Q: iPhone 5 restore backup password

I recently had to restore my iPhone 5 and when I press the "Restore Backup..." button on iTunes, it asks for a password. I entered every password I ever remember using and nothing is working.

When I did a search for the same kind of problems here in the community, everyone keeps mentioning to uncheck "Encrypt iPhone backup", except that I've NEVER checked this box. Should iTunes be asking me for a password if this box has never been checked? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on May 24, 2014 7:52 PM

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Q: iPhone 5 restore backup password

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by AnaMusic,

AnaMusic May 24, 2014 7:55 PM in response to cegordon00
Level 9 (57,248 points)

May 24, 2014 7:55 PM in response to cegordon00

If it is asking for a Password for an iTunes Encrypted Backup and you do not have it... you will not be able to use that Backup.

See iTunes and encrypted backups here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4946

If you are being asked for a different type of Passcode... Post back with Details.
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by cegordon00,

cegordon00 May 24, 2014 8:03 PM in response to AnaMusic
Level 1 (0 points)

May 24, 2014 8:03 PM in response to AnaMusic

Like I said, I have NEVER checked the "encrypted backup" box. This is the first time I've ever seen iTunes ask for a backup password as I've had to restore from a backup a few times in the last year.
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by Linc Davis,

Linc Davis May 24, 2014 9:33 PM in response to cegordon00
Level 10 (208,037 points)

Applications

May 24, 2014 9:33 PM in response to cegordon00

Select the Devices tab in the iTunes preferences dialog. Is there a padlock icon in the entry for the latest backup?
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by cegordon00,

cegordon00 May 24, 2014 10:02 PM in response to Linc Davis
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May 24, 2014 10:02 PM in response to Linc Davis

Yes there is.
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by Linc Davis,

Linc Davis May 24, 2014 10:44 PM in response to cegordon00
Level 10 (208,037 points)

Applications

May 24, 2014 10:44 PM in response to cegordon00

That means the backup is encrypted. If you're going to ask me how it got that way, I don't know.
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by cegordon00,

cegordon00 May 24, 2014 11:28 PM in response to Linc Davis
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May 24, 2014 11:28 PM in response to Linc Davis

Apparently, this has happened to a lot of people and there's still no resolution to those of us with Mac computers (password recovery programs only exist for PC users). All my notes and images appear to be gone forever through no fault of my own.

Appreciate everyone who tried to help.
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by Linc Davis,

Linc Davis May 25, 2014 8:03 AM in response to cegordon00
Level 10 (208,037 points)

Applications

May 25, 2014 8:03 AM in response to cegordon00

iOS: Troubleshooting encrypted backups
Turn off encrypted iPhone backups
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by wbk3rd,

wbk3rd Jul 8, 2014 7:53 AM in response to Linc Davis
Level 1 (0 points)

Jul 8, 2014 7:53 AM in response to Linc Davis

I happened to try my previous iTunes password, meaning the one just prior to the one I am using now....and it worked! Perhaps this will help others.......
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Q: iPhone 5 restore backup password

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by AnaMusic,

by cegordon00,

by Linc Davis,

by cegordon00,

by Linc Davis,

by cegordon00,

by Linc Davis,

by wbk3rd,

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