How to add a recovery contact and enable Advanced Data Protection on iPhone?

I am unable to add a Recovery Contact and toggle to turn on Advanced Data Protection. Can anyone help me with this? Does it mean that someone else has full access to my iPhone account? My phone started glitching and losing battery power quickly in the past month. What do I do?



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iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Mar 10, 2025 8:12 AM

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Mar 10, 2025 11:45 PM in response to arlynnat

The following is extracted from --> Set up an account recovery contact - Apple Support (IN)


"How to set up an account recovery contact

Find out how to set up an account recovery contact on your iPhone or iPad with iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later, or on your Mac with macOS Monterey or later.


On your iPhone or iPad

  1. Go to Settings, then tap [your name].
  2. Tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Recovery Contacts.

  3. Tap Add Recovery Contact, then follow the onscreen steps to authenticate.
  4. If you’re in a Family Sharing group, the members of the group will be recommended. Or you can tap Choose Someone Else to choose one of your contacts.

  5. If you select a family member, they’ll be added automatically. If you select a contact, they'll need to accept the request. You’ll also send them a message to let them know that you’d like to add them as your recovery contact.
  6. After they’ve accepted your request, you will see a message that they have been added as your account recovery contact. 


If your friend or family member declines or removes themselves as your recovery contact, you will see a notification and will need to select a new account recovery contact. "






Mar 10, 2025 11:48 PM in response to arlynnat

arlynnat wrote:

Does it mean that someone else has full access to my iPhone account?


No, not at all. They can only help you recover your Apple ID account credential.


"How to get a recovery code from your recovery contact

If you forget your Apple Account password or get locked out of your account, just follow the steps on your device to share the on-screen instructions with your recovery contact in person or over the phone. Your recovery contact will then share a 6-digit code that you enter on your device. Once your identity has been confirmed, you can reset your Apple Account password."


Mar 11, 2025 8:51 PM in response to SravanKrA

Thanks, SravanKra. I understand how to get a recovery code from your recovery contact. However, I am unable to add a recovery contact. When I select Add a Recovery Contact, nothing pops up for me to select someone from my Family or Contacts. A blank white screen appears… and, that’s it! It is as if someone else must have hacked my phone or installed some hidden app that gives someone else access to my phone. Hence, the battery dies in less than a day despite being 100% - i.e., fully charged every morning! I needed help adding a contact since I am not able to when following the how to instructions online.

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How to add a recovery contact and enable Advanced Data Protection on iPhone?

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