Apple offers end-to-end encryption for data backed up via select apps, from Messages, Photos and Notes, to Safari, Reminders and Voice Memos.
This tool, coined Advanced Data Protection, ensures all your compatible backed-up iCloud data can only be decrypted on your trusted devices. Apple will also never have access to this data, even in the event of a data breach in the cloud.
Enabling Advanced Data Protection is simple and takes a matter of minutes to get set up. However, just note that you will need to have a recovery contact or recovery key set-up to turn this on. Scroll down to Troubleshooting to see how to set this up.
Keep reading to learn how to enable end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups.
What you’ll need:
The short version:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your Apple Account
- Tap iCloud
- Select Advanced Data Protection
- Tap Turn on Advanced Data Protection
- Review Recovery Methods
- Enter your password
- Tap Done
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Step
1Open the Settings app
We’ll be demonstrating using an iPhone, however the steps are exactly the same on an iPad and similar when using a Mac.
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Step
2Tap your Apple Account
At the top of your Settings app (or System Settings on Mac) you’ll see your name and Apple Account icon, as shown here. Simply tap this to open up your Apple Account’s settings.
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Step
3Tap iCloud
Select iCloud, which will be the first option in the second group, as shown here.
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Step
4Select Advanced Data Protection
You’ll also see here whether Advanced Data Protection is already on or not. If it’s already on then you don’t need to do anything else, or you can tap this to turn it off.
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Step
5Tap Turn on Advanced Data Protection
If you don’t have a recovery contact or key set up then you’ll be notified of this here and will be redirected to set this up instead. Follow the on-screen instructions or scroll down the troubleshooting to find out how to set up a recovery contact or recovery key.
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6Review Recovery Methods
Check that you’re happy with any existing recovery contacts that are listed here and update if necessary.
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7Enter your password
Enter your device’s passcode or password when prompted.
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8Tap Done
As stated here, you’ll need to remember to keep your recovery methods up to date and ensure you are still in touch with your listed contacts or have your key noted down somewhere (not on your device).
Troubleshooting
Follow steps one through to four. Instead of turning on Advanced Data Protection, scroll further down to Account Recovery. Here you’ll have the option to either add recovery contact or set up a recovery key.
