Turn on iPhone Lockdown Mode for extra security

There is a setting on your iPhone called Lockdown Mode. It isn't for everyone, but if you are worried about deepfakes or targeted scams, it might be worth a look.

You can find it by going to Settings and searching for "Lockdown." When you switch it on, the phone starts disabling certain features to reduce its attack surface. Links in messages, for example, are no longer clickable. You have to manually copy and paste them into a browser. Some websites may also lose custom fonts or other dynamic elements because the browser is running in a more restricted state.

The most noticeable change is to FaceTime. Once Lockdown Mode is active, only people you have FaceTimed with in the past 30 days can call you. If someone new tries to reach you, they can’t.

This is a trade-off. You gain a layer of protection against sophisticated phishing and social engineering attempts, but you lose some convenience and openness. If you are a target for high-stakes attacks, or if you simply want to minimize what a stranger can do with a link or a call, this is the tool for that. Check the setting in your iPhone’s menu to see if it fits your needs.