Q: forgotten guided access passcode

You have to reset the device 2 times in a row by holding the home and off button at the same time for about 10 seconds. After that, go into settings - general - accessibility - guided access and turn it off. (This was my 8 year old's answer after creating this mess in the first place but also figuring out the remedy. Good job kiddo!)

DO NOT RESET your device if it is connected to your computer and it displays any of the following messages:

• Connected. Eject before disconnecting
• Sync in Progress. Please wait…
• Do not disconnect

Instead:

• First, eject your device from iTunes or using Finder.

Finally, reset your device:

• To reset, press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. (See the knowledgebase article, ”Turn your iOS device off and on (restart) and reset.”)

When the device restarts, it will no longer be in Guided Access mode.

Some have reported that it’s necessary to reset twice, but it is not generally necessary to reset it more than once in order to exit Guided Access mode.

If you continue to have problems, see the knowledgebase article, “iOS: Not responding or does not turn on”.