Is there a way to disable an iPhone to make it function ONLY as a phone?

McLovin · 05-19-2013, 08:32 PM

Disable all (or as many as possible) features to make it function only as a phone. Password protected.

I've searched the 10 gazillion apps, googled, and can't come up with one.

I'd like to be able to occasionally disable my kids' phones. Esp. with finals coming up. They do need to be able to make and receive calls in an emergency, though.

(It's good to be the king!)

HardDrive · 05-19-2013, 08:38 PM

iOS: Understanding Restrictions (Parental Controls)

HardDrive · 05-19-2013, 08:39 PM

I've got a better idea. Tell them, "Do well on your exams, or your fhucking phone goes bye bye". Back it up.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

They do need to be able to make and receive calls in an emergency, though.

I thought all cell phone were capable of making emergency 911 calls, even if disabled. My work Blackberry is password protected, but you can bypass the password to call 911.

I'd just take the damn phone away when they're home and should be doing schoolwork. Nothing wrong with giving them a prepaid, disposable phone to take along when they're out of the house and might need to call you.

Oracle · 05-22-2013, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

Disable all (or as many as possible) features to make it function only as a phone. Password protected.

I've searched the 10 gazillion apps, googled, and can't come up with one.

I'd like to be able to occasionally disable my kids' phones. Esp. with finals coming up. They do need to be able to make and receive calls in an emergency, though.

(It's good to be the king!)

Yes, it's called Guided Access. Basically you enable just an area (or the whole) screen and no matter what you try it won't go to any other app because the home button is disabled.

Settings->General->Accessibility->Guided Access-> Set Pass Code.

I have just tried it and freaking worked!! I will now give my kids my phone when they're pestering.

It won't go away even after a reset or a hard reset.. I think you need to blank to phone to disable (you better not loose your password)

Good luck! Report back, we want to hear how it went

McLovin · 05-22-2013, 01:57 PM

Thanks, I'll try it tonight!

McLovin · 05-22-2013, 03:29 PM

It does work, it does exactly what I asked.

But then my son asked, "But what if I get a text?"

D'oh!

He's not a big texter (maybe one a day), he dislikes texting, but he does sometimes get them from friends asking about homework, etc.

So I'd like to able to have the phone AND texting functioning. With Guided Access it looks like you're limited to only one.

Oracle · 07:39 PM

Why are you Ok with your kid texting while studying for finals?
Might as well unblock the phone or buy a second iPhone so he can text..