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I need help getting an encrypted password.

So I just backed up my phone to my computer and erased my phone to help free up space. Now I'm trying to restore the backup, but it's asking me for a password. I didn't even set a password and now I can't restore the backup that I just made 20 minutes ago.


Anyone know how I can find the encrypted password?


Thank you!

iPhone 8, iOS 13

Posted on Aug 12, 2020 7:00 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 12, 2020 7:12 PM

If you can’t remember the password for your encrypted backup

You can’t restore an encrypted backup without its password. With iOS 11 or later or iPadOS, you can make a new encrypted backup of your device by resetting the password. Here’s what to do:

  1. On your device, go to Settings > General > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset All Settings and enter your device passcode.
  3. Follow the steps to reset your settings. This won't affect your user data or passwords, but it will reset settings like display brightness, Home screen layout, and wallpaper. It also removes your encrypted backup password.
  4. Connect your device to the Finder or iTunes again and create a new encrypted backup using the steps above.

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.

If you have a device with iOS 10 or earlier, you can't reset the password. In this case, try the following:

  • If someone else set up your device, ask them for the password.
  • Use an iCloud backup instead. If you don't have an iCloud backup, you can make one.
  • Try using an older iTunes backup.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 12, 2020 7:12 PM in response to sara_5

If you can’t remember the password for your encrypted backup

You can’t restore an encrypted backup without its password. With iOS 11 or later or iPadOS, you can make a new encrypted backup of your device by resetting the password. Here’s what to do:

  1. On your device, go to Settings > General > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset All Settings and enter your device passcode.
  3. Follow the steps to reset your settings. This won't affect your user data or passwords, but it will reset settings like display brightness, Home screen layout, and wallpaper. It also removes your encrypted backup password.
  4. Connect your device to the Finder or iTunes again and create a new encrypted backup using the steps above.

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.

If you have a device with iOS 10 or earlier, you can't reset the password. In this case, try the following:

  • If someone else set up your device, ask them for the password.
  • Use an iCloud backup instead. If you don't have an iCloud backup, you can make one.
  • Try using an older iTunes backup.


Aug 12, 2020 7:14 PM in response to sara_5

You won't find the password anywhere. At some point you had to have made a password for your backups (could have been years ago, you don't create the password every time you back up your phone), it doesn't just create a random password.

From what I understand, you can keep guessing, so maybe try some of your commonly used passwords?

I need help getting an encrypted password.

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