As a parent, it’s crucial to ensure that your children have a safe and controlled experience when using technology. iPhones and iPads have become popular devices for kids to play games, watch videos, and explore educational apps. However, you may be concerned about the unrestricted access to the touchscreen, potentially leading to accidental taps or unwanted purchases. Luckily, iOS offers a feature called Guided Access that allows you to disable the touchscreen temporarily. In this article, I will guide you through the steps to enable Guided Access on your iPhone or iPad and how to disable the touchscreen effectively.
What is Guided Access on iOS?
Guided Access is a built-in accessibility feature on iOS devices that allows you to restrict the functions of the device to a single app or disable specific areas of the screen. This feature is particularly useful when you want to limit your child’s access to certain apps or prevent them from exiting the app accidentally. By enabling Guided Access, you can effectively disable the touchscreen, restrict button functions, and even disable motion sensors.
Enable Guided Access on Your iPhone or iPad
To begin, you need to enable Guided Access on your iPhone or iPad. Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
- Tap on Guided Access.
- Toggle the Guided Access switch to enable it.
- Set a passcode that you will use to exit Guided Access later.
With Guided Access enabled, you are now ready to disable the touchscreen on your iPhone or iPad.
Disable Touchscreen on Your iPhone and iPad
After enabling Guided Access, you can now disable the touchscreen on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how:
- Open the app you want to use and hand it to your child.
- Triple-click the home button to launch Guided Access.
- In the Guided Access screen, tap on Options at the bottom left corner.
- Toggle off the Touch option to disable the touchscreen.
- If necessary, you can also disable other options like volume buttons or motion sensors.
Once you have disabled the touchscreen, your child will be unable to exit the app or perform any unintended actions. It gives you peace of mind knowing that they are engaged in a safe and controlled environment.
Exit Guided Access Mode and Re-Enable Touchscreen on iPhone and iPad
When your child is done using the device, you can easily exit Guided Access and re-enable the touchscreen. Follow these steps:
- Triple-click the home button again or press the side button (for devices without a home button) to bring up the Guided Access screen.
- Enter your passcode to exit Guided Access mode.
- Tap on End at the top left corner of the screen.
Once you have exited Guided Access, the touchscreen will be re-enabled, and your device will return to normal functionality.
