{"id":782550,"date":"2022-06-30T15:00:57","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T22:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cultofmac.com\/?p=782550"},"modified":"2022-06-30T14:38:57","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T21:38:57","slug":"how-to-keep-iphone-menstrual-cycle-tracking-data-private","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cultofmac.com\/how-to\/how-to-keep-iphone-menstrual-cycle-tracking-data-private","title":{"rendered":"How to keep menstrual cycle-tracking data private on iPhone"},"content":{"rendered":"

The iPhone Health app\u2019s Cycle Tracking<\/a> feature provides a simple solution for logging menstrual cycles. If you menstruate, it\u2019s an effective way to monitor your overall health and estimate when you\u2019re most likely to get pregnant.<\/p>\n

Given the personal nature of Cycle Tracking data, you need to be sure that it\u2019s stored securely, away from prying eyes. The good news is, Apple\u2019s security for health and fitness data is very robust. There are just a few things you need to know to ensure your data is safe.<\/p>\n

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iPhone passcode is the key to menstrual Cycle Tracking data<\/h2>\n

Your Cycle Tracking data is stored in HealthKit<\/a>, Apple\u2019s central repository for all health and fitness data located on your iPhone. The HealthKit database is encrypted, which means it’s unreadable unless you have the correct key to decrypt it. This key is your iPhone\u2019s passcode<\/a> — the six-digit number you entered when you first set up your phone.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to protect your iPhone with a passcode. If you don\u2019t currently use a passcode, you should enable it right now. In the Settings app<\/strong>, go to Face ID & Passcode<\/strong> (or Touch ID & Passcode<\/strong>) and tap Turn Passcode On<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s very important to choose a secure passcode that no one can guess. 123456 won\u2019t cut it. Nor will your birthdate. Pick a number that is completely unguessable. It may be a hassle to remember it at first, but it\u2019s worth making the effort. If you have a guessable passcode, change it now. This is literally the key to your personal security.<\/p>\n

A key is no use if you forget to lock the door<\/h3>\n

When your iPhone is unlocked, the HealthKit database is decrypted, so that you can access the data in it using Apple\u2019s Health and Fitness apps, plus any third-party apps you\u2019ve granted access, including cycle-tracking apps such as Flo and Clue. (See more on third-party apps below.)<\/p>\n

When your iPhone is locked, the HealthKit database is encrypted after a 10-minute delay<\/a>. You can lock your phone manually by pushing the Side Button. If Auto-Lock is enabled, it will lock automatically if you leave your phone unattended for a designated length of time. By default this is 30 seconds. To make sure you have this enabled, go to Settings > Display & Brightness <\/strong>and make sure Auto-Lock<\/strong> is set to 30 Seconds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Face ID and Touch ID also unlock your HealthKit data<\/h3>\n

In addition to your passcode, your iPhone can also be unlocked by Apple\u2019s biometric<\/a> authentication systems: Face ID or Touch ID. Unlocking your phone in this way also decrypts your HealthKit data.<\/p>\n

Face ID and Touch ID are both secure and convenient. There\u2019s even an additional security benefit: No one can look over your shoulder and watch as you enter your passcode.<\/p>\n

But there is a potential issue as well. Law enforcement agencies can\u2019t force you to enter your passcode. In America, doing so is considered \u201ctestimonial information<\/a>,\u201d which is protected under the Fifth Amendment. However, there have been cases where law enforcement agencies have forced iPhone owners to unlock with Face ID<\/a> or Touch ID.<\/p>\n

Apple provides a convenient solution to protect yourself in the event you believe someone is going to force you to unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID. Just press and hold the Side Button and Volume Button for three seconds until you feel a haptic vibration. You can do this without looking at your phone or even taking it out of your pocket.<\/p>\n

The screen will display the option to Power Off, but you don\u2019t need to do this. Face ID and Touch ID have been disabled and your passcode will now be required to unlock your phone.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to practice this now, so you know how to do it.<\/p>\n

\"Press
Press the Side Button and Volume Button for three seconds to disable Face ID.
Photo: Graham Bower\/Cult of Mac<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Make sure your HealthKit iCloud Backup is also encrypted<\/h3>\n

If you use iCloud Backup<\/a> (which you should), your HealthKit database isn\u2019t just stored on your iPhone. It\u2019s also backed up onto Apple\u2019s servers.<\/p>\n

There are two problems with having your Cycle Tracking data stored on someone else\u2019s servers:<\/p>\n