{"id":94204,"date":"2026-08-25T00:44:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T07:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/?p=94204"},"modified":"2026-08-25T11:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T18:13:19","slug":"how-to-use-icloud-private-relay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/how-to-use-icloud-private-relay\/","title":{"rendered":"What is iCloud Private Relay and how do you use it?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Whenever you browse the web, your internet provider can usually see which sites you visit, and those sites can use your IP address to see where you\u2019re connecting from. Over time, that gives both sides a clearer picture of your location and habits than they really need.<\/p>\n

iCloud Private Relay is an iCloud+ privacy feature designed to limit how much websites and network providers can learn from your browsing.<\/p>\n

When you use Safari, it hides your original IP address from websites in Safari and encrypts your Safari traffic, so your network provider sees less of your browsing activity. It isn’t the same as a VPN, and it doesn’t let you choose a different country from where you currently are.<\/p>\n

Below is a clear look at how Private Relay works in practice, what it does and doesn’t shield, and how to get it running on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.<\/p>\n

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

iCloud Private Relay is a privacy feature included with an iCloud+ subscription. It helps prevent your ISP or network provider\u2014and anyone monitoring your network\u2014from seeing the websites you visit in Safari. It also hides your IP address<\/a> from those websites.<\/p>\n

This makes it harder for companies to build a detailed picture of what you do online and use that information for targeted advertising.<\/p>\n

Private Relay sends protected traffic through two separate relays before it reaches a website or service. The first step sees your IP address, but not the website you\u2019re visiting. The second step sees the website you\u2019re headed to, but doesn\u2019t see your original IP address.<\/p>\n

Because neither step holds both pieces of information, no single party, not even Apple, can easily match your identity with the pages you visit.<\/p>\n

Private Relay is available on supported Apple devices, although it isn\u2019t available in every country or region. It works over both Wi-Fi and cellular connections, so you can use it when browsing on your home network, public Wi-Fi, or mobile data.<\/p>\n

What does Private Relay protect?<\/h2>\n

iCloud Private Relay protects Safari browsing, the background lookups used to find website addresses, and some older, unencrypted connections from apps. It does not protect every browser, app, and connection on your device.<\/p>\n

How to turn on iCloud Private Relay<\/h2>\n

Turning on Private Relay takes a minute, and you’ll need to do it separately on each Mac, iPhone, or iPad you use.<\/p>\n

On a Mac:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.<\/li>\n
  2. Click your name at the top of the sidebar. If you aren\u2019t signed in yet, select Sign in<\/strong> and enter your Apple Account details first.<\/li>\n
  3. Select iCloud<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  4. Select Private Relay<\/strong>, switch it on, and click Done<\/strong>.
    \n\"iCloud<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    On iPhone or iPad:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Open the Settings<\/strong> app.<\/li>\n
    2. Tap your name near the top. (If you aren’t signed in, tap Sign in<\/strong> and enter your Apple Account details first.)<\/li>\n
    3. Tap iCloud<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    4. Tap Private Relay<\/strong> and toggle it on.
      \n\"Private<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Which IP address location setting should you choose?<\/h2>\n

      When you turn on iCloud Private Relay, you can choose how much detail websites get about where you are. You\u2019ll see two options:<\/p>\n

      \"iCloud<\/p>\n