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User profile for user: pb111
pb111 Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

I can't remove or change the password for my encrypted backup

I can't remove or change the password for my encrypted backup. I tried 'Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings' as this article suggested. I left my phone plugged in to the computer while I did this. When my phone restarted, it connected again (after I said I trust the computer, and entered my phone's passcode). Nothing changed! The backup file now has a new timestamp, but iTunes still indicates that it is locked/encrypted. When I uncheck the 'encrypt backup', it asks for a password. When I say 'change password', it asks for the old one first.


I got here because I can't remember my old password for the encrypted backup ... and I'm following what the article said.


Why didn't the 'Reset Network Settings' remove the old password for encrypted backup like the article said it would.

iPhone 8

Posted on Nov 21, 2021 12:43 PM

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User profile for user: Lawrence Finch
Lawrence Finch
User level: Level 10
210,836 points

Posted on Nov 21, 2021 1:08 PM

Where does it say to reset network settings for a forgotten backup password? Read it again; it says you can create a NEW encrypted backup if you Reset Network Settings; it does not say you can remove the password from an existing encrypted backup. In fact, it says:


You won't be able to use previous encrypted backups, but you can use the Finder or iTunes to back up your current data and set a new backup password.


When you entered the backup password if you have a Mac and have Keychain enabled you were given the option of saving the password in Keychain (this is the default). So check Keychain for it.


If neither of those work you get unlimited guesses, so try to guess what password you might have entered back when. If you are like most people it will be a password that you reused. And to speed up the process click to change the password and you will be prompted immediately.



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User profile for user: Lawrence Finch
Lawrence Finch
User level: Level 10
210,836 points

Nov 21, 2021 1:08 PM in response to pb111

Where does it say to reset network settings for a forgotten backup password? Read it again; it says you can create a NEW encrypted backup if you Reset Network Settings; it does not say you can remove the password from an existing encrypted backup. In fact, it says:


You won't be able to use previous encrypted backups, but you can use the Finder or iTunes to back up your current data and set a new backup password.


When you entered the backup password if you have a Mac and have Keychain enabled you were given the option of saving the password in Keychain (this is the default). So check Keychain for it.


If neither of those work you get unlimited guesses, so try to guess what password you might have entered back when. If you are like most people it will be a password that you reused. And to speed up the process click to change the password and you will be prompted immediately.



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I can't remove or change the password for my encrypted backup

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