What Guided Access does and why you might use it
Guided Access locks your iPhone or iPad to a single app and lets you control what parts of the screen work. Once it is on, the person using the device cannot leave that app, swipe to other apps, or access buttons you have disabled — they can only interact with the areas you allow.
This is useful if you are handing your device to a child who should only use one app, if you want to prevent accidental taps on sensitive buttons, or if you need to keep someone focused on a specific task without distraction. You can also set a time limit so the app closes automatically after a set number of minutes.
Guided Access is built into every iPhone and iPad. It does not require any app download or special setup beyond turning it on in Settings once.
Key Takeaways
- Guided Access locks your device to one app and disables the parts of the screen you choose, preventing accidental or unwanted navigation.
- You turn it on in Settings under Accessibility, then activate it for any app by triple-clicking the side button (or home button on older devices).
- You can draw circles or lines on the screen to disable specific buttons, and set a time limit for how long the app stays open.
- You will need to enter a passcode to exit Guided Access, so the person using the device cannot turn it off themselves.
- Guided Access works on any iPhone or iPad and does not require internet or any additional software.
How to turn on Guided Access in Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Accessibility, which is usually near the bottom of the main Settings menu.
Scroll down and tap Guided Access. You will see a toggle switch at the top — tap it to turn Guided Access on. The switch will turn green.
You will then see a prompt asking you to set a Guided Access passcode. This is a four-digit code (or longer, if you prefer) that you will need to enter to turn off Guided Access later. Choose a code you will remember, because you cannot exit Guided Access without it. Tap Set Passcode and enter your code twice to confirm it.
That is all you need to do in Settings. Guided Access is now ready to use.
How to start Guided Access when you hand over your device
Open the app you want to lock — for example, YouTube Kids or a drawing app. Once the app is open and showing what you want the user to see, triple-click the side button (on newer iPhones) or the home button (on older iPhones and iPads). The screen will dim slightly and you will see a menu appear.
Tap Guided Access at the bottom of the menu. The app screen will now show a semi-transparent overlay with circles and lines you can draw on the screen.
How to disable parts of the screen
Before you start Guided Access, you can block specific buttons or areas so they do not respond to taps. For example, you might want to disable the home button, the back button, or a settings icon.
While the overlay is showing, use your finger to draw a circle around any button or area you want to disable. Draw a complete circle and lift your finger — the area inside the circle will turn red, meaning it is now blocked. Taps on that area will do nothing.
You can draw as many circles as you need. If you make a mistake, tap the circle and it will disappear so you can draw again. You can also draw lines to block larger areas of the screen.
How to set a time limit
While the Guided Access overlay is still showing, look for the Time Limit option near the bottom of the screen. Tap it and you will see a timer. Use the plus and minus buttons to set how many minutes you want the app to stay open.
For example, if you set it to 30 minutes, the app will automatically close and return to the home screen after 30 minutes have passed. This is helpful if you want to make sure the device is not used for longer than you intend.
If you do not set a time limit, Guided Access will stay on until you enter your passcode to turn it off.
How to start Guided Access and lock the device
Once you have drawn circles around the buttons you want to disable and set a time limit (if you want one), tap the Start button in the top right corner. The overlay will disappear and Guided Access will be active.
The device is now locked to this app. The person using it can tap anywhere on the screen except the areas you circled, but they cannot swipe to other apps, access the home screen, or open Control Center. If you set a time limit, a timer will count down in the top left corner.
Hand the device over. The user can now only use the app the way you have set it up.
How to turn off Guided Access
To exit Guided Access, triple-click the side button (or home button) again. A menu will appear asking you to end Guided Access. Tap End Guided Access and you will be prompted to enter your passcode.
Type in the four-digit code you set up in Settings. Once you enter it correctly, Guided Access will turn off and the device will return to normal. The user will be able to swipe between apps and access all buttons again.
If you forget your passcode, you will need to restart your device to turn off Guided Access. This will erase any unsaved work in the app, so choose your passcode carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Guided Access on an iPad?
Yes. Guided Access works the same way on iPad as it does on iPhone. The only difference is that on older iPads without a side button, you triple-click the home button instead. The Settings steps and the way you disable buttons are identical.
What happens if the person using the device tries to leave the app?
They cannot. Swiping from the edges of the screen does nothing, the home button does not work (unless you did not disable it), and they cannot access the app switcher. They are locked into that one app until you enter your passcode to turn off Guided Access.
Can I change what areas are blocked after I start Guided Access?
No. Once you tap Start, the circles you drew are locked in place. If you need to change which buttons are disabled, you will have to end Guided Access, enter your passcode, and start it again with different circles drawn.
What if I set a time limit and it runs out?
The app will close automatically and the device will return to the home screen. Guided Access will turn off. The user cannot extend the time or reopen the app without your passcode.
Does Guided Access work without internet?
Yes. Guided Access is a feature built into your device and does not need an internet connection to work. It will function even if your device is in airplane mode.