How to Use Lockdown Mode on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Apple has been improving the security and privacy on its products. The Cupertino firm introduced Lockdown mode in the third Developer Beta of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. This nifty feature adds an extra layer of protection to Apple’s range of products. 

If you have the beta build of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, we will show you how to use Lockdown mode. Note that the feature is still in the beta stage, which may include bugs and glitches. 

What is Lockdown mode?

Before going further with how to enable it, let’s first find out what it is and who it is for. According to Apple, Lockdown mode is designed to protect those vulnerable to cyberattacks. The target group includes activists, journalists, and government employees. It’s also an optional feature for any regular users who want to add an extra security layer to their device.

Once you have enabled Lockdown mode, it will restrict or completely disable certain features, apps, and services, including Messages, FaceTime, wired connections, Profiles, and MDM (Mobile Device Management). Apple has said that more restrictions will be added to Lockdown mode when it launches to the public this fall. 

How to Enable Lockdown Mode

The Lockdown mode feature is only available for Apple devices running the third Developer Beta of iOS 16, iPad 16, and macOS Ventura. Make sure you have got the beta 3 before proceeding. 

On iPhone or iPad

The steps used to enable Lockdown mode are the same on iPhone and iPad. Here are the steps.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Privacy & Security and scroll down to the bottom until you see the Lockdown mode, then tap on it.
3. Tap on Turn On Lockdown Mode and read through its features.
4. Hit the Turn On Lockdown Mode button and tap Turn On & Restart. 
5. Your device will restart to apply the new change. Once it restarts, your device will enter Lockdown mode, meaning some features will be restricted or disabled. 

On Mac

If you are now on the developer beta 3 of macOS Ventura, here are the steps to enable Lockdown mode.

1. Open System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down and hit Lockdown Mode from the list.
4. Click Turn On Lockdown Mode and then select Turn On & Restart. 
5. Your Mac should restart. Once it is done, your machine is now in Lockdown Mode. 

How to Configure Lockdown Mode Settings

When Lockdown mode is enabled, you can tweak it to better fit your needs. When in Lockdown mode, websites in Safari will be restricted, but you can bypass these limitations by excluding certain websites. 

1. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to the website you want to bypass Lockdown restrictions for.
3. Hit AA > Websites Settings.
4. Turn off Lockdown Mode and tap Turn Off.

You can see a list of all excluded websites by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Configure Web Browsing.

Future Security Features

Lockdown Mode is the latest security addition to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, the company still has more to come in future updates. According to Craig Federighi – Apple’s Head of software, the company will release more security features for its products to strengthen security and privacy. Lockdown mode does not prevent malware issues completely, but it could force hackers to put more time and resources into finding flaws they can exploit.