Guided Access is stuck or won't turn on

Guided Access is Apple's feature that locks an iPhone or iPad into a single app — useful for letting someone use your device without accidentally opening other apps, or for keeping a child focused on one thing. When it stops working, the most common reason is that you haven't actually turned it on yet, or it's enabled but the settings got changed.

The second most common reason is that you're trying to use it on an app that Apple has blocked Guided Access from controlling. Some built-in apps like Settings and Health won't lock down the way you expect. A third reason is that the device needs a restart, or iOS itself has a small glitch that a restart will fix.

Start by checking whether Guided Access is actually turned on in your device settings. Then test it on a different app to see whether the problem is the app itself or the feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Guided Access must be turned on in Settings under Accessibility before you can use it, and many people skip this step.
  • Some built-in Apple apps like Settings, Health, and Wallet cannot be locked with Guided Access, even when the feature is on.
  • If Guided Access is on but won't set up, restart your iPhone or iPad — this fixes most temporary glitches.
  • You set up Guided Access by triple-pressing the side button (or home button on older models) after you've opened the app you want to lock.

Check that Guided Access is actually turned on

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Accessibility, then scroll down and tap Guided Access. Make sure the toggle next to Guided Access is switched on (it will be green). If it's off, tap it to turn it on.

While you're in this menu, you'll also see options for a passcode. Guided Access uses a passcode to prevent someone from exiting the locked app. You can set a custom passcode, or use Face ID or Touch ID instead. If you don't set any of these, Guided Access won't actually lock — anyone can just press the home button and leave. So if you want the lock to work, make sure one of these three is enabled.

After you've turned on Guided Access and set a passcode or biometric lock, go back to your home screen and try again.

Test Guided Access on a different app

The app you're trying to lock might be one that Guided Access doesn't support. Apple's built-in apps — Settings, Health, Wallet, Stocks, and a few others — cannot be locked with Guided Access. If you're trying to use it on one of these, that's why it won't work.

Open a different app instead, one that's not made by Apple. Maps, Messages, Safari, or any third-party app like YouTube or a game usually work fine. Open that app, then triple-press the side button (on newer iPhones) or the home button (on older models). You should see a Guided Access screen appear. If it does, then Guided Access itself is working — the problem was just the app you chose.

If Guided Access still won't appear even on a different app, move to the next step.

Restart your device

A restart clears temporary glitches that can prevent Guided Access from responding. The method depends on your device model.

On iPhone X and newer: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the phone. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.

On iPhone 8 and earlier, or iPad with a home button: Press and hold the top button (or side button) until the power-off slider appears. Drag it to turn off the device. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo shows.

After the device restarts, go back to Settings, confirm Guided Access is still on, and try again.

Make sure you're using the right button combination

The way you set up Guided Access changed depending on which iPhone or iPad you have. If you're pressing the wrong button, nothing will happen.

On iPhone X and newer, or iPad Pro: Triple-press the side button (the power button on the right edge).

On iPhone 8 and earlier: Triple-press the home button (the round button at the bottom).

On iPad Air 2 and earlier, or iPad mini 4 and earlier: Triple-press the home button.

Open an app first, then use the correct triple-press for your device. You should see the Guided Access screen appear with options to set restrictions and start the session.

Check for a pending software update

Bugs in older versions of iOS or iPadOS can break Guided Access. Check whether your device is running the latest version by going to Settings, tapping General, and then Software Update. If an update is available, connect to Wi-Fi and install it.

After the update installs and your device restarts, test Guided Access again. Most feature problems are fixed by staying current with Apple's updates.

Reset Guided Access settings

If Guided Access is on but still won't work after a restart and a software update, try removing and re-adding the feature. Go to Settings, tap Accessibility, then Guided Access. Turn the toggle off. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Set a new passcode or enable Face ID or Touch ID again.

This clears out any corrupted settings that might be preventing the feature from working. After you've done this, test it on an app that you know works — not a built-in Apple app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Guided Access without a passcode?

Guided Access will turn on without a passcode set, but it won't actually lock the app. Anyone can exit by pressing the home button or swiping up. You need either a custom passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID enabled for the lock to work.

Why won't Guided Access work on the Settings app?

Apple blocks Guided Access from locking certain built-in apps, including Settings, Health, Wallet, and Stocks. This is intentional — you cannot lock these apps. Try a different app instead, or use a third-party app that does the same thing.

Does Guided Access work on all iPad models?

Yes, Guided Access is available on all iPhones and iPads running current versions of iOS or iPadOS. The button you press to set up it changes by model — newer devices use the side button, older ones use the home button.

What happens if I forget my Guided Access passcode?

You'll need to reset your device using a computer and iTunes or Finder. This erases the device and removes the passcode. You can then set it up again. This is why it's better to use Face ID or Touch ID if your device supports it.

Can I use Guided Access on someone else's device?

Only if they've turned on Guided Access in their own Accessibility settings. You cannot enable it on a device you don't own or have access to the settings on. The person who owns the device must set it up first.