How do I disable Guided Access on my iPhone?

When i try the volume buttons thing and power button it still takes me back to the app with guided access



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Mar 22, 2025 1:41 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 22, 2025 1:58 PM

  • Is this an iPhone or iPad?
  • Do you have a physical home button?


To do the Force Restart, which I believe you are trying, it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct. For most devices:

  • Press and quickly release the Volume Up
  • Press and quickly release the Volume Down
  • Press and HOLD the side/top button until the Apple Logo appears. This could take up to 15 seconds and you will want to ignore anything else you see on the screen during that time. If you do not see the Apple Logo, then it has not been done correctly and you will need to try again.


The support article shows this method and a Force Restart should only be needed if this does not work:

Triple-click the Side or Home button, enter your Guided Access passcode, then tap End. Or if you turned on Touch ID or Face ID for Guided Access, double-click the Side or Home button.

Use Guided Access with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 22, 2025 1:58 PM in response to Treasurea20

  • Is this an iPhone or iPad?
  • Do you have a physical home button?


To do the Force Restart, which I believe you are trying, it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct. For most devices:

  • Press and quickly release the Volume Up
  • Press and quickly release the Volume Down
  • Press and HOLD the side/top button until the Apple Logo appears. This could take up to 15 seconds and you will want to ignore anything else you see on the screen during that time. If you do not see the Apple Logo, then it has not been done correctly and you will need to try again.


The support article shows this method and a Force Restart should only be needed if this does not work:

Triple-click the Side or Home button, enter your Guided Access passcode, then tap End. Or if you turned on Touch ID or Face ID for Guided Access, double-click the Side or Home button.

Use Guided Access with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Mar 23, 2025 6:01 AM in response to Treasurea20

At that point it may be best to contact Apple directly as the only other options I am aware of include an unverified method of using Lost Mode, and the other is a Factory Reset that will result in data loss if your do not have an iCloud backup.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


  • Lost Mode - If you have another device, then you can try to mark the device as lost by signing into your iCloud account. I have not verified this method, but apparently when you take it out of Lost Mode, it will no longer be in Guided Access.

Use Lost Mode in Find Devices on iCloud.com - Apple Support

  • Factory Reset - This is a 2 step process that first requires erasing your device, and then restoring it from your iCloud backup. If you do not have a backup, then all data will be lost.

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support



This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I disable Guided Access on my iPhone?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.