Apple

How to update your iPhone to get end-to-end encryption

Not even Apple can see your stuff when it’s on their servers, and the cops can’t get to it even with a warrant.

by
Kevin Raposo
December 15, 2022

illustration of how apple advanced data protection will look like on the iphone

Image: KnowTechie

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Apple released a new iPhone, iPad, and Mac update that offers users even more privacy for data stored on iCloud, thanks to end-to-end encryption.

The update includes a new feature called Advanced Data Protection. Users can now encrypt Apple Photos, Notes, iMessage conversations, and iCloud backups kept in the cloud.

If you turn on this feature, most of what you put in iCloud is only accessible to you. And if someone hacks iCloud, your data is safe.

Not even Apple can see your stuff when it’s on their servers, and the cops can’t get to it even with a warrant.

illustration of imessage contact key verification in action — Image: Apple

But since Apple won’t have the keys to your stuff anymore, you’ll have to set up another way to get it back if you lose access to your account.

Advanced Data Protection means users are on their own when recovering their data if they lose access. So, no more trips to the Genius Bar and no more easy backups in the case of an emergency.

If you find yourself locked out of your account, Apple says you’ll need your device password, recovery contact, or recovery key to get your iCloud data back.

How to set up Advanced Data Protection on your iPhone

Apple Advanced Data Protection screenshots for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on a purple background — Image: KnowTechie

First, update all your Apple products. This includes updating your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to the latest version of their operating systems.

For a quick refresher, click any of these below for step-by-step instructions on updating your device:

After updating your Apple devices to the latest version of their operating systems, you’re ready to proceed.

Go to Settings > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection

Once there, tap ‘Account Recovery’ or ‘Advanced Data Protection’ to move ahead

You’ll see a notification letting you know you’re responsible for your data recovery. Tap ‘Set Up Account Recovery’ to begin the process

This step will ask you to add a recovery contact or generate a recovery key

Apple suggests choosing someone you trust to help you get access back to your account. Just keep in mind that Apple won’t be able to help you get back in

Next, you’ll be asked to message your chosen recovery contact to let them know they’ve been selected. They’ll need to approve your request before you can move forward

Alternatively, you can set up a recovery key if you don’t want to trust someone else with all your iCloud data. This is a 28-character code you’ll need to keep safe to recover your backups

After setting up your recovery key, you’ll be asked to verify it by retyping it. Once you’ve done so, your recovery key will be enabled

Finally, once you turn on Advanced Data Protection, you’ll have to enter your iPhone password to enable it

There you go. You have now enabled Advanced Data Protection on your iPhone.

A couple of things to remember with Advanced Data Protection

Two notes about Advanced Data Protection for iCloud:
– iCloud Mail, Calendar, and Contacts are still not E2E
– When enabled, access to https://t.co/YSWnqzr9UO is disabled by default. Users can turn on access, which gives the browser + Apple temporary access to encryption keys.
— Joe Rossignol (@rsgnl) December 7, 2022