How to turn on Lockdown Mode on iPhone - so even the FBI can't get in

2026-02-13 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Apple's iPhone features a specialized security measure called Lockdown Mode, introduced with iOS 16 approximately four years ago. This extreme feature drastically limits iPhone functionality to counter targeted cyberattacks, making it suitable for high-risk individuals like journalists, politicians, and activists. When enabled, Lockdown Mode blocks most message attachments and link previews, restricts advanced web technologies, limits incoming FaceTime calls, disables SharePlay and Game Center, removes shared photo albums, and prevents device management profiles. It also requires devices to be unlocked for accessory connections, blocks nonsecure Wi-Fi, and strips location data from shared images. The mode is reversible and recently gained attention after the FBI reportedly could not access a journalist's iPhone with it enabled.

Key takeaway

For journalists, activists, or anyone facing potential targeted cyberattacks or device seizure, understanding and enabling iPhone's Lockdown Mode is crucial. This feature significantly enhances device security by restricting numerous functionalities, making data extraction and remote compromise far more difficult, even for law enforcement. Familiarize yourself with its limitations and activation process to deploy it quickly when needed, ensuring your sensitive information remains protected.

Key insights

Lockdown Mode offers extreme iPhone security by severely limiting features, primarily for high-risk users.

Principles

• Extreme security requires significant feature tradeoffs.
• Physical access with passcode is needed to disable Lockdown Mode.

Method

To enable Lockdown Mode, update iOS, back up the device, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode, review warnings, and restart the iPhone. Exclusions for trusted websites and apps can be configured post-activation.

In practice

• Enable Lockdown Mode for targeted attack protection.
• Use for privacy during protests or high-profile roles.

Topics

• Lockdown Mode
• Mobile Security
• Targeted Cyberattacks
• Digital Forensics
• iOS 16

Best for: IT Professional, Tech Journalist, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.