The iPhone's 'lockdown mode': What it is and who should consider using it

An optional security feature on iPhones called Lockdown Mode helps protect Apple devices against some of the world's most sophisticated hackers.

- Jackie Snow

Users of Lockdown Mode include human-rights activists, journalists, and others.

But what about everybody else? Do they need this kind of top-level cyber protection, too?

Released in 2022 as part of Apple's iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, Lockdown Mode disables or restricts such commonly used tools and activities as photo sharing, payment applications, and use of unsecured local networks—all features that attackers often exploit to install spyware through phishing attempts and malicious downloads.

Unsolicited FaceTime calls and messages from unknown contacts are blocked. Standard features of modern messaging, like preview links and automatic media downloads, also are disabled. Links to images or files appear as plain text URLs without previews or direct opening options. Popular features like Apple Pay become limited, too.

When someone sends money through Apple Cash, recipients see only a generic notification rather than specific payment details. Payment integrations also become more limited in third-party apps.