iPhone Guided Access for Kids: How to Lock Your Child in One App
What is Guided Access on iPhone?
Guided Access is a built-in iOS feature that fully restricts the iPhone to a single app.
What Guided Access prevents:
- Switching to the home screen
- Opening other apps
- Changing settings
- Accessing Control Centre
- Using the search function
- The child stays in RadauApp – without distraction.
- No accidental purchases or settings changes.
- No access to social media, browsers or other content.
- Parents can confidently hand over the device.
How do I enable Guided Access?
One-time setup (2 minutes):
1. Open Settings. 2. Tap Accessibility. 3. Tap Guided Access. 4. Turn on Guided Access. 5. Tap Passcode Settings and set a 6-digit passcode. 6. Optional: enable Face ID or Touch ID to end sessions.
Starting a Guided Access session:
1. Open RadauApp. 2. Triple-click the side button quickly (iPhone without Home button) or triple-click the Home button (older iPhones). 3. Tap "Start" at the bottom. 4. The iPhone is now restricted to RadauApp.
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How do I end Guided Access?
3 options:
- Triple-click side button / Home button → enter passcode → tap "End".
- Face ID (if enabled): Triple-click side button → scan Face ID.
- Touch ID (if enabled): Triple-click Home button → place finger.
Can I disable parts of the screen?
Yes – especially useful for children.
When starting Guided Access:
1. Circle an area on the screen that should be disabled. 2. The circled area is locked – tapping has no effect there.
Example in RadauApp:
- Circle and lock the parental area button.
- The child can see the button but cannot tap it.
Guided Access vs. Screen Time: What's the difference?
| Feature | Guided Access | Screen Time |
|---|---|---|
| Restrict to one app | ✅ | ❌ |
| Time limits per app | ❌ | ✅ |
| Block specific apps | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lock screen areas | ✅ | ❌ |
| Instant activation | ✅ | ❌ |
| For single sessions | ✅ | ❌ |