When you back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud, Apple automatically encrypts the backup to protect your data from unauthorized access. However, when you back up your iOS/iPadOS device to a computer, you must manually encrypt the data for an added layer of protection. Fortunately, encrypting local backups of an iPhone/iPad on a Windows computer is as easy as on a Mac. So, if you’re willing to password-protect your iPhone or iPad backup on your Windows device to restrict its access, let me help you get started!
How to Encrypt Local Backups of an iPhone or iPad in Windows
Before I take you through the quick steps, I would like to underline a few key points worth checking beforehand. If you’re familiar with the basics, you can get started right away using the table of contents below.
Difference Between Encrypted and Unencrypted iPhone and iPad Backup
Strictly speaking, the biggest difference between encrypted and unencrypted iPhone and iPad backup on computer is the data included. Encrypted backups are locked/encoded and contain information such as:
- Your saved passwords (excluding Face ID, Touch ID and device password data)
- Wireless connection settings
- website history
- Search history
- Health data
The encrypted backup feature allows you to back up sensitive information as well as allowing you to password protect your data, so this is very important. In contrast, unencrypted backups are less secure and do not contain information such as health and saved passwords.
What is the Advantage of Taking Local Backup of iPhone and iPad on Computer?
While it’s incredibly easy to back up an iPhone via iCloud, Apple offers only 5GB of free cloud storage, which is too little for all photos, videos, music, and any files stored on your device. Limited free cloud storage aside, you can’t restore your device from iCloud backup without wiping the device first, which is a tedious affair.
On the other hand, if you have a local backup of your device on your computer, you can restore your iPhone or iPad from backup anytime and anywhere. This is super convenient.
Take Encrypted Backup of iPhone and iPad Using iTunes on Windows
- First, download and install latest version iTunes on your Windows computer. Then connect your iPhone/iPad to computer and start it up iTunes.
2. You may receive a prompt “Do you want to allow this computer to access information on your device?”, click To continue to continue.
You will also get a popup on your iOS device asking you to: trust the computer. Tap on Trust in the popup window and then enter the device password.
3. Now, choose your device in the upper left corner of the screen.
4. Then check the box to the left of . Encrypt local backup.
5. Next, enter the password to protect your device backup, and then set password.
6. Finally, click on back up now choice. Next, have a secure backup of your device. The time required to back up your device depends on the amount of storage.
You can check the backups stored on your computer by going to Edit -> Preferences -> Devices. Encrypted backups have a lock icon.
Restore Your iPhone or iPad from an Encrypted Backup in Windows
Restoring iPhone and iPad from encrypted backup is just as easy.
- Connect your device to your computer and Launch iTunes.
2. Now, choose your device.
3. Next, click on Restore Backup. Next, select the preferred backup and then enter the password for the encrypted backup.
How to Restore and Restore iPhone and iPad Using Windows Computer with Ease
With the release of macOS Catalina, Apple split iTunes into three separate apps like Music, Podcasts, and TV. Also, Finder has taken on the role of iPhone and iPad manager, allowing users to backup, restore and sync iOS device to Mac. However, the tech giant continues to make iTunes available on macOS and older versions of Windows. But we can’t be sure for how long Apple will support this, so be sure to check out our favorite iTunes alternatives. Also, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the subject in the comments below.