This month Apple introduced three security features Apple ID iMessage Contact Key Verification, Advanced Data Protection and Security Key. Advanced data protection is now available on iPhones and other Apple devices, thanks to the latest update – iOS 16.2. This is a great security feature for iCloud data. Here’s how to enable advanced data protection on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The Security Key feature is also coming to iPhone with the iOS 16.3 update. And soon the third security feature may also be rolled out. But for now, users can take advantage of the recently released Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.
What is Advanced Data Protection?
Advanced Data Protection Provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups and other iCloud data categories. iCloud already has security features, but the new data protection takes it to the next level. This is because encrypted data can only be decrypted on trusted devices. And so even if iCloud data is stolen, the encrypted data will not be decrypted.
Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s highest level of security for iCloud. The new option increases end-to-end encryption to nine other iCloud data categories.
- Device backup
- Backup messages
- iCloud drive
- Notes
- photos
- Memories
- Safari Bookmarks
- Siri Shortcuts
- Voice Memos
- Wallet passes
Enable advanced data protection
The new feature is available on iPhone and iPad with the latest update. But it is disabled by default on both devices. So, to enjoy this feature, you need to enable it. To make it easy for you I have made a manual for you. You can follow the mentioned steps to enable Advanced Data Protection.
Note: Advanced Data Protection is currently available in the US. it is expected to reach more regions in 2023.
Enable advanced data protection on iPhone and iPad
- Make sure to update your device to iOS 16.2 or iPadOS 16.2.
- After that, open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your profile icon which is at the top.
- To search iCloud and open it.
- Scroll down and you will find Advanced data protectiontap it to open.
- Tap on ‘Enable advanced data protection’.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the new feature. You must set up at least one recovery method.
That’s all, now your iCloud data like backups are more secure than ever.
Enable advanced data protection on Mac
If you have a Mac, you can follow these steps.
- Update your Mac to macOS 13.1.
- Now click on the Apple icon and select System Institutions.
- Then click on your name/profile and choose the iCloud option.
- Here you will find Advanced data protection, open it.
- Click on ‘Enable advanced data protection’.
- Now follow the instructions on the screen and set the recovery method.
Disable advanced data protection for iCloud
If you decide to disable or disable this feature, you can easily do so. Once you turn it off, the device will upload the encryption keys so that iCloud data will use standard data protection again.
Open the Advanced Data Protection option under iCloud on your device (iPhone/iPad/Mac). And there, of course, you’ll find the button to turn it off, if the feature is enabled at all. It’s pretty easy since you know the interface since you’ve already enabled the feature from the same settings.
Bonus: Recover iCloud encrypted data
If something goes wrong, you need to restore your encrypted iCloud data. The new feature prevents Apple from having your recovery keys. The recovery key is only available to the user set when data protection was enabled. Users can choose from three recovery options.
- Device Passcode or Password: passcode of your Apple device
- Recovery contact: Apple device of a trusted friend or family
- Recovery key: secret code of 28 characters
So there you have it, all about advanced data protection and how to enable it. Hope you find the guide useful and share it with your friends who use Apple devices. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section.
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