How to Enable and Disable Lockdown Mode on Your iPhone and Mac for Enhanced Security

Apple is renowned for its commitment to user privacy and security, but for those who need an extra layer of protection, the company offers a feature called Lockdown Mode. This advanced security setting is designed for individuals at high risk of facing sophisticated cyber threats, such as journalists operating in dangerous regions, activists threatened by surveillance or censorship, and politicians handling sensitive information. However, anyone can activate and deactivate this mode as needed, regardless of their status or type of Apple account. Enabling Lockdown Mode is straightforward and can be done with just a few steps. Once activated, it provides the highest level of security protection available on Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, it comes with several functional limitations to minimize potential vulnerabilities. How to Enable Lockdown Mode iPhone or iPad Go to Settings: Navigate to "Settings" and then select "Privacy & Security." Find Lockdown Mode: Scroll down to the "Lockdown Mode" section. Turn On Lockdown Mode: Tap the toggle to switch it on. Enter Passcode: Enter your device passcode. Restart Device: Your iPhone or iPad will restart, and Lockdown Mode will be enabled when you log back in. Mac Open System Settings: Go to "System Settings" (formerly "System Preferences"). Privacy & Security: Select "Privacy & Security" from the menu. Turn On Lockdown Mode: Click the "Lockdown Mode" button. Enter Password: Enter the password associated with your Mac account. Restart Device: Your Mac will restart, and Lockdown Mode will be active upon logging back in. What to Expect When Lockdown Mode is Active Messages Most attachments will be blocked to prevent potential malware attacks. FaceTime calls will only be allowed from people you’ve contacted within the past month. Photos Creation and viewing of shared albums will be disabled. Focus modes, which help manage notifications based on your activities, will be turned off. Safari Certain web technologies that could be exploited by hackers will be disabled. Images and fonts might not display correctly, and some websites might load slowly or not at all. You can exclude specific websites from Lockdown Mode restrictions: On a page in Safari, tap the menu button (to the left of the web URL). Tap the three dots, then disable Lockdown Mode for that site. You can review and edit your exclusion list in the settings. Other Restrictions New device connections are only permitted when the device is unlocked. Installation of new configuration profiles, often used for testing apps, will be blocked. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks will be unsupported. Access to Game Center will be restricted. Disabling Lockdown Mode If you feel safer or find the restrictions too cumbersome, disabling Lockdown Mode is just as simple: iPhone or iPad Go to Settings: Navigate to "Settings" and then "Privacy & Security." Find Lockdown Mode: Locate the "Lockdown Mode" section. Turn Off Lockdown Mode: Toggle it off. Enter Passcode: Confirm the action by entering your device passcode. Restart Device: Your device will reboot and return to normal operation. Mac Open System Settings: Go to "System Settings." Privacy & Security: Select "Privacy & Security." Turn Off Lockdown Mode: Click the "Lockdown Mode" button. Enter Password: Enter your Mac account password. Restart Device: Your Mac will restart and revert to standard settings. Despite the significant changes it implements, enabling and disabling Lockdown Mode is a quick process. Just remember to have your passcode or password ready and prepare for a device restart each time you make a change. By offering this robust security option, Apple ensures that users who face the highest risks can protect themselves while still using their devices effectively.