Question

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #2140638

    Encrypted vs Unencrypted iTunes backup

    by Anonymous ·

    Tags: 

    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.

You are posting a reply to: Encrypted vs Unencrypted iTunes backup

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. Please refer to our Community FAQs for details. All submitted content is subject to our Terms of Use.

All Answers

  • Author
    Replies
    • #2415754
      Avatar photo

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

      by rproffitt ·

      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.

      • #2415749

        What specifics are included in the Website history

        by Anonymous ·

        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.

        • #2415747
          Avatar photo

          Again, can’t answer.

          by rproffitt ·

          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.

        • #2415745

          thanks I understand

          by Anonymous ·

          In reply to Again, can’t answer.

          I see what you mean, thanks for the help

    • #2416740

      Further discussion on Unencrypted iTunes backup

      by kelly woods ·

      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.

Viewing 1 reply thread