How to Turn On Lockdown Mode on iPhone 18 Pro (iOS 27)

Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme protection setting on iPhone, and you turn it on at Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode. It is meant only for people who believe they may be targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack, such as mercenary spyware. Most people are never targeted this way, so read what it limits before you switch it on.

Short Answer: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode, tap Turn On Lockdown Mode twice, then tap Turn On & Restart and enter your passcode. Your iPhone restarts with the extra protections active. On iOS 27 you can also exclude trusted websites, apps and contacts.

What You Need

Apple recommends updating to the latest software before enabling Lockdown Mode. Apple's About Lockdown Mode page does not list the iPhone 18 Pro by name, but the iPhone 18 Pro on iOS 27 is above the minimum version. Lockdown Mode must be enabled separately on each iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Brand/OS	Minimum version	Supported?	Notes
Apple iOS / iPadOS	iOS 16 / iPadOS 16 (watchOS 10, macOS Ventura)	Yes. The iPhone 18 Pro on iOS 27 is above the minimum.	Additional protections arrive in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and macOS Sonoma.
Apple iOS 27	iOS 27	Contact exclusions only	Customize Contacts needs iOS, iPadOS or macOS 27 or later.
Apple Watch	watchOS 10	Follows the paired iPhone	You can't toggle it on the Watch itself.

Method 1: Turn On Lockdown Mode

Open Settings.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Scroll down and tap Lockdown Mode.
Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
Read the list of limits, then tap Turn On Lockdown Mode again.
Tap Turn On & Restart.
Enter your passcode when asked.

Your iPhone restarts with Lockdown Mode on. Turning it on for the iPhone also turns it on for a paired Apple Watch running watchOS 10 or later.

What Lockdown Mode Limits

These limits are described in Apple's documentation. Phone calls, plain-text messages and emergency features such as SOS are not affected.

Messages: most attachment types are blocked, except certain images, video and audio. Links and link previews are unavailable.
Web browsing: complex web technologies, including just-in-time JavaScript compilation, are blocked. Sites may load slowly or misbehave, web fonts may not display, and images may show as missing.
FaceTime: incoming calls are blocked unless you called that person or contact in the past 30 days. SharePlay and Live Photos are unavailable.
Apple services: invitations, such as Home app management, are blocked unless you previously invited that person. Focus is affected and Game Center is disabled.
Photos: location info is excluded when sharing. Shared albums are removed from Photos and new Shared Album invitations are blocked.
Device connections: the iPhone must be unlocked to connect to accessories or computers.
Wireless: the device won't auto-join non-secure Wi-Fi networks and disconnects from them. 2G and 3G are turned off.
Profiles: configuration profiles can't be installed and the device can't enroll in MDM or supervision. MDM profiles enabled before Lockdown Mode remain.

Method 2: Exclude a Trusted Website or App

Apple says exclusions reduce protection, so exclude only trusted websites, apps or contacts, and only when necessary.

Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode.
Tap Customize Web Sites.
Tap Excluded Safari Websites to review or manage excluded sites.
To exclude one site quickly, open it in Safari, tap the Page Menu button and choose Website Settings....
Turn off Lockdown Mode for that site.

For an app, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Customize Web Sites and turn off the app. On some versions, Lockdown Mode may sit under a Security heading in Privacy & Security. Only apps you've opened since enabling Lockdown Mode, and that have limited functionality, appear in that list. You should see the site or app work with fewer restrictions.

Method 3: Exclude a Contact (iOS 27)

Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode.
Tap Customize Contacts.
Tap Add Contact.
Choose the contact you trust.

This removes the messaging limits for that contact. If the contact's phone number or email changes, the limits return and you get a notification.

Differences by Brand or OS Version

This is an Apple-only feature. Customize Contacts needs iOS 27 or later, while website and app exclusions are also available on earlier versions. Availability of individual menus can vary by model and region, so check your own Settings screen.

How to Turn It Off or Undo It

Go back to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode, turn it off and follow the on-screen prompts. Apple's page doesn't say whether turning it off needs a restart. To undo only an exclusion, remove the site, app or contact from the matching Customize list.

Tips

Update iOS first and keep it current. Reports of a Lockdown Mode bypass on iPhone 18 Pro are unverified and not addressed on Apple's pages, so the practical response is to stay updated and avoid opening unknown files or links.
Turn it on separately on each iPhone, iPad and Mac you use.
Remember incoming calls won't ring on a paired Apple Watch while it is on.
Keep exclusions to a minimum and review them from time to time.
For another iPhone 18 Pro setting worth checking, see how to set a charge limit on iPhone 18 Pro.

Not Working?

If a site looks broken, that is expected behavior, so exclude it only if you trust it. If a message attachment or link won't open, the mode is blocking it by design. If the option is missing, update to the latest iOS and check Settings > Privacy & Security again.

FAQ

Should I turn on Lockdown Mode?

Only if you believe you may be targeted by sophisticated spyware. For most people it is unnecessary and limits everyday features.

Does it affect phone calls?

No. Phone calls, plain-text messages and emergency features such as SOS are not affected.

Does it turn on for my Apple Watch?

Yes, if the Watch runs watchOS 10 or later and is paired to the iPhone. You can't toggle it on the Watch itself.

Last updated: November 10, 2026. Steps checked against iOS 27.