Can't exit iPad Guided Access

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Level 1

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Can't exit iPad Guided Access

This is extremely weird. I lent my iPad with guided access to my friend and he came back with the iPad displaying the Home Screen. App icons are darkened and I can't access anything. I tried triple-clicking the top button but simply doesn't work. I then accidentally took a screenshot and got into the screenshot editing page and I can no longer tap on anything. The screen is completely frozen. I can't touch, exit, lock, or even power off it. Every procedure I found online like holding the top button for 15 seconds doesn't help. Any help would be appreciated!

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Nov 9, 2023 6:57 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Level 10

320,410 points

Nov 9, 2023 7:42 AM in response to strmologie

When you are stuck in Guided Access mode, you can be really stuck as the typical triple tap on the home button to quit out of Guided Access may not work. Even a forced exit won't work because the power button and the home button are disabled.

Devices with a physical Home Button

The only way to get out of Guided Access is to press the Home and Power button together for 15 seconds. This should turn off Guided Access by forcibly rebooting your device. Once your device is restarted, you can then go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Guided Access - and turn off Guided Access if needed.

Use Guided Access on iPad - Apple Support

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

Devices without a physical Home Button

For iPad’s without a physical Home button, you’ll need to follow a different button sequence…

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

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Can't exit iPad Guided Access

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