How to Reset a Forgotten iPhone Backup Password
An iPhone encrypted backup password cannot be recovered or bypassed. On iOS 11 or later, resetting all settings allows creation of a new backup encryption password. Existing encrypted backups still require the forgotten password, while a new backup can use a different password.
🤔Note:
Resetting all settings does not unlock an existing encrypted backup. The original password is still required to access that backup.
Steps
- Check saved passwords first. On a Mac, open Keychain Access and search for “iPhone Backup” or “iOS Backup.” A saved entry may contain the encrypted iPhone backup password.
- Reset all settings on the iPhone. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Enter the device passcode when requested.
- Create a new encrypted backup. Connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, select the iPhone, enable Encrypt local backup, and set a new password.
- Record the new password securely. Create a fresh backup after confirming the new password. The old encrypted backup remains protected by the forgotten password.
Common Issues and Fixes
- The old backup still requests a password: The backup remains encrypted with the original password. Use the original password or create a new backup after resetting all settings.
- Resetting all settings appears ineffective: The device may use iOS 10 or an earlier version. Update iOS when possible, because the password reset option applies to iOS 11 and later.
- The reset option seems destructive: Reset All Settings removes system preferences, saved Wi-Fi networks, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards, but does not erase photos, apps, messages, or other personal data.
- The new backup cannot be created: A missing cable, untrusted computer, outdated Finder or Apple Devices app, or insufficient computer storage may block the backup. Reconnect the device, approve trust, update the software, and check available storage.
💡Protip:
Password managers, Keychain Access, and stored notes may contain the original password. Avoid repeated guesses if password lockout concerns exist.
Quick Tips
- An encrypted iPhone backup password is separate from the iPhone passcode, Apple Account password, and Screen Time passcode.
- Resetting all settings does not unlock an existing encrypted backup. No supported Apple method removes encryption without the original password.
- A new password protects only newly created backups. Existing backups do not automatically convert to the new password.
Related Questions
Can a forgotten iPhone backup password be recovered?
Apple cannot display or recover the original encrypted backup password. A saved password may still exist in Keychain Access or a password manager.
Does resetting all settings erase an iPhone?
No. Resetting all settings preserves personal data but removes system preferences and certain stored settings. A separate erase option must be avoided.
