YouTube videos don’t work when using Lockdown mode. When YouTube is excluded from lockdown mode videos work again.
Lockdown mode can’t be disabled on third party Browsers, therefore YouTube can’t be watched on them.
This is a recent issue, as YouTube previously worked with Lockdown mode enabled.
iPhone 14 Plus
The issue in this case doesn’t appear to be with Apple but YouTube’s invasive requirements to be able to access your metadata (unique user identifiers).
By activating a higher privacy level, you are not allowing YouTube access to the information they require thus “breaking” YouTube’s viewer.
Apple should be commended for the implementation of this capability although they still have far to go regarding their First-Party transparency and privacy practices.
The issue in this case doesn’t appear to be with Apple but YouTube’s invasive requirements to be able to access your metadata (unique user identifiers).
By activating a higher privacy level, you are not allowing YouTube access to the information they require thus “breaking” YouTube’s viewer.
Apple should be commended for the implementation of this capability although they still have far to go regarding their First-Party transparency and privacy practices.
Lockdown mode's blocking Youtube started with update to iOS 17.2.1 (current about the start of January 2024). It occurs in Safari on both an iPhone SE2020 and an iPhone 14Pro.
YouTube is not blocked on a MacBook Air M1 using Lockdown that is running current Sonoma 14.1. Lockdown now gives notice that if activated on one device (perhaps with the same Apple ID; not specified) it should be activated on all of them.
This is from the lockdown mode page, it explains why you would need to use lockdown mode. You probably don't ever need to use this mode -
Lockdown Mode is optional and should be used only if you believe you might be targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack, such as by a private company developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.
Important: Most people are never targeted by attacks of this nature.
When iPhone is in Lockdown Mode, it doesn’t function as it typically does. Apps, websites, and features are strictly limited for security, and some functionality isn’t available, including:
Do you have a question?
If you feel the need to enable lockdown mode, I would think watching YouTube videos would be the least of your worries…
YouTube not working with Lockdown mode
