If you’ve ever handed your iPad to a child, you know what happens next: they tap out of the app, open something else, rearrange your home screen, or accidentally send a message to your boss. The good news? Apple built a feature specifically for this, and it pairs perfectly with myplayshop.
What Is Guided Access?
Guided Access is a built-in iPad feature that locks the device to a single app. Once it’s turned on, the Home button, gestures, and notifications are all disabled. The child can only use the app you’ve chosen. Nothing else. Think of it as a “kid mode” for your iPad.
It’s completely free, already on your iPad, and takes just a couple of minutes to set up.
How to Enable Guided Access
Before you can use Guided Access, you need to turn it on in your iPad’s settings. You only need to do this once.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Scroll down and tap Guided Access (under the General section).
- Toggle Guided Access on.
- Tap Passcode Settings and set a passcode that you’ll use to exit Guided Access later. Pick something your child won’t guess!
- Optionally, enable Face ID or Touch ID so you can end a session quickly without typing your passcode every time.
That’s it. Guided Access is now ready to use whenever you need it.
How to Start a Guided Access Session
Once Guided Access is enabled:
- Open the app you want to lock the iPad to. For example, open myplayshop in Safari or as a home screen app.
- Triple-click the Side button (or Home button on older iPads). A Guided Access screen will appear.
- You’ll see options before starting:
- Circle areas of the screen to disable touch in those zones (useful if you want to block certain buttons).
- Tap Options in the bottom-left to control things like the Volume Buttons, Motion, Keyboard, and Time Limit.
- Tap Start in the top-right corner.
The iPad is now locked to that one app. Swiping up, pressing the Home button, or pulling down notifications won’t work. The child can only interact with the app in front of them.
How to End a Guided Access Session
When it’s time to take the iPad back:
- Triple-click the Side button (or Home button).
- Enter your Guided Access passcode, or use Face ID / Touch ID if you set that up.
- Tap End in the top-left corner.
You’re back to normal. Full control of the iPad restored.
Tips for Using Guided Access with myplayshop
Guided Access pairs perfectly with myplayshop for classroom or home play:
- Set it up before handing over the iPad. Open myplayshop, start the Guided Access session, and then give the iPad to your child. That way they start right in the game.
- Disable the volume buttons if you want to prevent kids from turning the sound all the way up (or off). You can do this in the Options menu when starting a session.
- Use the time limit feature if you want the session to end automatically after a set period. Great for taking turns in a classroom.
- Circle areas to disable if you want to prevent tapping on specific parts of the screen, like the settings gear in the corner.
- It works great for group play. In a classroom, set up several iPads with myplayshop and Guided Access, and kids can play shopkeeper without wandering into other apps or settings.
Guided Access gives kids the freedom to play independently, and gives you peace of mind that they’re staying exactly where you want them. If you haven’t tried myplayshop yet, it’s free and works great with Guided Access. Set it up, lock the screen, and let them play.