How do I open (iPad backup) encrypted files on my iMac?

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Level 1

108 points

How do I open (iPad backup) encrypted files on my iMac?

How do I open (iPad backup) encrypted files on my iMac? I received a new iPad for Christmas and backed up my old one to my iMac, (Catalina v10.15.7) and reset the old iPad to it's factory settings. When I try to open any of the encrypted files I get the standard "open with" dialog and TextEdit is the app that's there. TextEdit does nothing. I still have my iPad-backup-encryption password, but no security window pops up when I try opening a file so there's no where to even enter it. The reason I backed these files up was to save them to use later. I got nuttin' 😜 Stuff like this drives me crazy. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and Happy New Year.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 3, 2021 11:06 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Level 7

25,623 points

Jan 3, 2021 11:19 AM in response to Randy Allen

The iPad and your computer will unencrypte your file when you connect the new iPad to the computer to set it up.

The whole point of encrypted files is a standard application can’t just open them up. This prevents unauthorized individuals from opening the files.

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Answer 2

Randy Allen Author

Level 1

108 points

Jan 3, 2021 11:39 AM in response to Randy Allen

I’ve already set up the new iPad. That’s why I backed these files to my computer. I didn’t want to booger-up my new machine. There has to be another way to go through and weed out duplicates or just stuff I don’t need anymore. I still have the password for what it’s worth.

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Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 7

25,623 points

Jan 3, 2021 12:24 PM in response to Randy Allen

iPad backups (iOS) don’t work for selective removal of the encrypted backup. Basically, you’d need a way to crack the encryption. Lots of luck with that. If there was such a program, the FBI would want it to.

What you need to do now is go into Settings>>General>>Reset>>Reset all Content and Settings. Once that is done you can reconnect the iPad to iMac and do the setup again. This time do it from the backup on the iMac.

You’ll need the password for the restore. Once it’s restored, you can delete the files, photos etc you don’t want. Good luck.

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