home button on older devices). This should bring up the Guided Access exit screen even if the Control Center is disabled. If that does not work, you will need the passcode to exit.

Can I change my Guided Access passcode?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Passcode Settings and tap Change Passcode. You will need to enter your current passcode first, then create a new one.

Does turning off Guided Access in Settings erase my data?

No. Disabling Guided Access in Settings simply removes the feature from your device. It does not erase any apps, photos, or other data. Everything stays on your device as it was.