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Guided Access helps students stay focused by keeping them in one app for a set time while limiting certain iPad features. For example, it can pause the volume and sleep/wake buttons while they work.
Guided Access can support students to:
increase focus and attention
manage time effectively
remain on task without accidentally leaving an application
persevere with learning tasks
Helpful Tips:
Guided Access can only be turned on when an app is open. It can not be turned on from the Home Screen.
If setting a passcode, write it down so it is not forgotten.
Teachers should reset the passcode before starting Guided Access- Do not attempt to guess the passcode to stop Guided Access.
If the passcode is forgotten and Guided Access is not on, go to Settings. Turn Guided Access off and then on again. This will reset the passcode so that a new one can be made.
If Guided Access is on and the iPad is locked, let the battery run out. After the iPad turns off, charge it again. When the iPad turns back on, Guided Access will be off. Then, go to the Settings app. Turn Guided Access off, then on again to make a new passcode.
When using Guided Access for the first time, monitor student reactions. Some may feel frustrated if they usually use the iPad for leisure activities, so extra encouragement can help them adjust.
To turn on Guided Access on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
Tap each image below to learn more, and zoom in to get a closer look.
Go to "Settings".
Tap "Accessibility".
Swipe up to find and tap "Guided Access".
Tap the circle to toggle on "Guided Access".
To use Guided Access on an iPad in iPadOS 18:
Go to an app that Guided Access will be used with (i.e., Notes, Camera, etc.), then press the Home Button 3 times (triple-click).
With one finger, draw a shape around any areas of the screen that will be turned off.
Tap "Start".
If this is the first time using Guided Access after turning on Guided Access in the Settings app, set a 6-digit passcode. Be sure to create an easy to remember passcode.
Re-enter the 6-digit number to set the passcode.
Guided Access will now be started.
To change the Guided Access settings, press the Home Button 3-times (triple-click), then enter the passcode.
In the Guided Access menu, tap "Options".
Change the settings by tapping any of the circles to toggle on or off "Sleep/Wake Button", "Volume Buttons", "Motion", "Software Keyboards", "Touch" or "Time Limit". Then tap "Resume".
If a time limit is set, once the time is over, a "Time Expired" message will show on the screen and the iPad will be locked.
To turn off Guided Access, press the home button 3 times, enter the passcode, and tap "end".
The next time the Home Button is pressed 3 times while in an app, Guided Access will start with the same settings as before. No passcode will be needed.
Step-by-step instructions according to the iPad's Operating System:
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With Guided Access, students in the TDSB can:
focus on a learning activity. With Guided Access turned on, students can focus on the lesson or activity they are working on.
take quizzes. Guided Access prevents students from switching to other apps or getting distracted during a test.
stay in a communication app. Students can use Guided Access to keep their speech app open. This prevents them from accidentally closing the app when they need it to communicate with teachers and classmates.
watch an educational video. Students can use Guided Access to remain focused on a video without accidentally fast-forwarding, rewinding, or exiting the video. This ensures that important information is not missed.
Last Updated June 16, 2025
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