In the digital world we currently live in, data has become just as valuable as gold and oil.
To protect the sensitive information we share over the internet, better security measures are being developed to ensure that such information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
If you’re worried about the “Reset Encrypted Data” notification on your screen, then don’t. That’s just part of a security feature that Apple has implemented to ensure that only you can access your data.
Keep reading to learn more about the message.
Part 1. What is End-to-end Encryption on iPhones and iPads?
Encryption simply means using an algorithm to turn data from plain, readable text into ciphertext (encoded unreadable format). The data can still be stolen, but without the decryption key, it’s just a chunk of useless, unreadable content.
End-to-end encryption means that data is encrypted at the device level. Your information is encrypted before it leaves your device and only decrypted once it reaches the receiver.
From the simple definition of encryption above, the receiver can only access the data if they have the decryption key.
On Apple devices, end-to-end encryption is just another security feature that ensures the data you back up is encrypted before it’s shared over the internet and only accessed by the authorized person (you).
Part 2. What Does “Reset Encrypted Data” Mean?
The “Reset encrypted data” notification is an option you get when you can’t approve the new device you are setting up. When you add a new device to your iCloud account, you’ll be required to use another device on the same iCloud account to approve the new device.
Reasons for not being able to approve the new device could be your old device was stolen, broken, or got lost. In such a case where the new device can’t be fully trusted, Apple allows you to protect sensitive information by resetting the encrypted backup.
iTunes will encrypt every backup you make If you have the data encryption function enabled. Resetting encrypted data ensures that only you can access the backup.
Pros
- Data backup is secure from unauthorized access.
- Data privacy is ensured when using apps like iMessage and FaceTime.
Cons
- Encrypted data is lost if the new device can’t be approved (the previous device is lost or broken).
- Not all data is encrypted.
- You can’t access your data unless you have the decryption key.
Part 3. What Happens When You Reset Encrypted Data?
You might wonder what happens if you tap the “Reset Encrypted Data” option. The bad news is you’ll lose all the encrypted data.
There is sensitive information that shouldn’t fall into the wrong hands, and that’s what Apple encrypts. Without proper verification, it’s best they are deleted.
The good news is you won’t lose everything when you reset the encrypted data. According to Apple, only the following will be lost if you hit the reset option.
- Apple Card transactions
- Health data
- Home data
- Keychain
- Memoji
- Messages in iCloud
- Payment information
- Maps Favorites, Collections, and search history
- Safari History, Tab Groups, and iCloud Tabs
- Quick Type Keyboard learned vocabulary
- Screen Time
- Siri information
- Wi-Fi passwords
- W1 and H1 Bluetooth keys
Part 4. How to Reset Encrypted Data?
Most people will only meet the “reset encrypted data” option when they can’t approve their new iPhone or iPad from a different device.
However, there are situations, e.g., when you forget the password to the encrypted data, where you’ll want to reset the encrypted data in your iOS device.
If you find yourself in such situations, use the steps below to reset your encrypted data.
For Devices Running on iOS 11 and Above.
Step 1: Open Settings, then tap General > Reset.
Step 2: On the reset screen, tap Reset All Setting.
Step 3: When prompted, enter your iOS passcode.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process. This process will reset encrypted data and other basic settings, such as screen brightness.
For Devices Running on iOS 10 and Below.
Step 1: Open your iPhone’s Settings, then tap General > Reset.
Step 2: On the reset screen, tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 3: Enter your iOS passcode when prompted.
Part 5. How to Unlock Encrypted Backup for iPhones
Resetting encrypted data will obviously result in data loss. However, there’s another way of doing it if data loss is not an option.
Tenorshare 4uKey – iPhone Backup Unlocker is a professional tool specifically designed to unlock encrypted data without any struggle. You don’t need any tech knowledge to use this tool; just follow the instructions on the screen, and you’ll be done within minutes.
How to Unlock Encrypted Backup Using 4uKey – iPhone Backup Unlocker
Follow the steps outlined below to unlock encrypted backing using 4uKey – iPhone Backup Unlocker.
Step 1: Download and install 4uKey – iPhone Backup Unlocker on your PC or Mac.
Step 2: Launch 4uKey – iPhone Backup Unlocker, then click Remove Backup Encryption Settings on the home screen.
Step 3: Connect your iPhone to the computer.
Step 4: Once your iPhone is detected, click the Start button to start the process. It might take a few minutes to remove the backup encryption settings.
Step 5: Click Done once the encryption settings have been successfully removed.
Part 6. FAQs About iPhone End-to-end Encrypted Data
Will I Lose My Photos if I Reset the Encrypted Data?
No, photos won’t be deleted if you reset encrypted data. In fact, you won’t lose your photos, music, or videos.
According to Apple, you’ll only lose the following;
- Home data
- Health data
- iCloud Keychain (saved accounts and passwords)
- Payment information
- Siri information
- Wi-Fi network information
- Messages in iCloud
How Do I Enable End-To-End Encryption for an iPhone?
The steps below explain how you can turn on end-to-end encryption for your iPhone
Step 1: Launch iTunes on a PC or Mac (macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier) or Finder on a Mac (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later)
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer, then locate it (check the sidebar on Finder or the top-left corner on iTunes).
Step 3: In the General or Summary tab, under the Backups section, select Encrypt Local Backup.
Step 4: When prompted, enter a password. Remember to set a password that you will remember. You can also write it down and keep it safe. Without the password, you won’t be able to use your backup.
How to Confirm if the Backup Created Is Encrypted.
After confirming your password, an encrypted will be created, overwriting and encrypting your previous backups. To verify if the process was successful:
Step 1: On Finder (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later), click the General tab, then Manage Backups. A list of available backups will be displayed.
On iTunes, locate Edit on the menu bar, then click Preferences, followed by the Devices tab.
Step 2: A lock icon (and date and time of the backup creation) next to your device means the encryption was successful. Click OK to exit the window.
How Do I Disable End-To-End Encryption for an iPhone?
To disable end-to-end encryption, follow the above steps to turn the same on, then uncheck the Encrypt Local Backup option.
Editor’s Comment
End-to-end encryption is a great way of stopping unauthorized people from accessing your data. The “Reset Encrypted Data” option ensures that sensitive data like your passwords and payment information are protected at all times.
I hope you now know what it means to reset encrypted data on your iPhone or iPad and what to expect if you choose to do it. If losing data is not an option, consider using professional tools like 4uKey – iPhone Backup Unlocker to unlock your encrypted backup.
Let us know in the comments section if the article was helpful or if you have more questions.
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