Mon_Cherie
Level 1 (5 points)

Q: I need to restore my backup but can't remember my previous password.  What should I do?

Hello,

 

I was using a different computer and accidentaly erased all my info on the phone (iphone 4).  I'm trying to restore the backup but it's asking for a code that I had used previously and unfortunately can't remember.  I tried few things that i read online but no luck.  One of them was to extract the backup but the file where i can see the code is in plist and I cant read anything in it.  I did try to convert it but no luck. 

 

Can someone please help me with this?  I could be doing smth wrong but i wouldn't know  

iPhone 4, iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Jan 5, 2014 4:55 AM

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Mon_Cherie

Q: I need to restore my backup but can't remember my previous password.  What should I do?

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  • by matt00,

    matt00 Jan 7, 2014 1:55 PM in response to Mon_Cherie
    Level 5 (4,015 points)
    Jan 7, 2014 1:55 PM in response to Mon_Cherie

    Hey Mon_Cherie,

     

     

    Thanks for the question. I understand you have some questions pertaining to iTunes encrypted backups. The following article may help to answer these questions:

     

    iTunes: About iOS backups

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4946

     

    iTunes and encrypted backups

     

    You can protect your backup with a passcode using the Encrypt Backup option in the Summary pane. Encrypting your backup will back up your Keychain. This way, email account passwords, Wi-Fi passwords, and passwords you enter into websites and some applications will be remembered when you transfer to a new device. Learn how to create and restore from a backup.

     

    When your backup is encrypted, you'll need to enter the password when enabling or disabling encryption or when restoring from this backup.

     

    Warning: Make sure it's a password you will remember or write it down for safekeeping. If you encrypt an iPhone backup in iTunes and forget your password, you can't restore from backup and your data will be unrecoverable.

     

    If you can't remember the password and want to start again, you must perform a full software restore and choose set up as a new device when iTunes prompts you to select the backup from which to restore.

     

    Additional Information:

     

    iOS: Troubleshooting encrypted backups

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5162

     

     

    Thanks,

     

    Matt M.