Explained: How to enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone, iPad, Mac and what it does

Apple introduced Lockdown Mode in 2022 with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. It’s an optional but powerful security setting designed to protect users who may be at risk of targeted cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, and government officials. By restricting certain features, Lockdown Mode dramatically reduces the chances of spyware or malicious code exploiting your device.

Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme protection that’s designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats. Most people will never be targeted by attacks of this nature.

When Lockdown Mode is enabled, your device won’t function like it usually would. To reduce the attack surface that could potentially be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware, certain apps, websites and features will be strictly limited for security, and some experiences may not be available at all.

Lockdown Mode is available in iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, watchOS 10 or later, and macOS Ventura or later.

Additional protections are available starting in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma.

For a complete set of protections, update your devices to the latest software before turning on Lockdown Mode.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Privacy & Security.

3. Scroll down, tap Lockdown Mode, then tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.

4. Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.

5. Tap Turn On & Restart, then enter your device passcode.

1. From the Apple menu , choose System Settings.

2. From the sidebar, click Privacy & Security.

3. Scroll down, click Lockdown Mode, then click Turn On.

4. Click Turn on Lockdown Mode. You may need to enter the user password.

5. Click Turn On & Restart.

When Lockdown Mode is enabled, some apps and features will function differently, including:

* Messages: most message attachment types are blocked, other than certain images, video and audio. Some features, such as links and link previews, will be unavailable.

* Web browsing: certain complex web technologies are blocked, which may cause some websites to load more slowly or not operate correctly. In addition, web fonts may not be displayed, and images may be replaced with a missing image icon.

* FaceTime: incoming FaceTime calls will be blocked unless you have previously called that person or contact within the past 30 days. Features such as SharePlay and Live Photos are unavailable.

* Apple services: incoming invitations for Apple services, such as invitations to manage a home in the Home app, will be blocked unless you have previously invited that person. Focus and any related status will not work as expected. Game Center is also disabled.

* Photos: when you share photos, location information will be excluded. Shared albums are removed from the Photos app, and new Shared Album invitations are blocked. You can still view these shared albums on other devices that haven’t enabled Lockdown Mode.

* Device connections: to connect your iPhone or iPad to an accessory or another computer, the device needs to be unlocked. To connect your Mac laptop with Apple silicon to an accessory, your Mac needs to be unlocked and you need to provide explicit approval.

* Wireless connectivity: your device won’t automatically join non-secure Wi-Fi networks and will disconnect from a non-secure Wi-Fi network when you turn on Lockdown Mode. 2G and 3G mobile support is turned off for iPhone and iPad.

* Configuration profiles: configuration profiles can’t be installed, and the device can’t be enrolled in Mobile Device Management or device supervision while in Lockdown Mode.

Phone calls and plain text messages continue to work while Lockdown Mode is turned on, although incoming calls won’t ring on a paired Apple Watch. Emergency features, such as SOS emergency calls, will not be affected.