Lockdown Mode is Apple’s strongest optional protection for people who may be personally targeted by highly sophisticated spyware. It is not meant as an everyday privacy switch; it reduces attack surface by limiting features in Messages, Safari, FaceTime, device connections, invitations, and more.
Lockdown Mode is available on iOS 16 or later. Enabling it on iPhone also enables it for a paired Apple Watch.
Does This Affect You?
Use this only if you have a credible reason to believe you could be targeted by advanced mercenary spyware or a highly targeted cyberattack, such as risks faced by some journalists, activists, public figures, or sensitive workers.
Turn On Lockdown Mode
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down and tap Lockdown Mode.
- Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
- Choose Turn On & Restart and enter your passcode.
- Wait for the iPhone to restart. If an Apple Watch is paired, it is protected too.
Turn Lockdown Mode Off Again
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode.
- Tap Turn Off Lockdown Mode.
- Confirm with your passcode and restart the iPhone.
- After restart, restricted features return to normal.
What Lockdown Mode Changes
- Many message attachment types are blocked, except safer formats such as images.
- Safari limits complex web technologies that are commonly abused by exploit chains.
- Incoming FaceTime calls from people you have not previously called may be blocked.
- Wired connections to computers or accessories are blocked while the iPhone is locked.
- Shared albums and some Apple ID invitations are restricted unless there is an existing relationship.
Important Notes
Notifications Are Expected
If Lockdown Mode blocks a feature, iOS may notify you that the restriction is intentional. That does not mean the app is broken.
Trusted Website Exceptions
If one trusted website fails in Safari, you can relax Lockdown Mode protections for that site without turning the feature off everywhere.
Not for Everyday Security
Apple positions Lockdown Mode for the small number of users facing sophisticated targeted attacks, not as a general privacy boost for normal use.
Sources
- Apple Support: About Lockdown Mode
- Apple Support: Harden your iPhone from a cyberattack with Lockdown Mode
- Apple Support: Lockdown Mode security for Apple devices