Apple has always encrypted parts of your iCloud account. For example, you could encrypt your messages, but not if you backed them up to iCloud. Apple could encrypt your data, but they’d also hold on to the decryption keys, so they could access your data as well. Now, Apple has finally allowed users to encrypt their iCloud accounts. You can lock your account down so only you can access it.
However, that does mean that only you can access it. You’ll need to protect your backup codes so you won’t get locked out if you forget your password. Still, with full encryption, a strong password, and two factor authentication, you can finally fully protect your iCloud account. It’s about damn time. Here’s how to do it.
IMPORTANT: If you’ve already done this, you might have to do it again! I found that, while I did it before on the iOS beta, I had to do it once again after the feature rolled out to everyone else because I had to update my other devices. Be sure to check this area often, you may have to re-enable it!
Setting Up Advanced Data Protection
Let’s start off with the how-to, and we can get into the other stuff if you’re already on board with encryption and have a method for protecting your backup codes.
How-To
You can set up iCloud protection on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. I did mine straight from my iPhone. You will want to make sure your devices are up to date before you start. Even your Apple Watch! The process will tell you which of your devices need an update though, if you’re not sure.
On iOS/iPad OS:
- Open Settings
- At the top of the screen, you’ll see your name, with “Apple ID, iCloud+, Media & Purchases.” If you have a family account, you’ll see that as well, but don’t tap that. Tap the top section with your name
- From here, tap “iCloud.” If you have storage space, you’ll also see that next to the iCloud item.
- Scroll down to the bottom, you’ll find “Advanced Data Protection.” Tap that section.
- Scroll down and tap “Turn on Advanced Data Protection.”
- You may have to update your devices. Depending on when you enabled this, like if you enabled it through an iOS beta, you may need to turn the feature on again. Your keys will still be stored
- Follow the instructions. You’ll get a recovery code. Write it down. Save it. I have tips for storing it below.
On macOS:
- Go to System Settings. You can find it quickly from the Apple Menu () -> System Settings.
- Click on your iCloud account. It’ll be your name followed by “Apple ID.”
- Click iCloud.
- Scroll to the bottom and select “Advanced Data Protection.”
- Like the iOS instructions above, follow the directions and save your recovery code.
Either way, it’s relatively easy once you find the setting. Apple did bury it a little. The hardest part will be storing your 28-digit backup code. But I have a few tips for that too.
Protecting Your Backup Code
You’re not going to remember that backup code, so how do you store it in a way that you can recover it? Well, the answer isn’t somewhere in iCloud. I recommend storing it in parts. You may want to write down part that you keep in a safe, perhaps another part in a password manager like 1Password, or in a book. Write part of it on a card and slide it into your wallet. The fact is, you’re not going to be able to store this data securely. If someone wants to play National Treasure with your secrets, and you wrote down this key anywhere, they’re going to get it. Personally, I have a personal written code I made up a long time ago, and use that alongside splitting the data up and storing it in separate locations, but I bet anything that Nicolas Cage would be able to get through my security in just an hour or two.
I also make sure I remember my password by making it super long, but memorable, and reviewing it on occasion. If you’re using a password manager for it, make sure you remind yourself of where it is, what the password looks like. That way I shouldn’t ever have to be a sleuth, breaking my own code and finding all the pieces of my recovery code one day.
Why Encrypt?
Not everyone is technical, or cares about privacy. But they should. Maybe you don’t mind if police could access your data. But you probably find it a bit creepy that someone at Apple might be able to do it without being noticed. You definitely wouldn’t like the idea of some hacker being able to breach Apple’s systems and access iCloud data, right?
Encryption doesn’t just protect your data from sources you likely won’t have to worry about. It ensures that, if the worst happens, if someone does gain access to iCloud accounts who shouldn’t have access, your data won’t be among that breach. Encrypting your information means you’re the only one who will see it. You have full control over access to your data. Everyone should want that. Yes, it’ll take a few extra steps right now, but you’ll be glad you did down the road. Companies are hacked constantly, and sometimes hackers make off with data. Don’t be a victim, take a surefire way to protect yourself now.