Locking your iPad screen from touch is a handy trick, especially if you want to keep someone from accidentally changing what’s on the screen or if you need to show something without interruptions. All you need to do is enable a feature called Guided Access, which lets you control what areas of the screen are interactive.
How to Lock iPad Screen from Touch
Here’s a quick guide on how to lock your iPad screen from touch using Guided Access. This will help you keep your iPad screen exactly how you want it without worrying about accidental touches.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, make your way to the Settings app on your iPad.
You can easily find Settings by looking for the gray icon that looks like gears. Tapping on this will open up all your iPad’s configurations.
Step 2: Go to Accessibility
Next, scroll down to find the Accessibility option and tap on it.
The Accessibility settings contain various options to help you customize your iPad experience. You’ll find Guided Access here.
Step 3: Enable Guided Access
Once in Accessibility, scroll until you see Guided Access and tap on it. Toggle the switch to turn it on.
Turning on Guided Access is crucial for locking your screen. It ensures that only certain areas of the screen can be interacted with while the feature is active.
Step 4: Set a Passcode
Click on Passcode Settings and set a passcode. This will be needed to exit Guided Access mode.
Choosing a memorable passcode is essential. You’ll need it to make any changes or turn off Guided Access later.
Step 5: Start Guided Access
Open the app you want to lock, then triple-click the Home button (or Side button for iPads without a Home button). Tap on Guided Access and press Start.
This locks your screen from touch. Only the areas you’ve designated will be interactive, and everything else will be locked down.
Once you complete these steps, your iPad screen will be locked from touch except for the areas you’ve specified. This makes it easy to share your screen without worrying about unwanted interactions.
Tips for Locking iPad Screen from Touch
- Customize Time Limits: You can set a time limit for Guided Access sessions, which is useful if you’re sharing your device with kids.
- Use Touch ID or Face ID: You can enable Touch ID or Face ID to end Guided Access, making it easier to turn off.
- Disable Hardware Buttons: You can turn off the hardware buttons while in Guided Access to prevent anyone from exiting the app or changing volume.
- Create Guided Access Shortcuts: Set up a shortcut for Guided Access in your Accessibility Shortcut settings for quicker access.
- Explore Accessibility Options: While in Guided Access, you can explore other accessibility features like Zoom or VoiceOver for additional control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forget my Guided Access passcode?
If you forget your passcode, you might need to restart your iPad or use Touch ID/Face ID if you’ve enabled them.
Can I use Guided Access for multiple apps?
Guided Access works for one app at a time, so you’ll have to exit and start it again if switching apps.
Is Guided Access the only way to lock iPad screen from touch?
Yes, Guided Access is the primary method provided by Apple for this specific function.
Does Guided Access work on all iPad models?
Yes, Guided Access is available on all iPad models running iOS 6 or later.
Can I use Guided Access to lock a specific area of the screen?
Yes, you can circle areas of the screen to disable touch for those specific parts.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accessibility.
- Enable Guided Access.
- Set a Passcode.
- Start Guided Access.
Conclusion
Locking your iPad screen from touch is a simple yet powerful way to keep your device secure, whether you want to avoid accidental taps or keep kids from messing with your apps. By following the steps outlined here, you’ll have complete control over what is and isn’t touchable on your screen.
If you found this guide helpful, why not dive deeper into other iPad features? Learning more about your device can unlock even greater potential and make your tech experience much smoother. So go ahead, explore more, and make the most out of your iPad!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.