[2024 Updated] 6 Quick Fixes for iPhone Stuck in Guided Access

Clare Phang
Last updated: Jan 2, 2024

This post will explain what Guided Access is first and then teach you how to get out of Guided Access while locked/get stuck.

Do you feel worried about the "iPhone stuck in Guided Access" issue?

Relax! You will find 6 helpful solutions on can't get out of Guided Access in this post. Read on for the step-by-step guide.

iPhone Guided Access

What Is Guided Access on iPhone/iPad?

Guided Access is a feature of the iPhone/iPad that allows users to restrict their iPhone/iPad to a single App with the setting time temporarily.

It is super convenient if you give your iPhone/iPad to a kid and want to set restrictions or avoid mistouching.

With it, you can easily control which app features are available under Guided Access such as the Side Button, Volume Buttons, Motion, Software Keyboards, and Touch. You can also set a Time Limit for the Guided Access (The maximum value is 23h/59mins.)

How to Fix the iPhone Stuck in Guided Access Issue

Although Guided Access is convenient, it may get stuck due to outdated iPhone software, old iOS version, iOS glitches, etc.

It's important to equip yourself with skills to fix the iPhone/iPad stuck in Guided Access issues. In total, you'll find 6 helpful methods below. Let's get started!

Triple-click the Side Button to Exit

The first yet simplest solution to fix the iPhone stuck in Guided Access is to triple-click the Side Button to exit as when you start Guided Access shows.

Triple-click the Side Button to exit

Here is how:

  1. Triple-click the Side/Sleep/Wake Button.
  2. Select Guided Access if there is more than one Triple-click Accessibility Shortcut.
    Accessibility Shortcut Guided Access
  3. Enter the passcode if asked.
  4. Click End at the top left corner.
Triple Click End Guided Access
Tip
Double-click the Side Button to end Guided Access with Face ID if you toggled on Face ID under Passcode Settings of Guided Access.
End Guided Access using Face ID

Enable Side Button and Accessibility Shortcut

The main reasons for "the iPhone stuck in Guided Access triple-click not working" are: You have disabled the Side Button or Sleep/Wake Button in the Guided Access Options, the Accessibility Shortcut is toggled off, or the Guided Access has not reached the time limit.

  • In the case that you have disabled the Side/Home Button:

Wait for your iPhone to run out of power and then toggle on the Side/Home Button after restart, or skip to other solutions.

Here is how to enable the Side Button in Guided Access:

Triple-click the Side Button >Tap Options at the bottom left corner>Toggle on the Side Button.

  • In the case that the Accessibility Shortcut is disabled:

Go to SettingsAccessibilityGuide Access>Toggle on Accessibility Shortcut.

Guided Access Accessibility Shortcut

Fix the iPhone Stuck in Guided Access with BuhoRepair

Looking for an easier and more reliable way to get out of the Guided Access stuck? BuhoRepair is here to help. It is dedicated to helping iPhone users resolve iOS system issues. Have this iPhone repair tool to help you exit the Guided Access stuck screen.

DownloadRuns on Windows & Mac
Security Verified & 100% Safe

Here is how to fix "iPhone locked in Guided Access" using BuhoRepair:

  1. Free download, install, and launch BuhoRepair.
  2. Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable.
  3. Click Repair Now under System Repair.
    BuhoRepair
  4. Select Standard RepairRepair Now.
    Fix Guided Access Stuck with BuhoRepair
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

Force Restart Your iPhone

If you have disabled the Accessibility Shortcut, you cannot use the triple-click Accessibility Shortcut to exit the Guided Access.

Try to force restart your iPhone. The ways to force restart an iPhone vary from different iPhone models:

Note
You may fail to perform the force restart if the Side Button and Volume Buttons are toggled off under the Guided Access Options.
  • For iPhone 8 or later:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the Side button.

  • iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus:

Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

  • iPhone 6s or iPhone SE (1st generation):

Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

Fix the iPhone Stuck in Guided Access via Lost Mode

Another smart way to get out of the Guided Access screen is to mark your iPhone as lost using icloud.com. Then you can reaccess your iPhone with your passcode.

Here is how to unlock Guided Access on iPhone via Lost Mode:

  1. Go to icloud.com.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
  3. Find and click Find My.
  4. Click your iPhone's icon>Mark As Lost.
    Get Out of Guided Access via Lost Mode
  5. Enter your iPhone passcode to access your iPhone.

Use iTunes/Finder to Restore Your iPhone

The ultimate way to fix the iPhone locked in Guided Access is to restore your iPhone with iTunes/Finder.

After restoring, you will be able to get access to your iPhone. However, it's worth noting that this method will cause data loss. You'd better back up important data first.

Here is how to restore your iPhone with iTunes/Finder:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes/Finder.
  3. Enter the passcode if asked.
  4. Click Restore iPhone.
    Restore iPhone with Finder
  5. Wait for the restore process to be completed. Once completed, set up your iPhone.

Conclusion

After finishing this post, are you clear about how to get out of Guided Access while getting stuck?

Go and fix the iPhone stuck in Guided Access issue now!

FAQs

  1. How to fix Guided Access not working on the App or website?

    If the Guided Access not working on the app or website, it may be restricted by daily app limits.

    Go to SettingsScreen TimeApp Limits>Click All App CategoriesDelete.

  2. How to set a passcode or Face ID to end Guided Access?

    Set a passcode to end Guided Access:

    Go to SettingsAccessibilityGuided AccessPasscode SettingsSet Guided Access PasscodeEnter a PasscodeRe-enter your passcode.

    Set Face ID to end Guided Access:

    Go to SettingsAccessibilityGuided AccessPasscode SettingsToggle on Face ID.

  3. How to set a time limit for Guided Access?

    1. Triple-click the Side Button to enter the Guided Access.
    2. Click Options>Toggle on Time Limit.
    3. Set a time limit.
    4. Go to SettingsAccessibilityGuided AccessTime Limits>Set the Alarm ways - Sound/Speak.

Clare Phang has been captivated by the world of Apple products since the launch of the iconic iPhone in 2007. With a wealth of experience, Clare is your go-to source for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and all things Apple.