It’s quite common for people to hand over their iPad to someone else, whether it be a child, friend, or colleague. But what if you have sensitive information open in an app that you don’t want them to see? The solution is simple: lock the iPad screen on that app. In this blog post, we’ll go through several methods to achieve this, as well as some additional tips and frequently asked questions.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Lock An iPad Screen on An App
For many iPad users, the inability to lock the screen on an app may seem like a limitation. However, locking an iPad screen on an app is actually a privacy feature that Apple introduced, allowing users to keep sensitive information hidden away from onlookers. Whether you’re in a public setting or simply want to maintain privacy, being able to lock the screen on an app is a useful tool.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we jump into the methods, there are a few things you should prepare for. First and foremost, ensure that your iPad is at least iOS 11 or newer. Additionally, make sure that you have enabled the Guided Access feature on your iPad. You can check to see if it’s enabled by going to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. Finally, make sure you know the passcode to your iPad.
Method 1: Via Guided Access
Guided Access is a built-in feature that allows you to lock the screen on an app. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the app you want to lock the screen on.
2. Triple-click the home button or the side button (depending on your iPad model).
3. Draw a circle around any areas you want to disable, or simply click on the "Options" button.
4. Click "Start" on the top right corner to start Guided Access. You will be prompted to set a passcode.
5. After you set the passcode, you will be guided to the locked screen on the app.
Pros: Guided Access is a straightforward and easy-to-use feature, with the added benefit of being built into your iPad.
Cons: Guided Access only temporarily locks your device on an app, and can be easily disabled by triple-clicking the home or side button again.
Method 2: Via App Lockers
An app locker is another way to lock the screen on an app, and there are numerous options available on the App Store. Here’s how to use one:
1. Download an app locker of your choice from the App Store.
2. Open the app and set up a passcode.
3. Select the apps you want to lock.
4. Lock those apps and exit the app locker.
5. Open the app you want to lock the screen on, and your iPad should prompt you to use your app locker.
6. Enter the passcode and your iPad screen should be locked on the app.
Pros: App lockers are great for long-term locking of apps, and can provide added security through the use of passwords or biometric authentication.
Cons: Some app lockers may come with in-app advertisements, require a paid subscription, or may not be able to lock certain types of apps.
Method 3: Via Guided Access Parental Controls
If you have children who frequently use your iPad, you may want to enable the Guided Access Parental Controls feature. Here’s how to use it:
1. Go to Settings > General > Restrictions > Enable Restrictions.
2. Set a passcode.
3. Click on "Guided Access" and turn it on.
4. Click on "Set Passcode" to set a separate passcode for Guided Access.
5. Go into the app you want to screen lock and start Guided Access.
6. Triple-click the home or side button and select "Accessibility Options."
7. Toggle the "Guided Access" option off.
8. Exit the app and triple-click the home or side button.
9. Select "Guided Access" and draw boxes around the areas you want to disable.
10. Click on "Start" to start Guided Access with Parental Controls.
Pros: This method allows for both app locking and parental control features, making it perfect for families.
Cons: It requires the additional setup of restrictions before use, and can only lock outright access to certain areas of the iPad, rather than specific apps.
Method 4: Via Screen Time
Screen Time is another built-in feature that allows you to lock the screen on an app. Here’s how to use it:
1. Go to Settings > Screen Time and enable it.
2. Select "Use Screen Time Passcode" to set a passcode.
3. Click on "App Limits" and select "Add Limit."
4. Select the app you want to lock the screen on and select "Next."
5. Set the time limit to "1 minute."
6. Turn on the "Block at End of Limit" option.
7. Select "Add" on the top right corner.
8. Go into the app you want to lock the screen on and start using it.
9. After 1 minute, your iPad screen will automatically lock on the app.
Pros: Screen Time is a powerful tool for parents, and can restrict access to apps in addition to locking the screen on a specific app.
Cons: It requires the additional setup of restrictions before use, and can only lock the screen for a limited amount of time.
Why Can’t I Lock an iPad Screen on An App?
1. You are using an outdated iOS version.
Fix: Update your iPad to iOS 11 or newer.
2. You have not enabled Guided Access.
Fix: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access to enable it.
3. You are not using a supported app.
Fix: Some apps may not work with Guided Access or other locking methods.
Additional Tips
1. Use a complex passcode that is difficult to guess.
2. Keep your passcode private and avoid sharing it with anyone.
3. Disable Siri and Dictation when locking the screen on an app to prevent override.
5 FAQs about Locking An iPad Screen on An App
Q1: Can Guided Access be used in conjunction with other locking methods?
A: Yes! Guided Access can be used in tandem with other third-party app lockers or Screen Time.
Q2: Can I use biometric authentication with app lockers?
A: Some app lockers may support Face ID or Touch ID, though this largely depends on the individual app.
Q3: Can I use app lockers to remotely lock my iPad?
A: Some app lockers may provide remote locking services, though you may have to purchase a subscription or use a separate backup service.
Q4: Can I lock individual files or folders on my iPad?
A: Unfortunately, there is no native way to lock individual files or folders on an iPad. You may need to use third-party apps or cloud storage services to achieve this.
Q5: Can I lock multiple apps with Screen Time at once?
A: Yes! Screen Time allows you to lock multiple apps with a single time limit.
In Conclusion
Locking an iPad screen on an app is a simple yet efficient way to keep sensitive information hidden from prying eyes. Whether it be through Guided Access, app lockers, or Screen Time, there are numerous methods to choose from. By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to securing your iPad and maintaining your privacy.