How to turn on Lockdown Mode on an iPhone
2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Open Settings, tap Privacy & Security, scroll down to Lockdown Mode and tap Turn On Lockdown Mode. Confirm with Turn On & Restart and enter your passcode. It needs iOS 16 or later.
Lockdown Mode is an extreme protection that Apple designed for the very few people who may be personally targeted by sophisticated spyware, such as journalists, activists and politicians. It switches off several features to leave attackers fewer ways in. Most people do not need it.
The pictures are simplified diagrams of the iPhone screens, not screenshots, so yours will look a little different.
Step by step
Open Settings and tap Privacy & Security
Scroll down in Settings to find it.
Scroll down and tap Lockdown Mode
It is near the bottom of the page, under Security.
Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode
Read the summary of what will change, then tap Turn On Lockdown Mode again at the bottom.
Tap Turn On & Restart
Enter your passcode. The iPhone restarts with Lockdown Mode active.
Good to know
What changes: most message attachments are blocked apart from pictures, video and audio. Some websites load slowly or look wrong. FaceTime calls from people you have not contacted in the last 30 days are blocked. The iPhone does not join insecure Wi-Fi networks, and accessories only connect while it is unlocked.
Normal phone calls, plain text messages and emergency features keep working.
You can exempt a trusted website or app under Settings, Privacy & Security, Lockdown Mode. Each exception lowers the protection.
To switch it off, go to the same page, tap Turn Off Lockdown Mode and restart.
In short: Settings, Privacy & Security, Lockdown Mode, Turn On, Turn On & Restart.
- Apple Support: About Lockdown Mode
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.