Guided Access, which was introduced in iOS 6, is a feature that enables parents, teachers, and also people with disabilities to lock down their device’s use to a single app only, and allows them to set which app features are available. The Guided Access feature is helpful to owners who have a child who uses their iPods, iPhones, or iPads either with or without their permission. It’s also a great way to help you keep your focus on a particular task while using your device. Read on to find out how simple it is to enable it.
From your Home screen:
> Tap Settings, and then tap General.
> Scroll down and tap Accessibility, and then tap Guided Access.
> Tap its slider to turn it on, and then tap Set Passcode.
Now, enter a four-digit passcode combination when prompted and make sure your child will never guess and find out about it. After setting up the passcode, tap the arrow on the upper left-hand corner to go back to the previous screen.
> Scroll down, and tap Triple Click Home.
> Select Guided Access as one of the options that will pop up once you hit the Home button three times.
Next, look for the app you want to apply the Guided Access feature on, and then launch it. You may want to find out your child’s usual go-to app first to make this entire configuration worthwhile. While the app or game is open, press the Home button for three successive times. The screen will shrink down and then will show several options.
> From here, tap Options, and then set Hardware Buttons to OFF, Touch to ON, and Motion to ON.
By default, the Sleep and Volume controls are disabled. These settings will allow your child to still be able to play, but in a controlled setup. If the app contains buttons or areas that you don’t want your kids to have access to, simply draw a circle on the screen using your finger on the area that you want to be restricted.
Once you are ready to lock down the app, tap the Start button on the upper right-hand corner. If you disabled some areas of the screen, those parts will appear as slightly grayed out covered with diagonal stripes to indicate that they’re set as disabled. You will also notice that when you press the Home button, a small banner will roll in from the top to indicate that you’re currently in Guided Access mode.
Once your child is finished playing with your gadget and would like to set it back to its normal settings, simply press the Home button three times, and then enter your four-digit passcode. Your Apple device is now back to its usual state. If in case you would like to set a new app in Guided Access mode, you don’t need to go through the same process again. Simply launch then new app, then press the Home button for three consecutive times again to re-enable the feature.
Now, you’ll never worry about your kid wandering around your private photos, videos, or watch some violent YouTube clips, or secretly play a ghastly horror game behind your back.