Learning how to lock your iPad screen is a simple but essential skill for every iPad owner.
Whether you want to save battery life, prevent accidental touches, or keep your kids in one app, locking your screen solves many problems.
You can quickly lock your iPad using the side button, set up auto-lock in settings, or even lock your screen in a specific app.
Read on to discover all the easy ways to keep your iPad screen exactly how you want it!
Simple Ways to Lock Your iPad Screen
Locking your iPad screen is easy and helps keep your device secure. There are several quick methods that work in different situations, whether you need to lock it for a moment or set up automatic locking.
Using the Side Button to Lock Your Screen
The fastest way to lock your iPad is with the side button (also called the Sleep/Wake button). This button is usually on the top or side edge of your iPad, depending on which model you have.
To lock your screen, you can do the following:
- Find the side button on your iPad
- Press it once quickly
- Your screen will turn off and lock instantly
This method works whether you're in an app, on the home screen, or browsing the web.
When you want to use your iPad again, just press the side button or Home button and enter your passcode if you have one set up. For extra security, you can make your iPad require a passcode immediately when locked.
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your current passcode, and set "Require Passcode" to "Immediately."
Setting Up Auto-Lock on Your iPad
Auto-Lock makes your iPad lock by itself when you're not using it. This saves battery and keeps your stuff private.
To set up Auto-Lock, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Display & Brightness
- Tap Auto-Lock
- Choose a time: 2, 5, 10, or 15 minutes
If you pick "2 Minutes," your iPad will lock after two minutes of not being used. Pick a shorter time for better security or a longer time if you often read without touching the screen.
For even more battery saving, turn on Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery. This makes your iPad lock faster.
Some apps like video players might keep your screen on longer. This is normal and helps you watch videos without having to tap the screen.
Quick Screen Locking from Control Center
Control Center gives you another fast way to lock your iPad screen. It's helpful when you can't easily reach the side button.
To lock your screen using Control Center:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen
- Look for the Lock icon (it looks like a lock)
- Tap it once
If you don't see a lock icon, you can add one:
- Go to Settings > Control Center
- Tap the green plus sign next to "Screen Lock" to add it
Control Center also has a Screen Rotation Lock button that stops your screen from turning when you rotate your iPad. This is useful when reading in bed or showing someone your screen.
For temporary screen locking during art projects or presentations, try Guided Access.
Triple-click the Home button or side button, then set up a passcode to lock the touch screen while keeping the display on.
Understanding how to lock your iPad screen is just the beginning. For more protection for your device, read our guide: What Is the Difference Between an iPad Case and an iPad Cover?
Keeping Your iPad Locked While Using It
Image: CHESONA Rugged Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen 10.9''
Sometimes you need your iPad screen to stay fixed in a certain way. This helps you use your device without worrying about unwanted touches or movements.
Here are some helpful ways to lock your iPad while still using it.
How to Lock Kids in One App on iPad
Guided Access is perfect for letting kids use just one app on your iPad.
To set this up:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access
- Turn on the Guided Access toggle
- Open the app you want your child to use
- Triple-click the Home button (or Side button on newer models)
- Draw circles around areas you want to disable
- Tap Options to control other features like volume buttons
- Hit Start to begin Guided Access mode
You can set a passcode that only you know to exit this mode. This keeps kids safely in one app without worry about them accessing other parts of your iPad or changing settings by accident.
Stopping Your iPad Screen from Rotating
It can be annoying when your screen keeps turning as you move.
Here's how to stop that:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center
- Look for the lock icon with a circle arrow around it
- Tap it to turn on Orientation Lock (it turns red when active)
This will keep your screen in its current position - either portrait (tall) or landscape (wide).
The screen won't rotate even if you turn your iPad. You can turn it off anytime by tapping the same icon again.
Locking Your Screen During Presentations
When giving presentations, you don't want your iPad to turn off or show notifications.
Here's what to do:
First, change your Auto-Lock settings:
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock
- Set it to "Never" so your screen stays on
For stopping notifications during your talk:
- Turn on Do Not Disturb by swiping down for Control Center and tapping the moon icon
- Use Guided Access (triple-click the Home/Side button) to prevent accidentally exiting your presentation app
Making Your Locked iPad Screen Secure
A secure lock screen protects your personal information and prevents unwanted access to your iPad. You can add layers of security that match your needs while keeping your device easy to use.
Adding a Passcode to Your iPad Lock Screen
To set up a passcode on your iPad, go to Settings and tap either "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode" depending on your iPad model.
If you don't have these options, look for just "Passcode." Tap "Turn Passcode On" and create a strong six-digit code.
For better security, you can use a custom alphanumeric code instead. This means a password with both letters and numbers.
To do this:
- Go to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode
- Tap "Change Passcode"
- Enter your current passcode
- Tap "Passcode Options" and select "Custom Alphanumeric Code"
Your iPad will also ask for your Apple ID password if someone tries to erase your device. This adds another layer of protection.
Setting Up Face ID or Touch ID for Unlocking
Face ID and Touch ID make unlocking your iPad quick while keeping it secure.
To set up Touch ID on compatible iPads:
- Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Tap "Add a Fingerprint"
- Follow the on-screen steps to scan your finger
For Face ID on newer iPads without a Home button:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Tap "Set Up Face ID"
- Hold your iPad at eye level and position your face in the frame
You can add multiple fingerprints or an alternate appearance for Face ID. This is helpful if you sometimes wear glasses or have changing looks.
Controlling What Shows on Your Locked Screen
Your locked iPad can show notifications that might contain private info.
You can control what appears when your iPad is locked:
- Go to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll to "Allow Access When Locked"
Here you can turn off features like Siri, Control Center, and notification previews.
For extra privacy, you can hide notification content until you unlock your iPad:
- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Tap "Show Previews"
- Select "When Unlocked" or "Never"
You can also choose which apps can show notifications on your lock screen. Just go to Settings > Notifications and tap on specific apps to change their settings.
Fixing iPad Screen Lock Problems
Sometimes iPad screen lock features don't work as expected. When this happens, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try before seeking help from Apple Support.
What to Do When Your iPad Won't Lock
Is your iPad refusing to lock? This can be frustrating and drain your battery quickly.
First, check if the Auto-Lock feature is turned on by going to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock. Make sure it's not set to "Never." Try pressing the top button firmly.
If nothing happens, your button might be stuck or damaged.
You can still lock your iPad by:
- Using AssistiveTouch (turn it on in Settings > Accessibility)
- Setting up a Screen Time passcode
- Using the Smart Cover or Smart Folio if you have one
Sometimes, a simple restart fixes the problem. Press and hold the top button and either volume button until the power off slider appears.
Drag the slider, then turn your iPad back on.
Fixing a Stuck Lock Screen
Is your iPad stuck on the lock screen? This happens more often than you might think!
First, try pressing the Home button (on older iPads) or swiping up from the bottom (on newer models).
If that doesn't work:
- Force restart your iPad by quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPads with a Home button, press and hold both the Home and Top buttons until you see the Apple logo.
Apps running in the background can sometimes cause lock screen issues. Double-check which apps are open and close any you don't need.
Resetting Your Lock Settings When Things Go Wrong
When all else fails, you might need to reset your lock settings. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode). Enter your current passcode.
You can try these options:
- Turn off and then back on the "Lock/Unlock" toggle if you're using a Smart Cover.
- Reset your passcode by tapping "Change Passcode".
- Disable features that might be causing issues, like Screen Time restrictions.
If problems continue, you might need to restore your iPad. Before doing this, back up your data! Then go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
After your iPad restarts, you can restore from your backup.
Conclusion
Mastering how to lock your iPad screen gives you better control over your device and helps protect your privacy. Whether you're using the simple side button method or more advanced features, you now have multiple ways to keep your screen secure.
Remember that combining these locking methods with a strong passcode or Face ID provides the best protection for your iPad. Try these techniques today to make your iPad experience more secure and convenient.
After mastering how to lock your iPad screen, upgrade your device protection with our flip iPad case collection that offers both screen security and convenient viewing angles.
Frequently Asked Questions on How To Lock Your iPad Screen
How do I lock my iPad screen so it doesn't move?
You can lock your iPad screen using Guided Access. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access and turn it on.
Triple-click the Home button (or top button on iPads with Face ID) to start Guided Access when in any app. This prevents the screen from moving or responding to certain touches.
Set a passcode when prompted. Try to avoid simple combinations like 1-2-3-4-5-6 for better security.
How do I lock my iPad touch screen?
To lock your touch screen completely, use Guided Access. After setting it up in your settings, open the app you want to use. Triple-click the Home button (or top button) and tap options.
You can disable touch entirely by turning off the Touch option. This works great when you want to show something on screen without worrying about accidental touches.
How do you freeze your iPad screen?
The quickest way to freeze your screen is to press the Sleep/Wake button on the top or side of your iPad. This turns off the display instantly.
For a more controlled freeze, use Guided Access.
After triple-clicking the Home button, you can choose which parts of the screen remain active. You can even circle areas you want to keep working while the rest of the screen stays frozen.
How to lock iPad screen while watching?
When watching videos, you may want to lock your screen to prevent accidental touches.
Start the video you want to watch. Enable Guided Access by triple-clicking the Home button.
Choose options and disable touch if needed, but leave the playback controls active. This keeps your video playing without interruptions from accidental taps or swipes.
How do I stop the screen from rotating when I use my iPad?
You can easily lock screen rotation on your iPad. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
Look for the rotation lock icon (a lock with a circular arrow) and tap it. When it's highlighted, rotation is locked.
Your iPad screen will now stay in its current orientation even when you turn the device.
How do I keep my iPad screen locked?
To keep your screen locked when not in use, adjust your Auto-Lock settings. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
Choose a time period that works for you. Shorter times like 2 minutes help save battery and provide better security.
For maximum security, set your iPad to require a passcode immediately after the screen locks. Go to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode.
