Why is the Guided Access App not working? This has been a question that we’ve been getting from quite a few iOS users. Guided Access is an incredibly useful feature that comes with some iOS devices.
It’s designed to make it easy to have kids to play with their iPad independently by restricting the use of the device to a single app while disabling other features like multitasking and the Home button.
Since it streamlines the device, it can also help most people to stay focused on a particular task without any disruptions.
This is because it allows access to only one app and also restricts the features you can use at a given time. In the end, it’s a great way to experience iOS, in a tightly-controlled manner. If you have trouble launching your app in Guided Access, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide that should help you get it working properly.
Table of Contents
How to fix the Guided Access App not working?
Many iOS users rely on the Guided Access feature to help them through their day. For instance, you can use it when your kids are doing their homework.
By limiting the device to only one app, they won’t be able to deviate from the app needed for schoolwork and access something that’s not allowed like YouTube or Facebook.
But it’s also a great tool for business people as well. You can use Guided Access to keep your focus on a single project without being distracted by other apps or features that you don’t need to be using at the moment. If this is the case, we will show you how you can make it work perfectly when it starts acting up.
1. Restart your iPhone/iPad
The first step is to restart your device. If you’re having trouble with Guided Access, then a simple restart can sometimes do the trick. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to reboot the iOS device completely. For a simple restart, you just have to press the power button until you see the “slide to power off” screen on your iPhone or iPad.
Then, simply slide the bar and turn off your device. After a few moments, you’ll see the “slide to power on” screen. Simply slide the slider at this point and your iOS device will boot up normally.
In case this fails to clear the issue, you’ll need to force restart your device. There is a chance that the app could be having trouble loading and this will make it launch properly. Keep in mind, that this process varies according to the different iPhone models.
2. Update the device
Guided Access might not be working suitably because you’re using an out-of-date version of the iOS. You ought to ensure that you have the most up-to-date version of iOS installed on your device.
To do this, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. You’ll then need to tap Download and Install and wait for your device to install the new version. Usually, a new update will iron out the bugs that might be causing problems with this application.
3. Set Accessibility
Sometimes this issue is the result of a misconfiguration in the Settings. Open the Settings screen and tap the General section. Scroll down to the Accessibility option and tap it. Next, check if Guided Access is turned on or off in the Guided Access section. Make sure that it’s turned on and that this is how you want to use your iOS device. Otherwise, it should be disabled to prevent the problems some users have reported with this feature.
4. Disable the app
In case you suspect the Guided Access app is broken or has a bug, then you can disable it. This way, the application won’t be launched anymore. You can do this by heading to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access. Here, you will have the option to disable Guided Access for all apps. To disable it for a specific app, head to that app’s section in the Accessibility section and tap to turn off it.
5. Factory Reset your iOS device
There are times when the device requires a factory reset. This might be related to other issues as well, like a bad update. If you’re having trouble with Guided Access and your device is not booting up, you can head to Settings > General > Reset and follow the on-screen instructions to perform a reset.
There is one problem that we should take note of, though. If the device gets stuck in setup mode after attempting these steps, then you might have to restore it completely from the backup file stored on iTunes or iCloud.
Also, before you do this take the time to back up all your data as this process will remove everything from the device!
Contact Apple support
If you’ve done your best and still nothing, then you’ll need to contact Apple Support. Most of these fixes work for most users but not every problem can be fixed by troubleshooting steps. Sometimes, the right alternative is to get the help of a technician.
This way, they can pinpoint the root problem and resolve it. In this scenario, calling Apple Support is the best option left.
Final Thoughts
Apple provides outstanding features to its users and Guided Access is one of them. It’s a great tool that can help you stay focused and get the most out of your iOS device. However, problems do come about from time to time. The app can stop working as it should be out of the blue. Fortunately, you’re now equipped with brilliant troubleshooting tips.
FAQs
How do I get Guided Access to work?
First of all, you have to set up this feature on your device. This means you should go to the settings and turn it on.
How do I turn off guided access on an iPad without a password?
To do this, go to the settings and then select Accessibility. From there, tap on Guided Access followed by turning off Guided Access and passcode. You will then have a chance to reset it.
