Lockdown Mode and Advanced Protection: usability trade-offs

On iPhone, Lockdown Mode and on Android, the Advanced Protection Program offer enhanced protection against mercenary spyware. Both features come with some usability trade-offs.

For anyone worried about targeted attacks, these trade-offs will likely be worth the big increase in security. If you encounter issues that don't work for your needs, you can always disable the feature later.

iPhone Lockdown Mode: Features that will be harder to use

• No clickable links in messages (mainly within iMessage) - Links show as raw URLs and don't work (i.e. are not instantly clickable). You have to copy-paste them manually to a browser. This encourages you to make sure they are safe before doing so, since spyware often arrives via a text message containing a custom-designed link that is impossible to ignore for you in particular.
• Most message attachments blocked (also mainly within iMessage) - When receiving PDFs, documents, Office files, contacts, location over iMessage, you might not be able to view them normally and iMessage will indicate "1 attachment." This is because some spyware can be delivered through malicious attachments.
• FaceTime calls from unknown contacts blocked - Lockdown Mode will block call attempts from unknown contacts or people you have not been in touch with in the last 30 days. You will be notified if this user attempts to FaceTime you and you can decide to call back if the call attempt is genuine.
• Web fonts don't load - Websites appear with system fonts only, often looks weird.
• Images may not display - Some images show as missing image icons.
• Interactive webpage elements fail - Complex web features, animations, dynamic content often broken.
• Location sharing is disabled in Find My. You can see other people's locations but they can't see yours.
• iCloud Shared Albums don't work as expected - When you share photos in a shared album, location information is excluded. Shared Album invitations might be blocked too.
• Device won't connect to any WiFi automatically - On Lockdown Mode your phone won't connect to insecure Wi-Fi networks automatically and you will need to manually connect to the chosen network and accept the security risk.
• 2G or 3G support is turned off - If you find yourself in a location with 2G or 3G cellular network with Lockdown Mode, your phone will simply not connect (as 2G / 3G is more insecure than 4G / 5G).

Learn more about Apple's Lockdown Mode.

Google/Android Advanced Protection Program

• Security key required - Must use security key/passkeySecurity KeyA small physical device (like a YubiKey) that you plug in or tap to log in to an account. Someone who steals your password still can't get in without it, which makes it one of the strongest protections against phishingPhishingA scam that tricks you into giving up your password and two-factor authentication code. It often looks like a real message from someone you trust, like a fake email from Google or a fake message from "Signal Support."Learn more: EFF Surveillance Self-Defense. PasskeysPasskeyA newer way to log in that replaces your password. Your phone, computer, or password manager stores a secret key for the account and unlocks it with your face, fingerprint, or passcode. There's no password to type, so there's nothing for a phishing site to steal. Security keys work in a similar way, but are physical devices you plug in or tap.Learn more: EFF work in a similar way, but live on your phone or in your password manager.Learn more: EFF Surveillance Self-Defense for every new device sign-in to Google Account, which can take some getting used to.
• JavaScript optimizer disabled (Chrome) - Some complex websites may not work properly.
• No sideloading - Can't install apps from outside Play Store or verified stores.
• USB locked when device locked - Must unlock device before connecting USB accessories.
• Insecure Wi-Fi blocked - Won't auto-connect to open/WEP Wi-Fi networks.
• Enhanced Safe Browsing warnings - More download warnings and potential blocked websites.
• Fast charging might not work as expected - You might need to unlock the phone in order to activate fast charging.

Learn more about Android Advanced Protection Program.