Bakcups/Syncs#
What is a Backup?#
A backup is a copy of your phone data like messages and photos stored somewhere else so it can be restored later. For example, you can make another phone “the same” as your current phone by transferring the backup data to the new phone so you can view everything on the new phone like all your messages from before.
What is a Sync?#
A sync is when your phone and another device “talk to each other” to keep things the same on both sides. For example, if your phone is synced with another computer, then if you add a new photo on the phone, then it will also appear on the computer.
What is iCloud Backup?#
iCloud Backup an automatic safety copy of your iPhone data that Apple keeps for you online, so you can restore it if your phone is lost, damaged, or replaced.
Why are Unauthorized Backups or Syncs Dangerous?#
Backups contain highly sensitive data such as messages, photos, and videos. Anyone signed into the Apple account can view, modify, or delete data in the backup device. These unauthorized backups/syncs can happen in various settings such as when plugged into a computer you don’t control or using public or shared machines.
Steps to Check for Unauthorized iCloud Backups#
- Open the Settings app and tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Tap iCloud Backup
- Scroll down to review the list of devices backed-up to your Apple ID
- Tap a device’s name
- Wait for the loading to finish and review a list of apps backed-up to the device
- Tap Show All Apps to fully expand the list of apps
- Toggle the switch to the left (gray) to turn off backups for the app
- If you don’t recognize the device, scroll to the bottom and select Turn Off and Delete from iCloud
- Tap Turn Off and Delete from iCloud to confirm
Steps to Check for Unauthorized iCloud Syncs#
- Open the Settings app and tap your name
- Scroll down to review the list of devices connected to your Apple ID
- If you see one you don’t recognize, tap the device’s name, and then select Remove from Account
- Tap Remove to confirm