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BlæckHole Author

Level 1

11 points

create non-encrypted backup without previous password

Hi there,

i need a strategy for the following problem:

in the past i encrypted iphone backups and lost the password. What i need to know is, how do i create a new non-encrypted backup without any password. I don't care about the encrypted old backups, only need a new one.

User uploaded file

Sounds easy, mmh? Oh it should and it could be this easy, BUT...

Everytime i connect my iphone 4S to any of my computers and start itunes 11.0.4.4, there is a hook set by default on iphone backup-encryption and if i try to disable this, itunes asks for the password, that i don't remember.

To make it clear - i don't want to save the old backups, cause i don't need them while my iphone is perfekt as it is...

Any thread i found tells me to make a backup, reset my iphone to the factory settings and then to configure my iphone as a new one, BUT if i do so, all data are lost, and thats the last thing i want to do!

Is there any chance to get rid of this hook in itunes backup encryption and/or to do a simple normal easy goin backup?

thanks in advance for any helpful hints,

sincerely yours,

BlæckHole

(theres one strange thing in anyones life; it often ends suddenly and unexp

iPhone 4S, iOS 6.1.3

Posted on Jun 13, 2013 10:54 PM

23 replies

Erin K

Level 1

20 points

Sep 22, 2016 7:04 PM in response to LACAllen

So what do we do about the local backups we can't access? There is no way to turn this feature off without the password, even if I start using an iCloud backup.

Sep 24, 2016 1:25 PM in response to Erin K

You can delete these local backups. Or you can try third-party programs that allegedly "crack" your forgotten password.

I unchecked "Encrypt iPhone backup" and was asked to enter my old password. I tried all passwords that I can remember in many different variations and after some time - voila - I had the correct one and was able to disable encryption. You can enter one password after another without any timeout. There's no time penalty for entering the wrong password.

Oct 7, 2016 6:34 PM in response to sahara108

Have same complain - Apple has poor programming!

Shameful and frustrating!

I should not need an old password to create a NEW backup of a phone that I have full access to.

F*CK I AM MAD!

Oct 7, 2016 6:39 PM in response to goodlife03

You created the encryption password. Either figure it out or erase your device. That's how it works. Next time do a little research before using a feature. It's not like it isn't fully documented:

About encrypted backups in iTunes - Apple Support

See the part between the two lines.

Oct 7, 2016 9:58 PM in response to gail from maine

Please read the question before answering - I DO NOT WANT TO OPEN AN OLD BACKUP for which of course I would need an old password. I DON'T CARE ABOUT OLD BACKUPS AND THEIR PASSWORDS. I WANT TO CREATE A NEW BACKUP OF AN OPEN PHONE THAT I FULLY CONTROL REGARDLESS OF ANY OLD BACKUPS which should be deleted anyway because they are not up to date as my phone is. For that I should not need an old password, I should be able to create a new backup with a new password!

GOD - there is so much room for improvement with just a little common sense... Apple seem to be artists not technologists - they probably outsourced the programming and accepted whatever was given back to them...

LACAllen

Level 8

43,500 points

Oct 7, 2016 10:10 PM in response to goodlife03

If you have *ever* used an encryption password with a device, you have to "break the chain" to begin making un-encrypted backups with that same device.

You do this by restoring the device and setting up as new. Now you can make un-encrypted backups to your heart's content.

Feedback for Apple, who is the only party that can do something about your concerns, goes here >>> http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

Oct 7, 2016 10:25 PM in response to goodlife03

I read the post. Again, this is what it says between those lines:

There is no way to recover your information or turn off Encrypt Backup if you lose or forget the password.

Oct 8, 2016 4:01 AM in response to goodlife03

I totally understand your frustration. But here's why I think this is by design. If you turn on encrypted backups on your phone and I steal your phone, there is no way I can access your data, not even when I try to create a new backup which I could then try to hack. So it's really a security feature so nobody can access your personal data.

Still there is this workaround:

1. Make a new backup of the iPhone via iCloud

2. Whipe the iPhone

3. Put iCloud backup back on your iPhone

Now you have all your personal data back on your phone and you are free to make new iTunes backups. With or wothout encryption enabled.

I know this is a lot of work, usually it should take you about 2-4 hours to get this whole process done.

Hope this helps!

create non-encrypted backup without previous password