Locking apps on iPad

Need the same type of app/feature, and read the whole thread. Actually all the threads in all the forums but nothing as a real solutions than the ones provided by the 'others'. I wouldn't mind waiting for a bit more, but I think it is a major problem here what we're talking about. I'm not a developer or a kind, but I think that's a core design issue about iOS that applications blocking others is prohibited. So I'm guessing that's why no legit apps are on the market. On the other hand, somehow apple could've fixed this issue weeks earlier if it could have been done via simple tweak on the platform. So it's probably not that pessimistic to expect it in iOS 7 or 8, unless I'm wrong with this being a deeper issue than it seems. But if I'm wrong, than shame on people at apple and developers that they can't solve such an easy problem.

Not entirely accurate. On iOS 6 you can restrict your iPhone and iPad to ONE active app. Go to Settings>General>Accesibility>Guided Access>On. Select the app you want, TRIPPLE Click in the app and enter a suitable pass code. The device will now only run the selected app.:-)

Their post was totally accurate. Look at the date it was posted then check on the date iOS 6 was released. Guided access was added in iOS 6.

Wow I still can't believe there is no way to implement a 4 digit code lock for a specific folder or app. Dropbox can do it grant it its programmed into the app itself.

also, guided access is a ... how do I put this politely ... horrible solution to locking certain apps or folders in the same way using a wrecking ball instead of hammer to pound a nail in. Oh you want to restrict access to one app? How about instead you restrict access to ALL apps except this one.

Oh and only if you have multi gestures disabled. Which is ridiculous as they are one of the most useful navigation tools.

I'm not demanding anything, merely pointing out that it feels very amateurish that Apple hasn't implemented a way to lock individual folders. Others have said the same 2 years ago. Simplist solution it to be able to lock a folder and pull apps into it. You don't have the 4 digit code to access the folder? You don't access those apps.

Yes I will be following up with an official suggestion.

You are right, guided access is not a good way to lock someone out of a particular app or folder, but then again it was not designed to do that so I guess it is a good thing. This is like saying the Mail app is not a good spreadheet. Perhaps you should read up on guided access which is a great thing for parents and caretakers.

Since there is no file management capabilities on iOS this would be one of the reasons it would be difficult to implement file/folder locking on iDevices. Dropbox is locking access to your areas on their server.

But by all means send your feedback but there are many other features I would prefer be implemented long before that one.

I realize what you are saying Deggie "but then again it was not designed to do that" which is exaclty my point. It wasn't designed to do that so people suggesting it as a reasonable alternative aren't really helping.

To me guided access is more a tool to bring an iPad to a trade show and have it locked to the specific thing you are displaying.

I realize it's not a file management device (they like to point that out too), but the simple fact is (not including the files that are stored on the device) what is stopping them from implementing a folder lock?

Sure there might be cavates like once the app is loaded and in the task bar is is free to open, and that the files (pics, vids, music, etc) stored on the device can be accessed by multiple apps so you can't really lock them down, but I have yet to see a good reason why a lock can't be placed on a folder to prevent opening certain apps from a closed state.

No, it wasn't designed for trade shows, it was designed for use with children, children with autism, etc. and it is working as designed for them. I agree, it is not an alternative for what you want to do.

To be fair I didn't say it was designed for trade shows, just that is the best implementation that I see guided access used for since I have no autistic people around. I happily hand my iPad over to my 2 year old (well 2.5) and he knows how to navigate to his own folder on the 2nd page and closes apps with a 5 finger pinch etc. It is really surprising how well he uses it. Getting off topic...

My desire to lock folders is for a reason quite difference from most of those here, but in functionality is quite the same.

I haven't read all the replies on here so I apologise if you have already had this response. It's not the ultimate solution but has been a life saver for me. I work in special needs so I understand your need to restrict access. Do you have guided access turned on? This allows you to lock inside an app. For example: you open an app like a game, lock it, and your child won't be able close out of it or access any other apps on your iPad without your pass code. To turn on guided access you go into settings, general, accessibility then scroll down to guided access and turn it on. Set pass code and you're done. When you open an app, press the home key 3 times, circle any areas you would like to disable and press start. To stop just press home key 3 times, put in pass code and press end.

I hope this helps you or anyone else looking for a solution in this. There are quite a few little tricks like this one that are not widely known. If you hear of any iPad courses or training sessions, especially those for students with disabilities, they are well worth going to.

Yes - guided access has been thoroughly discussed in this thread.

Well my problems are with the kids getting into my files. Been there. My problem is that I'm 46 and take care of my elderly parents. They loose track of things sometimes, except looking through my Droid and my iPad. All of my passwords and notes are on my notepad. Other than putting the screen lock on, which I have already done, any suggestions on how to lock my notepad or any suggestions for downloading a free notepad that locks? Any suggestions appreciated.

There are lots of note apps that lock. SimpleNote, Evernote are two I know of. A search of the App Store or a Google search would, no doubt, turn up many more. There are lots of journal/diary apps with pincodes that some people use for notes as well.

Best of luck.

I too wish that Apple would add the ability to lock certain apps, lock an app group/folder, prevent creation of a folder (as choice in settings), lock order of icons so they can not be moved. For me this has nothing to do with children accessing the iPad (but sure would be handy for that) but rather for use in our company. My company (large cable/media company) has developed several apps to offer some services to our customer base. We wanted to display these apps on an iPad Kiosk so folks could see ant try these apps. Unfortunately the leands itself to people accidentally dragging apps on to one another and unintentionally creating folder/groups.

To simplify the user experience and to avoid wiping and reloading the iPad kiosk daily I would love to hide all apps other than the few we want to display and lock the order of the app icons. Unfortunately that type of granular security functionality is not built in to the iOS. While there are plenty of "kiosk" apps out there, they all basically do the same thing - lock you down to one application or browser (basically a slightly better version of guided access). Unfortunately I do not see this type of "lockdown" coming in the immediate future. It would be helpful for business purposes, for teachers using as a learning tool, and parents using with children. I wish it was available but I am not holding my breath. Apple only grants access to a certain and specific batch of APIs for developers and therefore a lot of the things we want can not be developed by 3rd parties. Unless Apple builds this in to the next iOS release we will not see the items many of us are asking for in this thread. Keep posting the suggestions to Apple so they hear our requests loud and clear. I love the iPad, just wish I could get this extra bit of of control over our device (without having to jailbreak).

HI tdubbs26,

I have been working on assisting familes with general fmaily and internet related safety advice / sollutions. I recently found a possible solution for you, if this is still an issue.

Its quite technical but I would like to help with this.

<Edited By Host>

Hi Henry,

If this is still an issue... I may be able to assist you.

Its quite technical.

<Edited By Host>