Manage iCloud Private Relay for specific websites, networks, or system settings - Apple Support (2024)

Some websites, networks, and services might need to see your IP address or require the ability to audit traffic, perform network-based filtering, or view your browsing history.

When to manage iCloud Private Relay

Private Relay is designed to protect your internet privacy and maintain a high-performance browsing experience. Some websites, networks, or services might need to make updates for Private Relay, including networks that require the ability to audit traffic or perform network-based filtering — such as business or education networks — or services that rely on viewing your browsing activity, like parental controls or some "zero rated" services that don't count against your data usage.

• If a website relies on IP filtering, monitoring, or rate-limiting, you can temporarily allow that website to see your IP address.

• If you get a message that a network or service isn't compatible with Private Relay, you can turn off Private Relay for that specific cellular or Wi-Fi network.

• If the system settings on your Mac aren't compatible with Private Relay, you can review the third-party apps (such as a VPN or internet filtering software) that you use on your Mac.

If you turn off Private Relay, network providers and websites can monitor your internet activity in Safari.

If you travel somewhere that Private Relay isn't available, it will automatically turn off and will turn on again when you re-enter a country or region that supports it. Private Relay notifies you when it's unavailable and when it's active again.

If a website doesn't work with Private Relay

Websites that rely on IP filtering, monitoring, or rate-limiting might try to prevent you from browsing their site while using Private Relay.

To continue using that website, you can temporarily allow it to see your IP address:*

• iPhone or iPad: Tap the Page Settings button, then tap Show IP Address.

• Mac: In Safari, choose View > Reload and Show IP Address.

If you turn off Private Relay for a specific website, your network provider will also be able to see which site you're browsing.

*If you don't see the option to temporarily allow a website to see your IP address, update your device to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and try again.

If a network doesn't work with Private Relay

Private Relay can be turned off for a specific network using the Limit IP Address Tracking setting.*

• If you turn off Private Relay for a specific network, the setting for that network applies to all of your devices for which Private Relay is turned on.

• If you regularly switch between multiple network configurations (such as Dual SIM or Wi-Fi and Ethernet), make sure that this setting is set for each network independently.

You can try to turn Private Relay back on for a specific network in Wi-Fi, Cellular Data Options, or Network settings.

*In earlier versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, this setting is called iCloud Private Relay.

Turn off Private Relay for a specific network on your iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.

2. Next to the Wi-Fi network, tap the More Info button.

3. Scroll down and tap Limit IP Address Tracking.

For cellular network, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options, and tap Limit IP Address Tracking.

Turn off Private Relay for a specific network on your Mac

In macOS Ventura or later:

1. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings.

2. Click Network in the sidebar, then click the network service that you're using (such as Wi-Fi) on the right.

3. Click the Details button next to the name of the network that you're connected to.

4. Turn off "Limit IP address tracking."

In macOS Monterey:

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.

2. Click Network and select the network from the list to see more options.

3. Click the checkmark next to Limit IP Address Tracking.

If your Mac system settings prevent Private Relay from working

In System Settings on your Mac, you might see an alert that says, "Some of your system settings prevent Private Relay from working."

If you do, a third-party app — such as a VPN or internet filtering software — might have installed settings or extensions that are incompatible with Private Relay. For example, the third-party app might have installed a kernel extension or applied custom packet filter rules.

If you want to use Private Relay on your Mac, turn off or uninstall the third-party app. If you can't turn off or uninstall the app, you might not be able to use Private Relay on your Mac.

Additional resources for developers and network administrators

If you're a website owner or developer, network administrator, or app developer, learn how to provide the best possible experience for users of Private Relay on your Network.

Published Date:October 11, 2023