This guide walks you through running an encrypted iPhone collection using the Hearsay Extractor. An encrypted backup captures additional data types — including call logs, health records, and Safari history — that are not available in a standard backup.
Complete these steps before starting your collection
Make sure the following setup steps are complete before beginning your iPhone collection:
Step 1: Open the Hearsay Extractor
Open the Hearsay Extractor application on your computer. Enter your extraction code and click Enter.
Step 2: Select your device type
The Device Extraction Assistant displays your device options. Select iPhone.
Step 3: Connect your iPhone
The iPhone Connection Assistant walks you through connecting your device. Complete each item in the checklist. Click Continue when ready.
Issues connecting your iPhone to your computer? Click here for assistance.
Step 4: Select a save location
The backup is saved locally to the location you choose. No data is shared or uploaded until you select and share it in a later step.
Choose where to save the backup:
This Computer — saves to your internal storage. The available space is shown on the card.
Choose Location — select an external drive or custom folder. Click Browse to pick a location.
When the storage check shows Sufficient storage available, click Start Backup to begin.
Click here for help with selecting an alternate save location.
Step 5: Set encryption password
Because this is an encrypted backup, the Hearsay Extractor needs to temporarily enable encrypted backups on your device. Choose a password (minimum 8 characters) to secure the backup data. Encryption will be turned off automatically after the backup completes.
Click Start Backup to continue.
Step 6: Enter PIN on your device
After setting your encryption password, you will be prompted to enter your phone's PIN directly on the device.
Step 7: Enter PIN on your device again
Enter pin again to provide permission for backup to start.
Step 8: Wait while the backup runs
The encrypted backup process has three phases. Keep your phone plugged in until the backup phase is complete.
Device preparing
The Hearsay Extractor will prepare your device for the collection. This typically takes about 2 minutes.
Backup
Once the timer and progress bar appear, the backup has started successfully. Keep your phone plugged in and do not disconnect it during the backup. The collection time varies based on the amount of data on the phone, your computer's performance, the USB connection, and the save location. Plan for the process to take at least an hour.
Decryption
After the backup completes, the decryption process begins automatically. Your phone is no longer needed and can be safely unplugged at this point.
Decryption time depends on the size of the backup and can take as long as the backup itself.
When you see the message It is now safe to unplug your phone, the backup is complete. Click Continue to Share Conversations to proceed.
Next steps
Once your backup is complete, continue to one of the following articles based on how you'd like to share the data: