{"id":185397,"date":"2022-03-10T07:34:57","date_gmt":"2022-03-10T06:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=185397"},"modified":"2025-07-01T20:53:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T03:53:57","slug":"how-does-icloud-private-relay-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/how-does-icloud-private-relay-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How does iCloud Private Relay work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Usually, your network provider and the websites you visit can see information like your DNS records and IP address<\/strong>. This can indicate your identity and build a picture of your location and browsing history. That’s where iCloud comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iCloud Private Relay <\/a>protects your privacy. It ensures that when you browse with Safari, not even Apple can see who you are and which sites you\u2019re visiting. But, how does<\/strong> iCloud Private Relay work<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is iCloud Private Relay?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

iCloud Private Relay is a service from Apple that allows those using iOS 15, iPad 15, or macOS Monterey plus an iCloud+ subscription, connect to the internet more securely<\/strong> and privately while browsing with Safari. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you enable Private Relay<\/strong>, your browsing requests are sent through two secure internet relays. Your network provider can see your IP address and on the first relay, operated by Apple. Your DNS records will be encrypted so that neither of them can see the address of the website you\u2019re visiting. The second relay, operated by a third-party content provider, will generate a temporary IP address. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will then decrypt the website\u2019s name you asked for and connect you to the site. It\u2019s all done using the highest internet standards<\/strong> while protecting your privacy. Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to setting it up and using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steps for using iCloud Private Relay<\/h2>\n\n\n

  1. Turn on Private Relay<\/h2>\"How

    On your Mac: in Apple menu, go to System Preferences. Then you click Apple ID. Select iCloud > Private Relay.<\/span><\/p>\n

    On your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Private Relay.<\/span><\/p>\n

    After you\u2019ve set up the iCloud on your Mac devices, you can download it on your Windows PC and access emails, videos, files, and other information directly.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0To choose a setting for your IP address, tap IP Address Location. You will see two options.<\/span><\/p>\n

    – Maintain General Location<\/b> will allow your IP address to remain hidden while allowing sites you visit with Safari to show you localized content.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    – Use Country and Time Zone<\/b> to still operate in your country and time zone while using a wider location for your IP address.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If a website, service, or network is not compatible with Private Relay, you can turn it off in iCloud settings. You can also turn it off for a specific network. But remember, if you turn it off, websites and network providers can see your activity on the internet. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  2. Turn off Private Relay<\/h2>\"\"

    On your Mac: in Apple menu, go to System Preferences. Click Apple ID. Choose iCloud > Private Relay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    On your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, turn off Private Relay in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Private Relay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Please note:<\/b> If you travel to a place where Private Relay isn\u2019t available, it will turn itself off. It will turn itself back on again when you\u2019re back in a country or region where it works. Private Relay will let you know when it\u2019s unavailable and when it turns back on.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  3. Limit IP Address Tracking preference<\/h2>\"How

    Another way to turn Private Relay on or off for a specific network is with Limit IP Address Tracking<\/strong> preference.<\/span><\/p>\n

    On your Mac:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. In Apple menu, go to System Preferences.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Click Network.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Choose the network from the list.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Go to Settings> Wi-Fi on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, then tap More Info next to the Wi-Fi network. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options for cellular networks. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

    4. Using Network Settings<\/h2>\"How

      If you\u2019ve turned off Private Relay for a specific network, the settings for that network apply to all your devices<\/strong>. You can turn Private Relay back on in Network settings, Wi-Fi, or Cellular Data Options. If you often switch between network configurations like dual-SIM or Wi-Fi and Ethernet, ensure this preference is set separately for each network. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ol><\/div>