Since my iPad is essential for controlling my CQ-20B, but may also be the primary control surface for some users of other models, I wanted to recommend using an infrequently discussed feature of iPadOS: Guided Access.
What this does is let you lock your iPad to a single app so you can hand it off to others for mixer control without worrying about them getting into other apps. It can also disable your automatic screen dimming and sleep while in Guided Access mode, so your mixing interface stays front and centre at all times (at least for as long as your battery lasts.) Sound intriguing? Then read on.
The feature is tucked away in settings under Accessibility under the General section as Guided Access (you have to scroll way down to find out as this is the last accessibility section as of the current iPadOS 26.3.) Enable Guided Access with the slider at the top, and change Display Auto-Lock to never. You should also review the Passcode Settings section to give you a secure way to disable Guided Access when you’re done. I have both a passcode and Touch ID enabled.
Once this is all set up, launch CQ MixPad and triple-tap the power button. You’ll get a brief message in the middle of the screen each time you do this, and the first time you’ll be given the ability to lock out touches in some parts of the screen (which I haven’t found a need for, but I’m sure it’s handy for some other apps.) Once Guided Access has been started it’ll now prevent anyone from switching apps and keep the screen awake unless you put the iPad to sleep on purpose with a quick tap of the power button.
To get out of Guided Access, triple-tap the power button again and you’ll be prompted to authenticate before clicking End to end the session.
Hopefully this is as helpful for some of you as it has been for me during my outings so far.