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Block iMessage backup to iCloud
Hello. Trying to block the backup of messages on some iPhones. ABM managed, ADE-enrolled devices. I see through both the restrictions template and settings catalogue, this is not available. So I thought maybe I could do this through an App configuration policy. Turns out, no - because Messages is not listed under public apps. Then I thought to do it through App Protection policies... but again, Messages does not appear. But I noticed App Protection policies can apply to managed apps, so why not just add Messages to my managed apps? And conveniently, the "Add app" tool has a "built-in app" button. But none of those apps are built-in apps. Not one of them, from what I can tell.
Anyone able to help out here? This seems.. bizarre.
Hi underQualifried!
You’re right, messages isn't listed under the apps where you can apply specific policies. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't currently provide a direct way to block iMessage backups specifically through ABM or ADE. The "built-in app" option in App Protection policies doesn’t apply to Messages since it’s not considered a managed app.
You might have to explore other options, like restricting iCloud backups entirely or using a device management solution that offers more granular control. But as of now, iMessage backup control doesn’t have a clear path through the available tools.
Hope it helps!
Hi underQualifried!
You’re right, messages isn't listed under the apps where you can apply specific policies. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't currently provide a direct way to block iMessage backups specifically through ABM or ADE. The "built-in app" option in App Protection policies doesn’t apply to Messages since it’s not considered a managed app.
You might have to explore other options, like restricting iCloud backups entirely or using a device management solution that offers more granular control. But as of now, iMessage backup control doesn’t have a clear path through the available tools.
Hope it helps!
Thought I replied to this... anyway, thanks - confirmation does help. I've been looking thru the documentation a bit more, re: app protection policies. I FEEL like these should be able to do what I want, shouldn't it? Isn't that part of app protection?
Aside from that, I also found a sort of out-of-place page with a list of bundle ids for built-in (to iOS) apps within the documentation. It doesn't really describe HOW they're intended to be used, but it seems like I can use the messages bundle ID to add restrictions SOMEWHERE. Wondering if I add messages as a managed app, and disable iCloud backup through the assignment tool, if it will apply - or if it would require uninstalling/reinstalling for all devices.
Going to test, but if you have insight, I'd welcome it
