With this new iCloud + feature ” iCloud Private Relay “, protect your Safari traffic from trackers and data loggers.
With the updates of iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey, Apple automatically updates all paid plans from iCloud to iCloud+. If you pay for iCloud storage, you can now access the private relay feature and be able to hide your email address online.
How does iCloud Private Relay work?
Let us be clear about one thing: iCloud Private Relay is not a VPN, and it is not suitable for third-party applications. Its role is to protect traffic through the Safari browser on the iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
To some extent, Private Relay is more secure than third-party VPNs. When you visit a website in Safari, the data is first sent to Apple, which deletes all personal identifiers (such as your IP address). It is then sent to a secondary server (maintained by a third party), where it is assigned a new temporary IP address that will be used for the website you are visiting. This prevents ad trackers and cookies from collecting your personal data.
Apple uses this two-step process to ensure that no entity (Apple or a third-party server) can track you. Apple only knows your IP address and the third party only knows the website you are visiting, so neither can get the full picture. This is often a risk when you use an untrusted VPN.
In terms of availability, private relays do not behave like VPN. For example, there is no option to choose your location; Apple will continue to use the server closest to you, located in your own country. You can switch to “Keep approximate location” mode to provide locations around your area without providing specific information. This means that you will not be able to use private streaming to watch Netflix from other countries or unblock geo-restricted websites in your area.
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How to enable iCloud Private Relay
If you already paid for the iCloud plan, then the private relay feature is definitely a good option. This is how it is enabled.
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap on Profile at the top. Tap the “iCloud” section and select the “Private Streaming” option. Now, click the toggle switch next to the “Private Broadcast” option to enable this feature.
If you want to change your IP address settings, please select the “IP Address Location” option and switch to the “Use Country and Time Zone” option to change any location in your country/region.
You can also enable this feature on your Mac, as long as it is running macOS Monterey. Open “System Preferences” app and go to the “Apple ID” section. Choose “iCloud” and then enable the “Private Relay” feature.
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