HT204686: How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups

Learn about How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups
piano10

Q: Deleting a backup and creating a new one?

I have an encrypted backup of my iPhone on my computer and I forgot the password (arg).  I've tried everything I can think of to no avail.  I just got my iPhone from my company a few days ago and as I understand it, it's set up with various security features, etc.  (So normally I'd just wipe it and start over but I don't want to tick off my IT guys.)

 

My question is, can I delete the backup that exists, and just create a new one with a new password?  As I see it, the purpose of encrypting the backup is so that no one can RESTORE the data without permission.  But what if I just delete it and create a NEW backup?  Would this let me "start over"?

 

Relatedly:  if that doesn't work, and I have to restore as a new device, is there a way to get back, not to my factory settings, but to the way I got the phone from my IT guys, i.e., with the various apps and stuff that they had loaded?

iPhone 5, iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Dec 2, 2012 10:41 PM

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Q: Deleting a backup and creating a new one?

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  • by diesel vdub,

    diesel vdub diesel vdub Dec 3, 2012 3:56 AM in response to piano10
    Level 7 (22,030 points)
    Dec 3, 2012 3:56 AM in response to piano10

    Yes, you can delete the existing backup and simply create a new one.  If you choose to use the Encryption option, make sure to use a password that you will remember. 

     

    No changes will take place on the device by deleting the backup.