Unable to disable encrypted iPhone backup

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Level 1

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Unable to disable encrypted iPhone backup

I'm looking to migrate from iPhone to Android. Using the Android Switch app I was able to get my data over except for one thing: my text message history. After some research, it appears that I may be able to use iSMS2droid, but it requires unencrypted backups.

I had been using iTunes on Windows 11 to create the backups, but it appears that you cannot (or can no longer) manage the encryption there so I had to download the Apple Devices app where the option is there, but I cannot un-tick the box as it's grayed out. I tried changing my password and even that did not allow me access. Is there something else I'm missing?

[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 8:26 AM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,506 points

Nov 13, 2025 8:28 AM in response to jazzchamp

If you have a corporate Exchange account set up on the device, the administrators can enforce policies including forced encryption of backups.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,506 points

Nov 13, 2025 1:44 PM in response to jazzchamp

I'd be willing to bet money on it.

It's pretty standard, even without using an MDM. Just adding an Exchange account to the mail app or even the outlook app allows policies to be enforces. This includes encrypted backups, lock screen timeout, passcode complexity and changes, disabling the camera, and a number of other things. It also gives the admin the ability to remotely erase the device.

Source: 38 years in IT and currently managing enterprise network with intune, exchange, ms365, etc.

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Answer 3

jazzchamp Author

Level 1

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Nov 13, 2025 8:35 AM in response to KiltedTim

This could very well be the issue, thanks! MDM was just enabled through Intune and I am one of the lucky testers. Investigating this...

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