Use Guided Access to Securely Share an App on Your iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads are incredibly personal devices, but there may be times you want to let someone else use a specific app without giving them free rein over your private data. Whether it’s letting a child play a game, allowing a volunteer to check in event attendees, or handing your device to a nosy friend, Apple’s Guided Access feature is the perfect solution.

What is Guided Access?

Guided Access temporarily restricts your device to a single app and limits what actions can be performed, ensuring privacy and focus.

How to Set It Up

1. Open Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access, and toggle it on
2. Set passcode you won't forget and that the person using it doesn't know
3. Choose whether to enable auto-lock during sessions. You may want to set this to "never" if it's meant to be a kiosk.

Using Guided Access

1. Open the app you want to share
2. Triple-click the side or top button to activate Guided Access
3. Use your finger to draw a circle on any areas of the screen that should be disabled, such as a back button
4. Adjust options, if needed
   • Side Button: If toggled on, allows them to turn the screen off by pressing the side button
   • Volume Buttons: If toggled on, allows them to change the volume with the buttons on the side
   • Motion: If toggled on, allows them to rotate the screen; if toggled off rotation is locked
   • Software Keyboards: If toggled on, allows them to type on the screen
   • Touch: Toggle on to allow them to tap things on the screen
   • Time Limit: If toggled on, set a time limit after which your device locks

Ending a Session

1. Triple-click the side or top button again
2. Enter the Guided Access passcode
3. Tap End

Guided Access is a simple yet powerful tool for sharing your iPhone or iPad while safeguarding your personal information and ensuring the other person stays focused on the task or app at hand.

(Featured image by iStock.com/Userba011d64_201)