Fishbowl
Browse documentation

Guided Access (iPad)

Guided Access locks an iPad to a single app, so the device can only run Fishbowl. It is Apple's built-in equivalent of kiosk mode for iOS, and it needs no extra software.

Guided Access is the simplest way to lock down an iPad. For Android devices, use Kiosk Mode instead. These steps follow Apple's official guide, Use Guided Access on iPhone and iPad.

1. Turn on Guided Access

  1. On the iPad, open Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
  2. Turn on Guided Access.
  3. Tap Passcode Settings > Set Guided Access Passcode and choose a passcode. This passcode is required to leave Guided Access, so keep it safe. You can also turn on Face ID or Touch ID to end a session.
  4. (Optional) Set Display Auto-Lock to Never so the screen stays on while the iPad is mounted and powered.

2. Start a Guided Access session

  1. Open the Fishbowl app and let it finish loading the room display.
  2. Triple-click the top button (or the side button, or the Home button on older iPads).
  3. If prompted, choose Guided Access from the Accessibility Shortcut menu.
  4. (Optional) Tap Options in the bottom-left to disable hardware controls. For a wall-mounted room display, turn off the Top/Side Button, Volume Buttons, Motion, and Keyboards, and leave Touch on so people can still book and end meetings.
  5. Tap Start in the top-right. The iPad is now locked to Fishbowl.

3. End a Guided Access session

  1. Triple-click the top, side, or Home button.
  2. Enter your Guided Access passcode, or use Face ID or Touch ID.
  3. Tap End in the top-left.

To lock the iPad again afterwards, start a new session from step 2.

Notes

  • Guided Access does not survive a restart. If the iPad reboots, for example after a power cut, someone needs to start a new session. For an unattended lock that survives reboots, an Android device in Kiosk Mode is a better fit.
  • For larger fleets, you can enforce Single App Mode through an MDM profile (Apple Configurator or your MDM provider). Guided Access is the simplest option for one or a few iPads.
  • See Apple's full guide: Use Guided Access on iPhone and iPad.