📺 Video Tutorial

🛡️ Why Lockdown Mode Is Critical

Lockdown Mode is Apple’s extreme protection feature that blocks sophisticated spyware and targeted attacks. If you’re a high-value target, this is essential.

• 🛡️ Block zero-click exploits – Stop Pegasus-style attacks
• 🔒 Disable attack surfaces – Limit what apps can do
• 📱 Maximum security mode – For high-risk situations
• ⚡ Apple’s strongest protection – Built-in, no app needed

Built into iOS 16+ – Enable in Settings → Privacy & Security

💡 Setup Steps

Quick guide:

• 1️⃣ Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
• 2️⃣ Scroll down to Lockdown Mode
• 3️⃣ Tap “Turn On Lockdown Mode”
• 4️⃣ Read the warnings and confirm
• 5️⃣ Restart your iPhone to activate

💡 Lockdown Mode Usage & Security Tips

🎉 You’re now protected! Lockdown Mode is blocking advanced attacks.

Essential Lockdown Mode Practices:

• 🔍 Understand what Lockdown Mode blocks
  Lockdown Mode disables: Most message attachment types, link previews, FaceTime calls from unknown numbers, wired connections to computers/accessories when locked, web browsing features like JIT JavaScript compilation, shared albums in Photos, and configuration profiles. This dramatically reduces attack surface but may break some convenience features.
• 🚫 Use Lockdown Mode if you’re a high-value target
  Journalists, activists, politicians, executives, lawyers, whistleblowers, or anyone who might be targeted by nation-state actors or sophisticated attackers should enable Lockdown Mode. If you handle sensitive information or have adversaries with resources, this protection is essential. Don’t wait until you’re attacked – enable it proactively.
• 📱 Exempt trusted contacts from restrictions
  In Lockdown Mode, you can exempt specific contacts from FaceTime restrictions. Go to Contacts → Select contact → Edit → Enable “Lockdown Mode Exemption”. Only do this for people you absolutely trust – family members, close colleagues. If their device is compromised, they become an attack vector.
• ⚠️ Be aware of functionality trade-offs
  Lockdown Mode will break some apps and features. Web apps may not work correctly, some message attachments won’t display, and certain accessories may not connect. This is intentional – convenience is traded for security. Test your critical apps and workflows after enabling to understand what still works.
• 🔒 Combine with other security measures
  Lockdown Mode is powerful but not magic. Still use: Strong unique passwords, two-factor authentication, VPN on public WiFi, regular iOS updates, encrypted messaging (Signal), and careful link/attachment handling. Lockdown Mode is one layer in a comprehensive security strategy.
• 📊 Monitor for attack indicators even with Lockdown Mode
  While Lockdown Mode blocks many attacks, remain vigilant. Warning signs include: Unexpected battery drain, device heating up when idle, apps crashing frequently, settings changing without your action, unknown apps appearing, or unusual network activity. Lockdown Mode reduces risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.
• 🌐 Understand the web browsing limitations
  Lockdown Mode disables JIT (Just-In-Time) JavaScript compilation, which makes some websites slower or non-functional. Complex web apps, games, and video streaming sites may not work properly. If you need to use a specific website, you can temporarily disable Lockdown Mode, use it, then re-enable. Never leave it disabled.
• 🛡️ Use Lockdown Mode during high-risk periods
  If you’re not always a high-value target but face periodic risk (covering a sensitive story, attending a protest, traveling to hostile countries, handling confidential deals), enable Lockdown Mode during these periods. You can disable it when the risk passes, though leaving it on permanently is safest.
• ⚡ Test message attachments before opening
  Even with Lockdown Mode, be cautious with attachments. Lockdown Mode blocks most attachment types, but if you receive a suspicious message, don’t click anything. Screenshot it, report it, and delete it. Attackers constantly find new exploits, and zero-day vulnerabilities can bypass even Lockdown Mode temporarily.
• 🔍 Report attacks to Apple
  If you believe you’re being targeted despite Lockdown Mode, report it to Apple Security Research (security-research@apple.com). Include: Device model, iOS version, description of suspicious activity, screenshots, and any relevant context. Apple takes targeted attacks seriously and may investigate.
• 📱 Keep iOS updated even with Lockdown Mode
  Lockdown Mode is not a substitute for updates. Apple regularly patches vulnerabilities that Lockdown Mode doesn’t cover. Enable automatic updates in Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates. Install updates as soon as they’re available, especially security updates.
• 🔒 Use Lockdown Mode on all your Apple devices
  If you’re a target on iPhone, you’re a target on iPad and Mac too. Enable Lockdown Mode on all devices: iPhone (Settings → Privacy & Security), iPad (same), Mac (System Settings → Privacy & Security). Attackers will target your weakest device, so protect them all equally.

Remember: Lockdown Mode is for serious threats. If you’re not a high-value target, standard iOS security may be sufficient. But if in doubt, enable it.