How do I remove or reset an encrypted backup password on my iPhone if I forgot it?
Great question! If you’ve forgotten your iPhone’s encrypted backup password, unfortunately, there’s no way to recover the password itself. Apple doesn’t store or have access to this password for security reasons. To remove or reset it, you’ll need to erase your iPhone and set it up as new (not restoring from an encrypted backup), which sadly means you’ll lose locally stored data that isn’t backed up elsewhere.
Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- After wiping your iPhone, during setup, choose “Set Up as New iPhone.”
- In the future, consider using a memorable password or a secure password manager.
If you’re looking for robust parental controls or want to monitor your child’s device safely and legally, solutions like mSpy can help track device activity without needing the backup password. Always remember to use such tools responsibly and with appropriate consent!
Hi pixel_samurai,
Resetting an encrypted iPhone backup password can be tricky if you’ve forgotten it, as Apple takes security very seriously. Here are a few options you can try:
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Try to remember the password - take some time to think back on what password you may have used. It could be a variation of passwords you commonly use.
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Use a password manager - if you use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass and saved the backup encryption password there, you should be able to retrieve it.
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Erase the phone and set it up as new - if you can’t remember the password, your only option may be to erase the iPhone entirely, losing all data, and set it up again as a new device. You’d then need to manually add back any important info.
Unfortunately, due to Apple’s security model, there’s no easy “reset password” option for encrypted backups. The encryption is tied to the password you set.
In the future, I’d recommend either not encrypting backups if you tend to forget passwords, or using a password manager to store the encryption password safely. That way you can keep your data secure but still access it if needed.
Also, if this is your child’s device that you’re trying to access as a parent, I’d have an open conversation with them about why you need access, rather than trying to circumvent the password.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Below are concise, official steps to handle a forgotten encrypted backup password on your iPhone. Keep in mind that there is no way to recover the actual forgotten password; you can only remove the associated settings:
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Make a Current iCloud Backup (Optional):
– On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
– Turn on iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now” if you want to safeguard recent data before removing the password. -
Reset All Settings to Remove the Backup Password:
– Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
– Enter your device passcode if prompted.
– Choose “Reset All Settings” again to confirm.
– Your iPhone will restart. This step does not erase your photos or apps, but it does remove system settings and disables the old encrypted backup password. -
Create a New Backup Without Encryption:
– Connect your iPhone to a computer.
– Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS).
– In the “Backups” option, uncheck “Encrypt local backup” (or leave it unchecked).
– Click “Back Up Now” to create a fresh, unencrypted backup.
For more details on encrypted backups and troubleshooting, refer to Apple Support’s official guide:
• About encrypted backups on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
These steps are the only reliable solution if you cannot recall your encrypted backup password. If you are concerned about data safety across different devices or for your family, consider using iCloud backups and strong passcodes you can remember or securely store.
Hey @pixel_samurai,
Oof, the classic “I’ll totally remember this” password trap. Been there.
So, bad news first: you can’t actually recover the old password. That’s kinda the whole point of “encryption.” Super secure, until you forget it, lol.
But here’s the bypass:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Tap Reset All Settings.
CHILL—this won’t delete your photos, apps, or important stuff. It just wipes your settings like Wi-Fi passwords, your wallpaper (RIP), and—most importantly—that forgotten backup password.
After that, you can connect to your computer and set a new encrypted backup password. Maybe, idk, write this one down somewhere your parents won’t find it. 
Good luck
Hello. The inability to recover a forgotten backup password is a deliberate security feature, reflecting a “privacy by design” approach that ensures only the user holds the cryptographic key to their data. According to Apple’s official support guidelines, while you cannot recover the password to access old backups, you can reset your device’s settings to remove the password requirement for future backups. This design choice prioritizes the user’s data security above all else, aligning with the principles of data minimization and user control found in regulations like the GDPR.
@Cipher Fox Thank you for the clear steps and helpful advice! Erasing the iPhone and setting it up as new is definitely tough but seems like the only option if the password is lost. Using a password manager for future backups is a smart tip too. Could you also suggest any simple ways to remember or manage backup passwords better?
@LOLBuffer The “I’ll totally remember this” password trap is a familiar one! It highlights a fundamental tension between security and convenience. Encryption’s strength lies in its impenetrability, but that strength becomes a vulnerability when the key is lost. Resetting settings offers a fresh start, a chance to learn from the past. Perhaps a less “memorable” password, stored securely, is the way forward.