iPhone Lockdown Mode Blocks Spyware but Limits Everyday Features

A powerful iPhone security setting is built for people facing targeted surveillance, not everyday users. Its extra protection comes with trade-offs that can reshape routine use.

Lockdown Mode on iPhone strengthens protection against sophisticated spyware, but significantly limits the device’s usual features. This tool is intended primarily for people who may be targeted by highly focused attacks, not for most users.

As reported by engadget.com .

Apple introduced Lockdown Mode in 2022. The company describes it as an extremely strict level of protection for people at risk from threats including commercial spyware such as NSO’s Pegasus. Potential targets may include journalists, activists, and politicians.

How to turn on Lockdown Mode on iPhone

The feature is available on iPhones running iOS 16 or later. It can also be used on devices running iPadOS 16 or later, watches running watchOS 10 or later, and Mac computers running macOS 13 Ventura or later.

To turn on the mode on iPhone, open “Settings,” go to “Privacy & Security,” scroll down to “Lockdown Mode,” and tap “Turn On & Restart.” Enter your passcode to confirm. You can turn the feature off in the same section.

Which features Lockdown Mode restricts

Enhanced protection is achieved by blocking or limiting a number of device capabilities. In Messages, most types of attachments stop working, as does link previews, which could potentially be used in an attack.

JavaScript is restricted in browsers. As a result, some websites may load more slowly or may not work at all. FaceTime calls will come through only from people the user has called before.

The mode also changes how connections and services work:

When iPhone is locked, a wired connection to a computer or accessory won’t work until the passcode is entered.

The device won’t automatically connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and support for 2G and 3G networks is turned off. These networks were shut down in the United States several years ago.

Configuration profiles can’t be installed. This may cause difficulties if a school or employer requires one.

Apple Watch won’t receive notifications phone calls on iPhone. Invitations to “ ,” Game Center features, and shared photo access are also restricted.

Who should use Lockdown Mode

In 2023, a vulnerability known as “BLASTPASS” made it possible to install Pegasus spyware on Apple devices through iMessage. According to researchers, devices with Lockdown Mode enabled were protected from this attack. Apple offers double its standard bug bounty for a way to bypass this protection.

The mode can be partially customized: for example, you can exempt certain contacts from restrictions in Messages so they can continue to send videos or documents. You can also make exceptions for specific websites and apps. However, each relaxation of the restrictions slightly reduces the level of protection. If there’s reason to believe a device has been targeted, it’s best to leave the mode’s default settings unchanged.

Most people don’t need to keep Lockdown Mode on all the time: Apple devices already have built-in security and privacy features. Spyware such as Pegasus is typically used to monitor specific people, including public figures, and its use may be linked to government actions against opponents or protesters. If Apple believes a user may have been targeted by a spyware attack, the company may send them a notification.

You can turn on Lockdown Mode for a few days to assess its impact on everyday use. For those who aren’t at risk of targeted attacks, the restrictions may be more noticeable than the added protection. So this feature is best suited to people at increased risk of surveillance, rather than all iPhone owners.

Related news for you:

Researchers found WebKit flaws that may expose real IP addresses despite Apple’s Private Relay, highlighting privacy limits and the feature’s differences from a VPN.

Apple reports that Lockdown Mode has prevented successful commercial spyware intrusions since 2022, with researchers confirming blocked attempts from NSO and Intellexa toolkits. At-risk users are urged to enable protection.

WhatsApp says it detected and disrupted a new phishing campaign tied to NSO Group and filed a contempt motion alleging violation of a court injunction protecting users from Pegasus style spyware.