Apple is popularly known for its security features. Compared to Android, Apple products are equipped with several layers of protection, making them difficult to hack. Recently, Apple announced an add-on security feature called Lockdown Mode in July 2022. The Lockdown Mode will be available for iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13 Ventura. It protects Apple devices from spyware and malware. Apple does not recommend enabling the Lockdown Mode for all users. This feature is specially developed for users who are targeted by cyberattacks. Enabling the lockdown mode is quite easy, and you can enable the feature from the Settings app on your Apple device.
What is Lockdown Mode on Apple
The Lockdown mode provides an extra layer of protection to Apple users. By enabling lockdown mode, your Apple device will disable several features. Once enabled, your device will reboot automatically, and you cannot unlock the device using your fingerprint or face recognition. To unlock your Apple device, you need to manually enter the password. In addition, it prohibits the user from using several apps, websites, and services. Currently, only Apple developers and beta users can access this feature. The lockdown feature comes out this year-end with the iOS 16 update and macOS 13 Ventura. So, update the iPad, iPhone, and Mac after the release. This feature is completely optional, and you can enable or disable it anytime.
Effects of Lockdown Mode
The Lockdown Mode was introduced for users who are highly targeted by cyberattacks and spyware. After enabling this feature, your iOS or Mac device will be at military-grade security, and you won’t be able to access some primary features, apps, etc. The major effects of enabling Lockdown mode on your Apple devices are below.
- You can see only the text messages and the images on the iMessage. This feature blocks other attachments, and you can’t see them.
- You cannot access the Link previews and other features in the iMessage app.
- You can’t access certain features in the browser.
- It blocks the new incoming invites and Facetime calls. This feature also restricts the user from screen sharing on Facetime.
- You cannot access the Shared albums in the Apple Photos app, and you can’t accept any new shared album invitations.
- Any wired connection with other devices such as computers will be blocked, and the configuration of profiles is prohibited.
How to Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone/iPad
(1) Unlock your iPhone and launch the Settings app.
(2) Scroll down and tap the option Privacy and Security from the settings.
(3) Move to the bottom and select Lockdown Mode displayed under Security.
(4) Read the info about Lockdown Mode and tap the option Turn On Lockdown Mode.
(5) Select the option Turn On & Restart to enable the Lockdown Mode.
How to Activate Lockdown Mode on Mac
(1) Unlock the Mac and tap the Apple icon displayed on the menu bar.
(2) Locate and tap the option System Preferences.
(3) Click on Privacy and Security from the left panel.
(4) Scroll down to the end of the page and click the Turn On button placed near the option Lockdown Mode.
(5) Hit the option Turn On & Restart to enable Lockdown Mode on Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Lockdown Mode feature will be available on all iPhones with the upcoming update iOS 16.
To turn Off Lockdown Mode on iPhone or iPad, follow the steps below.
Open the Settings app >> Privacy & Security >> Lockdown mode >> Turn Off Lockdown Mode >> Turn Off & Restart.
No. The Lockdown Mode feature will be available with the iOS 16 update.
Yes. You can enable lockdown from the Security & Privacy settings on your Mac.