Smartphones·1,458 discussions

Encrypted vs Unencrypted iTunes backup

Tags: Apple

Can I get an in-depth explanation on what data can be stored on an encrypted backup versus a non encrypted backup. Apple’s site is very generalized.

Topic

Apple does detail which data is not backed up unless encrypted.

In reply to Encrypted vs Unencrypted iTunes backup

“The Encrypt backup feature in the Finder or iTunes locks and encodes your information. Encrypted backups can include information that unencrypted backups don’t:

Your saved passwords for:
Wi-Fi settings
Website history
Health data
Call history

Encrypted backups don’t include Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode data.”

If you need to know what data iTunes backs up, I can’t list that since your choice of apps means I won’t be able to list them all.

What specifics are included in the Website history

In reply to Apple does detail which data is not backed up unless encrypted.

Hey, I read that Apple does not back up “Activity” and as you write Website History. Does this include browser cache, cookies, temp files, or only a list of visited URLs. Sorry, I should have been more clear in my first post.

Again, can’t answer.

In reply to What specifics are included in the Website history

Web browsers on iOS devices could be Safari, Chrome and what else so you would have to research each one you use to see if such is included with iTunes backup.

Chrome for example has its own system so for backup there (and what it backs up is well discussed) happens when you login to your google account.

I’m sorry if it sounds like I am avoiding your question but the question is, as you see, very much tied to the apps being used.

thanks I understand

In reply to Again, can’t answer.

I see what you mean, thanks for the help

Further discussion on Unencrypted iTunes backup

In reply to Encrypted vs Unencrypted iTunes backup

“For security reasons, by default, an iTunes backup will not include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, or Health data.” But here are some further thinking on this statement.

All passwords (including ones to Wi-Fi access points) are saved in the device keychain. Keychain data *IS* always included into device backup, but if the backup does not have the password set, then the keychain is encrypted using the “hardware” key unique to every device (and this key is not being changed even after device reset). That means that if you reset from such (not encrypted) backup to the new device, most keychain data is lost (see this post – https://www.minicreo.com/iphone-data-recovery/what-does-icloud-backup.html ). In contrary, if backup is password-protected, then keychain is encrypted using the key derived from this password (and so can be restored to any other device — if, of course, the password is known).

Website history is always included into backup. Health data is not.

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