How to Use Lockdown Mode in macOS 13

Lockdown Mode in macOS 13 Ventura is an extreme, optional security feature designed to protect users who may be personally targeted by sophisticated digital threats, such as mercenary spyware. This guide provides a straightforward overview of what Lockdown Mode does, how to enable it on your Mac, and how to turn it off when it is no longer needed.

What Lockdown Mode Does

When enabled, Lockdown Mode strictly limits certain apps, websites, and features to reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Key protections include:

  • Messages: Most message attachments other than certain images are blocked. Link previews are disabled.
  • Web Browsing: Complex web technologies, such as just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are blocked unless an exception is made for a trusted site.
  • Apple Services: Incoming invitations and FaceTime calls are blocked if you have not previously contacted the initiator.
  • Wired Connections: Accessories and external devices are blocked from connecting when the Mac is locked.
  • Configuration Profiles: Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot be enrolled in Mobile Device Management (MDM).

How to Turn On Lockdown Mode

To activate Lockdown Mode on macOS 13:

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Settings.
  2. In the left sidebar, click Privacy & Security.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the pane to locate the Lockdown Mode section.
  4. Click Turn On.
  5. Read the prompt detailing the feature's restrictions, then click Turn On & Restart.
  6. Enter your Mac’s administrator password to confirm.

Your Mac will immediately restart. Once the reboot is complete, Lockdown Mode will be active across the operating system.

How to Exclude Websites from Lockdown Mode

If a trusted website does not function correctly while Lockdown Mode is enabled, you can whitelist it directly in Safari:

  1. Open Safari and navigate to the website.
  2. Click Safari in the menu bar and select Settings for [Website Name].
  3. Uncheck the box next to Enable Lockdown Mode.

How to Turn Off Lockdown Mode

If you no longer require high-level protection, you can disable Lockdown Mode at any time:

  1. Open System Settings from the Apple menu ().
  2. Select Privacy & Security.
  3. Scroll down to Lockdown Mode and click Turn Off.
  4. Click Turn Off & Restart, then enter your administrator password.

After your Mac restarts, all standard features, background processes, and system behaviors will be restored.