With the release of iOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2, Apple is introducing Advanced Protection for iCloud, which offers the highest level of security yet for Apple Cloud data with end-to-end encryption. Here's everything you need to know about enabling it on your devices.
The new security feature offers users the ability to protect their important iCloud data such as iCloud backup, photos, notes, and more. Apple's end-to-end encryption means that most of your sensitive iCloud data can only be decrypted on your trusted Apple devices where you are logged in with your Apple ID account. In other words, no one - not even Apple - can access your data except you.
Protect iCloud backups, notes, and more
By default, iCloud already protects 14 categories of sensitive data with end-to-end encryption, including iCloud Keychain passwords and health data. When you turn on Advanced Data Protection, the number of data categories protected with end-to-end encryption increases to 23, including iCloud backups, notes, and photos. Advanced Data Protection provides end-to-end encryption for the following additional iCloud categories:
- device backups and message backups
- iCloud Drive
- notes
- photos
- Memories
- voice notes
- Safari bookmarks
- Siri shortcuts
- wallet
The only iCloud data categories not covered are iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendars, as these need to interact with the global email, contacts, and calendar systems. Importantly, Enhanced Privacy for iCloud is an opt-in feature, meaning you must enable it yourself by following the steps below. If you lose access to your account, you will only be able to recover your data using your device password or passcode, a recovery contact, or a recovery key. (You will be prompted to set up at least one recovery contact or recovery key before Enhanced Privacy is enabled.)
Access via iCloud.com is disabled by default
Also note that when Advanced Data Protection is turned on, access to your data via iCloud.com is disabled by default. However, you have the option to turn on data access on iCloud.com, which gives the web browser and Apple temporary access to the data-related encryption keys. Before turning on Advanced Data Protection, you must first update all your devices to the latest software versions. Otherwise, you will need to remove those devices from your account because they don't support end-to-end encryption. Advanced Data Protection is available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, and macOS 13.2 and later.
How to enable account recovery on iPhone, iPad and Mac
Before you enable Enhanced Privacy, you must set up account recovery to ensure you can recover your data if you forget your password.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad (or System Preferences on Mac) and select the banner with your Apple ID at the top of the menu.
- Select iCloud.
- Select Enhanced privacy.
- Select Account Recovery and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
When setting up account recovery, you can choose a recovery contact - a trusted person, such as a family member or friend who also has an Apple device. This person will receive a recovery code if you forget your password. You can also set a 28-character recovery key, which you should print and keep in a safe place (safe) or save in a password manager.
iOS 16.3: How to enable enhanced privacy on iPhone, iPad and Mac
Once account recovery is set up, you can turn on enhanced privacy for iCloud backups.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad (System Preferences on Mac) and select the banner with your Apple ID at the top of the menu.
- Select iCloud.
- Select Advanced Backup.
- Enable the switch for advanced data backup.
That's it. Your iCloud backups are now protected with end-to-end encryption. You can turn off enhanced privacy at any time. When you do, your device will securely upload the necessary encryption keys to Apple's servers and your account will be reset to the normal protection level. Looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading providers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by Unsplash / Miguel Tomás)
