According to court-filing accounts from 404 Media and the Associated Press, the FBI’s Computer Analysis Response Team could not extract data from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s seized iPhone while Apple Lockdown Mode was enabled. That is a significant reported result for one phone—not proof that every iPhone in Lockdown Mode is permanently inaccessible.
What happened in the reported case
In January 2026, FBI agents searched Natanson’s home as part of an investigation into leaks of classified information and seized her phone and other electronics. 404 Media reported on February 4 that a court record described devices and data the FBI could and could not access. The AP likewise reported that a filing said the FBI’s Computer Analysis Response Team, or CART, “could not extract” data from Natanson’s iPhone because Lockdown Mode was on.
The AP’s account also says agents were able to unlock a MacBook using Natanson’s finger, while the iPhone remained inaccessible to extraction. That contrast describes the reported circumstances; it should not be read as a general legal rule about fingerprints or device searches.
“Fails to crack” is shorthand. The precise supported claim is that investigators could not extract data from this iPhone at the time described in the filing. The reporting does not establish that every kind of access was impossible, that the result was permanent, or that investigators had exhausted every possible technique. 404 Media noted that other methods might still be tried. The case details here are attributed to those outlets’ accounts of a court filing, rather than to independent examination of the filing.
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What Apple Lockdown Mode is designed to do
Apple describes Lockdown Mode as an optional, extreme protection for the very small number of people who may be personally targeted by sophisticated digital threats. Apple says most people are never targeted by attacks of this nature. The feature reduces a device’s attack surface by restricting certain apps, websites, and functions; it is not a promise that a device cannot be compromised or accessed through any method.
Apple lists Lockdown Mode availability for iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, watchOS 10 or later, and macOS Ventura or later. Apple says additional protections began with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma. Those are platform availability details, not evidence that the configuration or outcome in Natanson’s iPhone case applies identically to every supported device.
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What changes when Lockdown Mode is on
Apple documents restrictions across communications, browsing, sharing, and connections. Their effect is to limit some ways content or services can interact with the device, but familiar tasks may work differently or stop working.
- Messages: Most attachment types are blocked, and links and link previews are unavailable.
- Web browsing: Some complex web technologies are blocked. Sites may load slowly or fail, web fonts may disappear, and images may appear missing.
- FaceTime: Incoming calls are blocked unless you have called that person in the previous 30 days. SharePlay and Live Photos are unavailable.
- Photos: Shared photos omit location information. Shared albums are removed from the Photos app, and new shared-album invitations are blocked.
- Accessories and computers: An iPhone or iPad must be unlocked before it can connect to an accessory or another computer.
- Wireless networks and cellular: The device does not automatically join non-secure Wi-Fi networks. On iPhone and iPad, 2G and 3G cellular support is turned off.
- Core communications: Phone calls and plain-text messages continue to work, and emergency features such as SOS calls are unaffected.
These restrictions can have practical consequences. In an AP example, reporter Kelvin Chan said some apps warned him about limitations, some web photos were missing, and a gym website’s check-in—which depended on browser camera access—did not work until he turned Lockdown Mode off. That is one person’s experience, not a guarantee that every app or site will behave the same way.
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Who should consider using it
Apple positions Lockdown Mode for people who face a credible risk of highly sophisticated, targeted cyberattacks—not as a routine setting that everyone needs. If you are deciding whether to enable it, weigh that threat model against the restrictions that may interfere with messaging, browsing, calls, photo sharing, and device connections. The reported FBI result is notable, but one case does not determine how the feature will perform against other tools, devices, or circumstances.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to turn on Lockdown Mode
Apple recommends updating devices before enabling the feature. On iPhone or iPad:
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- Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode.
- Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode, then Turn On & Restart.
- Enter the device passcode when prompted.
Apple says Lockdown Mode must be enabled separately on each supported iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Turning it on for an iPhone also enables it for a paired Apple Watch. For Apple’s full list of restrictions, supported software, and setup details, see About Lockdown Mode.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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