Backblaze iOS App FAQ Backblaze iOS App FAQ

Backblaze iOS App FAQ

Christopher Christopher

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is Backblaze on iOS?

A: Backblaze on iOS is an app you load on your iOS device that allows you to access and share files backed up to Backblaze Computer Backup. You can also manage buckets, upload, download, and share files to and from your Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage account.

 

Q: What kind of iOS device and what version of iOS do I need?
A: You will need any iOS 15 or later device to run the Backblaze app.

 

Q: Where do I get Backblaze on iOS?

A: You can download the app from the Apple App Store.

 

Q: Can I use the Backblaze app to back up an iPhone? 

A: No, but you can back up your iPhone by following this guide: https://www.backblaze.com/backup-your-iphone.html

 

Q: Do I need Backblaze Online Backup or B2 Cloud Storage in order to use Backblaze on iOS?

A: Yes. Backblaze on iOS only works if you have data backed up to your Backblaze online backup account from your Mac or Windows computer, or data stored in your B2 Cloud Storage buckets.

 

Q: How much does Backblaze on iOS cost?

A: Backblaze on iOS is part of the Backblaze Online Backup service.  There is no additional charge to download, install and use the Backblaze for iOS app on as many iOS devices as you wish. Additional charges may apply for B2 downloads and storage incurred through uploading new files to B2. To learn more about B2 pricing, see the B2 Pricing page.

 

Q: What files can I access using Backblaze on iOS?

A: You can access the files that have been backed up from your Mac or Windows system or stored in your B2 buckets.  The file size limit for any given Backblaze Online Backup file that can be downloaded by Backblaze on iOS is 5GB. B2 Online Storage has no download file size limit.

 

Q: Why is there a 5GB size limit?

A: The limit is there to minimize the impact of Backblaze on iOS on the device as well as on bandwidth limits and caps. 

 

Q: I also have an external USB hard drive being backed up by Backblaze.  Can that be accessed using Backblaze on iOS?

A: Yes.  When you select the Mac or Windows system you wish to access, you’ll see the external USB hard drive listed as one of the drives you can access with Backblaze on iOS. 

 

Q: Can I have multiple mobile devices access a single Backblaze account?

A: Yes. Simply sign in from each device using your standard Backblaze credentials.

 

Q: Can I have one mobile device access multiple Backblaze accounts?

A:  Yes. Simply sign in to each account using your standard Backblaze credentials.

 

Q: How secure is the connection between Backblaze and the device?

A: All communication, between the device and the Backblaze datacenter where your data is stored occurs over an HTTPS (encrypted) connection.

 

Q: How secure are my downloaded files on my iOS device?

A:  Files downloaded by Backblaze on iOS are stored in the Backblaze domain space on the iOS device.  The Backblaze domain space is protected by iOS.

 

Q: What happens if I use the Touch/Face ID feature in Backblaze on iOS?

A: If you activate the Touch/Face ID setting in Backblaze on iOS then when you access your iOS device using Touch/Face ID, you will be able to access Backblaze on iOS without entering your account or password.  

 

If you also have a Passphrase (Private Encryption Key) set for your Backblaze account, you will be required to provide that Passphrase even if you are using the Touch ID feature.

 

Q:  What does the setting “Remember My Login info” in Backblaze on iOS do?

A: This will allow you to access Backblaze on iOS without having to log in each time you start the app.  Before using this setting we highly recommend using Touch/Face ID or a PIN code to limit access to your device.  

 

If you also have a Passphrase (Private Encryption Key) set for your Backblaze account, you will still be required to enter that Passphrase before getting access to your Backblaze files. 

 

Q: Is my password stored on the device?

A: You decide. If you choose the “Remember My Login info” setting in Backblaze on iOS your password is saved and stored encrypted on the device.  

 

If you also have a Passphrase (Private Encryption Key) set for your Backblaze account, under no circumstances is your Passphrase stored on the device.

 

Q: If I have a Passphrase (Private Encryption Key) on my Backblaze account, do I need to input it each time I log in to the Backblaze app??

A: Yes, the Private Encryption Key is intended to keep your data as secure as possible. You will need to enter the key every time you wish to view or restore files from a backup with the key enabled.

 

Q: Can I download and view a video file using Backblaze on iOS?

A: Yes, but remember the file size limit is 5 GB for any individual file to download.

 

Q: Can I change my Backblaze account settings such as my password with Backblaze on iOS?

A: Not at this time, but you can use a browser on your device to access your Backblaze account and make changes as desired.

 

Q: Can I use Backblaze on iOS to request a restore? 

A: Not at this time, but you can use a browser on your device to access your Backblaze account and the restore request.

Q: Does the app back up my iOS device?

A: Not at this time, but when you sync your iOS device to a computer using the Backblaze Online Backup service, the data from your iOS device will be backed up and available for Backblaze on iOS to access. 

 

Q: Can I still use Backblaze on iOS if I stop using the Backblaze Online Backup service or delete my B2 Cloud Storage buckets?

A: No. Once your subscription to Backblaze Online Backup expires, or all data has been deleted from your B2 Cloud Storage buckets, you will no longer be entitled to use Backblaze on iOS to access your files.