Why opening one photo is not enough

In an ordinary Photos view, a swipe may reveal the next image, a back gesture may expose the library, and the share sheet may offer other destinations or contacts. Even a well-intentioned person can navigate farther than you expected.

Guided Access reduces this risk by keeping the phone inside the current app. It is a handoff control, not encryption, and it does not guarantee that every function inside the allowed app is safe.

Set up Guided Access before you need it

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access.
  2. Turn Guided Access on.
  3. Open Passcode Settings and set a dedicated code.
  4. Optionally enable Face ID or Touch ID for ending a session.

Do not reuse a code the recipient already knows. Test the start and exit sequence privately before relying on it.

Start a restricted photo session

  1. Open the exact photo you want to show.
  2. Start Guided Access using the configured Accessibility Shortcut, Control Center control, or Siri.
  3. Circle controls or screen regions that should not respond, such as navigation and sharing controls.
  4. Open Session Settings and consider disabling Touch entirely if the person only needs to look.
  5. Tap Done, then Start.

If touch remains enabled, test which gestures and controls still work. Guided Access restricts the phone to one app, but the app may contain multiple screens and its own routes to other content.

End the session yourself

Use the configured side-button or Home-button shortcut, authenticate, and end the session before taking the phone back into normal use. Do not disclose the Guided Access code while explaining the feature.

Safer alternatives

  • Send a copy through a channel you and the recipient trust.
  • AirDrop only the selected item while keeping the phone in your hand.
  • Put a non-sensitive copy on a separate device or temporary presentation.
  • Crop or redact information the recipient does not need.
  • Export the single image to a minimal viewer that contains no other private content.

Every sent copy can be retained, forwarded, screenshotted, or photographed. Guided Access controls your device during the handoff; it does not control the recipient after delivery.

When the photo is in NullVault

Opening a vault to show one item temporarily exposes that vault's decrypted content to the running app and screen. Prefer a deliberate single-item secure export when the risks of creating a copy are lower than exposing the vault interface. Lock NullVault immediately afterward and remove any unnecessary export.

Important emergency limitation

Apple warns that Crash Detection and Emergency Services are unavailable during a Guided Access session. End the session if you need to place an emergency call or use those services.

Primary platform reference

Apple documents setup, session controls, and current limitations in Lock iPhone to one app with Guided Access.

Guide reviewed: 23 August 2026.