Lockdown Mode
Advanced Protection for High-Risk Users
High-Risk Protection
Consider Lockdown Mode if you believe you may be personally targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack.
What this setting does
Lockdown Mode reduces the iPhone’s attack surface by restricting features that can be exploited in highly targeted cyberattacks. It limits certain capabilities in Messages, web browsing, Apple services, wired connections, device management, and other parts of the system. Apple designed it for the small number of people who may be targeted by sophisticated threats such as mercenary spyware.
Important notes
Lockdown Mode is an extreme protection and is not intended for most users. When enabled, some apps, websites, and features will work differently or may not be available because functionality is deliberately restricted to reduce opportunities for attack.
Lockdown Mode must be turned on separately on each iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Enabling it on an iPhone also enables it on a paired Apple Watch. Apple recommends keeping devices updated to the latest software to receive the complete set of available Lockdown Mode protections.
Clouds & Keys classifies Lockdown Mode as High-Risk Protection because the security benefit is substantial for people facing sophisticated targeted attacks, while the restrictions are unnecessary for most users.