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Ion exchange is a pivotal method for enhancing the mechanical properties of oxide glasses, yet the influence of pressure on this process and its underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This investigation pioneers the successful implementation of high-pressure ion exchange in commercial lithium aluminosilicate glass using Paterson press, achieving pressures above 100 MPa. Our findings unveil that moderate pressures promote ion interdiffusion, while extreme pressures hinder it due to glass network densification, which restricts ion mobility. Activation energy for ion exchange notably increases from 85.8 ± 0.7 kJ/mol at ambient pressure to 93.2 ± 4.6 kJ/mol at 50 MPa, highlighting the significant role of pressure on ion exchange kinetics. The large activation volume (∼146 cm3/mol) associated with the process underscores the extensive volume alterations involved in ion exchange. These insights underscore the potential of high-pressure processing in improving the mechanical properties of glass. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]