How to Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone and iPad?

With iOS 16, Lockdown Mode will better safeguard your iPhone or iPad. Because we use our iPhones and iPads daily, they will likely include some of our most private information and data. Whatever you would not want others to see is undoubtedly on your smartphone, including pictures and videos in our Photo Library, files and documents stored locally on the device, contact information, credit card numbers, bank account information, and passwords. Because of this, it’s more crucial than ever to ensure the security of your data. Enabling Touch ID or Face ID and using a difficult passcode are only two steps in this process.

But in the upcoming round of software upgrades, Apple is raising the bar for security to new heights. According to Apple, the release of a “Lockdown Mode” for iOS 16, iPad OS 16, and macOS Ventura is scheduled for the autumn. The corporation is also so sure of this new feature that it’s willing to reward researchers with $2 million under the Apple Security Bounty program if they can find a way to circumvent the new Lockdown Mode.

Here’s how to activate this Mode if your current iPhone or iPad runs iOS 16 or iPadOS 16.

What is Lockdown Mode, and Who is it for?

In essence, it’s an extremely strict security feature intended to guard against “highly focused assaults,” notably from private corporations that have produced state-sponsored malware, and to shield individuals who are most susceptible or in danger. Journalists, activists, and even government workers are among the target population. This Mode, on the other hand, is voluntary and accessible to anybody who wants to increase the degree of security on their device.

The smartphone is at an “extreme” level of security after it is activated since it severely limits or bans specific capabilities, programs, and even websites. The third developer betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 both included Lockdown Mode, which will have the following effects:

• Messages: Most message attachments are blocked except for images. Link previews and other features may also not be available.
• FaceTime: Incoming FaceTime calls from people you have not previously called are blocked.
• Web Browsing: Some web technologies and browsing features are blocked. This can include more complex features, like certain forms of JavaScript.
• Shared Albums: Shared albums will be removed from the Photos app, and new Shared Albums invitations will be blocked.
• Device Connections: Wired connections with another device or accessory while your iPhone or iPad is locked are blocked.
• Apple Services: Incoming invitations from others for Apple Services that you have not previously connected with are blocked.
• Profiles: Configuration profiles, such as profiles for school or work, cannot be installed.

These are just the start of the protections that Apple is making available with this Mode. Apple has stated that more restrictions will be added to Lockdown Mode as time progresses.

How to Enable it on iPhone and iPad?

Remember that anybody may activate Lockdown Mode even though it is intended for people vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here’s how to activate Lockdown Mode if you have the most recent developer betas of iOS 16 or iPadOS 16.

1. Launch Settings on your device.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Lockdown Mode.
4. Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
5. Read through the information about Lockdown Mode and then scroll down to tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
6. Tap Turn On & Restart to confirm and enable, or Cancel if you change your mind.

As you can see, restarting your iPhone or iPad is necessary when you enable Lockdown Mode. Your smartphone will then be limited in how it may access the aforementioned functions, apps, and websites.

“For more such Tips & Tips for your Apple devices, keep following our blog on EK Wireless Center.”