User level: Level 1 (4 points)I can’t get my iPad to leave the messages page. I’ve tried closing the page, turning the iPad off and on, a hard shutdown, turning it off and on and nothing seems to work. The messages page is all I get and I can’t leave still message people. Help
Posted on Sep 15, 2026 5:22 PM
User level: Level 6 (12,236 points)Sep 15, 2026 7:02 PM in response to ZeeR1
I’d check whether Guided Access was turned on. That can lock the iPad to a single app, which would explain why restarting doesn’t get you out of Messages.
Triple-click the top button (or the Home button on older iPads). If Guided Access appears, enter the passcode and tap End.
If that isn’t it, let us know whether you can open Control Center or the App Switcher. That would help narrow down whether Messages is stuck or the iPad is being restricted to that app.
User level: Level 6 (16,416 points)Sep 15, 2026 7:06 PM in response to ZeeR1
You can ask Siri to close the app or choose another app. I doubt that will work though. You already did the basic troubleshooting steps so the only thing left is to Restore your iPad. If you don’t have a computer or know a friend with one head on down to your local Apple Store. They can Restore your iPad for you.
Edit. Start with PreCognition’s tip. Unfortunately I’m such a slow typer I missed his suggestion.
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 15, 2026 10:49 PM in response to bobseufert
siri couldn’t do it
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 15, 2026 10:51 PM in response to ZeeR1
didn work
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256357660