Lock an iPad to One AAC App with Guided Access

When an AAC app runs on a regular iPad, it is easy to tap out of it by accident — into games, settings, or the home screen. Guided Access, a free feature built into iPadOS and iOS, locks the device into a single app until an adult ends the session. It is one of the most useful settings for AAC on Apple devices.

Turn Guided Access on (one-time setup)

1. Open Settings, then Accessibility, then Guided Access (near the bottom, under General).
2. Toggle Guided Access on.
3. Tap Passcode Settings, then Set Guided Access Passcode, and choose a code an adult will remember. You can also enable Face ID or Touch ID to end sessions.

Start a session

1. Open the AAC app you want to lock to.
2. Triple-click the side button (or the home button on older devices).
3. Tap Start in the top corner. The device is now locked to that app.

Limit specific areas of the screen

During the triple-click setup screen you can also circle parts of the screen to disable them — handy for blocking a settings gear or an in-app menu the user keeps wandering into. You can disable touch entirely for switch users, or turn off the hardware buttons.

End a session

Triple-click the side or home button again and enter your passcode (or use Face ID / Touch ID). If a triple-click ever seems to do nothing, check that Guided Access is still enabled in Accessibility settings and that you are clicking quickly enough.

Apple also offers Live Speech and Personal Voice for built-in text-to-speech. Ask the chat if you want help setting those up alongside a dedicated AAC app.