Hi Glasgowlass
and welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!
Re: "can't exit assistive access - guided access mode iPhone 15 pro max"
Apple support's online article for iOS 18: Lock iPhone to one app with Guided Access - Apple Support
says:
"End a Guided Access session
Depending on the passcode options you chose when you set up Guided Access, do any of the following:
- Use the passcode: Triple-click the side button (on an iPhone with Face ID) or Home button (on other iPhone models), then enter the Guided Access passcode. If you didn’t set a Guided Access passcode, enter your iPhone passcode.
- Use Face ID or Touch ID: If you turned on the Face ID or Touch ID option in Guided Access Passcode Settings, double-click the side button or Home button, then unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID (depending on your iPhone model)."
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re: "I can't access my phone. won't accept my password"
If you haven't already: You might want to try the Guided Access passcode (if you set one)
Else: Please see this earlier discussion thread: How do you escape Guided access if the tr… - Apple Community
Eg: A well-respected community member replies:
"When you are stuck in Guided Access mode, you are really stuck as the typical triple tap on the home button to quit out of Guided Access doesn't work. Even a forced exit won't work because the power button and the home button are disabled.
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."
All the best :-)