Guided Access is a fantastic tool for limiting functionality and distractions, but sometimes it can sputter out. Don’t worry, though. This guide will be your one-stop shop to fix Guided Access not working on your iPhone and iPad. We’ll dive into common issues, explore simple yet effective solutions, and even share some bonus tips to optimize your Guided Access experience.

1. Enable Guided Access Session

When troubleshooting Guided Access not working on your iPhone and iPad, the very first thing to do is check if the Guided Access Sessions are turned on your device. Here’s how to do so:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Select Accessibility and navigate to Guided Access.
3. Finally, turn on the button next to Guided Access.
   
   

Make sure to turn on the Accessibility Shortcut switch. This will let you easily start Guided Access by just clicking the side button three times.

2. Enable the Accessibility shortcut if Guided Access is not activating

Turning on the Accessibility shortcut gives you a handy way to start Guided Access whenever you want. With this shortcut, you can easily get to the Guided Access feature in just a few clicks.

Usually, triple-clicking is what activates Guided Access, but if that’s not working, you can check if the trigger has been changed by following these steps.

1. Open the Settings app and head to Accessibility.
2. Now, look for Accessibility Shortcut and choose Guided Access from the available options.
   
   

3. Check the Power Button

One of the simplest yet often overlooked solutions is to check the power button of your device. The power button plays a crucial role in activating and deactivating Guided Access. Ensure that your device’s power button is functioning properly by pressing it firmly to turn the screen on and off.

Sometimes, a faulty power button can disrupt the normal functioning of Guided Access, preventing it from initiating or locking the device as intended. To troubleshoot this issue, start by inspecting the power button for any physical damage or obstruction. Clean the button gently to remove any dirt or debris that might be affecting its responsiveness.

If the power button seems to be in good condition, but Guided Access is still not working, you can scroll down and try other fixes.

4. Review Guided Access options

You can change how Guided Access works to fit your likes by adjusting its settings. If some settings aren’t working like you want, they’re probably turned off. To turn them on, do this:

1. Press the Side button three times to open the Guided Access menu.
2. Select Options.

Here are ways to control Guided Access on your iPhone and iPad:

• Stop the side button and volume buttons from turning off the screen or changing the volume.
• Keep the screen from rotating by turning off motion.
• Turn off any keyboards used in the app.
• Choose a time limit for Guided Access so it stops after a certain amount of time.

5. Restart the iPhone or iPad

If Guided Access isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad, a simple solution is to restart your device. To do this, press and hold both the power and volume-up buttons at the same time until you see a slider on the screen.

Next, slide the slider from the right side to the left to turn off your device. Wait a few moments, and then press the power button once again to turn it back on. This process can help resolve any software issues that might be causing problems with Guided Access.

6. Update iPhone or iPad

Apple is committed to improving your iPhone and iPad’s software with frequent upgrades. The goal of these updates is to fix frequent problems that customers have, such as the Guided Access not working properly on your iPhone or iPad.

Updating your device to the latest version of iOS could be the knight in shining armor you’ve been waiting for. Software updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements, and there’s a good chance a recent update has addressed the gremlins causing your Guided Access troubles. Updating is simple:

1. Head to Settings and select General.
2. Go to Software Update, and if an update is available, download and install it.
   
   

7. Reset All Settings on your iPhone or iPad

If other troubleshooting methods haven’t resolved the issue with Guided Access, resetting all settings on your device can sometimes help. This process restores all settings to their factory defaults, but it won’t erase your personal data or apps.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on General. Scroll down to the bottom, select Transfer or Reset iPhone, and tap Reset.
   
   
3. Choose Reset All Settings.
4. Enter your passcode if prompted, and tap on Reset All Settings again to confirm.
   
   

Your device will restart, and once it’s back on, you’ll need to reconfigure your settings, including those for Guided Access. Once you’ve set up Guided Access again, try using it to see if the issue has been resolved.

Guide your device with ease

Guided Access can be a lifesaver for parents, teachers, and anyone wanting to limit access to certain apps on their iPhone or iPad. However, it can be frustrating when Guided Access is not working on an iPhone or iPad. I hope the above fixes have helped you solve the issue.