iPhone's Lockdown Mode Blocks FBI Forensics After Seizure

Extreme security feature limits iPhone features to stop targeted attacks, even for law enforcement

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Lockdown Mode, a little-known security feature introduced with iOS 16 about four years ago, has gained attention after reports that the FBI was unable to access a journalist's seized iPhone due to the feature being enabled. Lockdown Mode drastically limits iPhone features to stop targeted attacks, blocking most message attachments, link previews, advanced web technologies, FaceTime calls from unknown numbers, and more. While meant for high-risk users like journalists and activists, it can also prevent law enforcement from accessing a seized device's contents using forensic tools.

Why it matters

The ability of Lockdown Mode to block law enforcement access to a seized iPhone's data raises questions about the balance between personal privacy and public safety, especially in cases involving journalists and other high-profile individuals who may face targeted cyber threats. This case highlights the tradeoffs between security and convenience as Apple aims to provide an extreme option for its most vulnerable users.

The details

When enabled, Lockdown Mode blocks most message attachments and link previews, restricts advanced web technologies, limits incoming FaceTime calls, and disables features like SharePlay, Game Center, and certain Apple service invitations. It also removes shared photo albums, strips location data from shared images, requires devices to be unlocked before connecting to accessories or computers, blocks nonsecure Wi-Fi networks, and prevents device management profiles from being installed. This significantly reduces the iPhone's functionality but makes it much harder to attack remotely.

  • Lockdown Mode was introduced with iOS 16 about four years ago.
  • In a recent case, the FBI reportedly seized a Washington Post journalist's iPhone that had Lockdown Mode enabled.

The players

Lockdown Mode

An extreme security feature on the iPhone that drastically limits functionality to protect against targeted cyberattacks.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which reportedly seized a journalist's iPhone that had Lockdown Mode enabled, preventing them from accessing the device's contents using forensic tools.

Washington Post

The news organization that employed the journalist whose iPhone was seized by the FBI while Lockdown Mode was enabled.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Court records will likely show whether the FBI is able to gain access to the journalist's iPhone through other means or if Lockdown Mode successfully prevented them from accessing the device's contents.

The takeaway

Lockdown Mode demonstrates Apple's commitment to providing an extreme security option for its most vulnerable users, even if it means limiting functionality and potentially obstructing law enforcement investigations. This case highlights the ongoing tension between personal privacy and public safety, especially when it comes to high-profile individuals who may face targeted cyber threats.