How to Lock Apps in iPhone or iPad in 2021

Wondering how to lock apps in iPhone or iPad, perhaps so you can prevent your child from closing an app? Do you want to prevent your child from closing an app on your iPhone or iPad? You don’t need to download an app that locks your screen. Your iPad or iPhone is already equipped with everything you need to stop your child (whether toddler or teenager) from exiting an app, whether it’s FaceTime, your chosen educational app, etc. For example:

• No more hanging up on Grandma during FaceTime
• No more exiting an educational app to play games or watch TikTok
• Prevent your child from clicking on ad banners (go to advanced section)

All you need is the built-in Guided Access section of your Accessibility Settings.

If I had a dollar for every time I complained to my sister that iPhones should have more parental controls, I might be as rich as the Woz himself. I desperately wanted my toddler to be able to FaceTime with his out-of-state grandparents without him constantly hanging up on them. I wanted to let him play his alphabet app without him calling random people in my contact list (yep–it happened a lot). Guess what–there is a way!

Quick to set up, Even Easier Going Forward

Once you’ve set this up the first time, going forward, it only takes about two seconds to do.

How to Lock App in iPhone or iPad

1. Go to Settings: Accessibility: Guided Access.
2. Enable Guided Access and Accessibility Shortcut
3. Open the app you want to be locked into
4. Bring up guided access by pressing the home button quickly three times
5. One in guided access, select “start”
6. Set a passcode
7. To exit: Click the home button three times & select “Exit Guided Access”

Step 1: Open Settings: Accessibility: Guided Access

Guided Access is toward the bottom of the Accessibility menu.

Step 2: Enable “Guided Access” and the “Accessibility Shortcut” by sliding right to green

Step 3: Open the app you want your child to stay in

Step 4: Bring up Guided Access by pressing the button quickly three times

iPhone: Click the “Lock” or “Side” button quickly three times

iPad: Click the “Home” button quickly three times

This will bring up the Guided Access menu.

If Guided Access does not open up, go back to Step 1 to ensure you have enabled both Guided Access and the Accessibility Shortcut.

Step 5: Once in Guided Access, select “Start” in the top right corner of the screen

Step 6: Set a passcode

This is the passcode you will use to end Guided Access to leave the app.

You will NEED to remember this passcode, which is why they ask twice to avoid a mistype.

You can use the same passcode as your device passcode, assuming your child does not know it.

You’re done! Your child is locked into your chosen app! 

They cannot exit the app until you choose to exit Guided Access mode.

How to Exit Guided Access (to Exit/Close the app You’re locked in)

Step 1: Bring up Guided Access by pressing the button quickly three times

Step 2: Enter the passcode you previously set

Step 3: Click “End” in the top left corner

Advanced: How to stop a child from clicking on ads in apps / How to Set a Time Limit for Guided Access (aka the Child Lock App)

Step 2: Circle the areas of the screen you would like to disable

Circle the Ad Banner Area.

Step 4 (Optional): Revel in your new-found iPhone Parental Controls.

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