5 Tips to Fix Can’t Uncheck Encrypt iPhone Backup

It is an essential security measure to encrypt backup for iPhone to protect your sensitive data. However, there may be instances when you encounter issues trying to uncheck the "Encrypt iPhone backup" option in iTunes.

This article aims to provide you with five tips to fix the problem “can’t uncheck encrypt iPhone backup” in two scenarios and help you regain control over your backup settings.

Case 1. Can’t uncheck encrypt iPhone backup when forgot password

Forgetting iTunes backup password can be frustrating, especially when you want to uncheck the "Encrypt iPhone backup" option. Try the two solutions below to uncheck encrypt iPhone backup in iTunes.

Tip 1. Reset iTunes backup password

The first thing you can try is to reset iTunes backup password by resetting all settings on your iPhone. This operation will reset settings like display brightness, wallpaper, and certainly encrypted backup password without losing data or media.

After that, you can make a new backup without encrypting. Follow steps below to make it.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap the General option.

Step 2. Scroll down to locate and tap Reset > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

Step 3. From the pop-up window, tap Reset All Settings.

Now, try reconnecting your iPhone to iTunes, and generate a new iPhone backup without encryption.

Tip 2. Search iTunes password via Keychain

If you cannot uncheck encrypt iPhone backup in iTunes because you forgot the password, just try search your iTunes password via Keychain. You can get access to Keychain service on iPhone by following steps below.

Step 1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app > Scroll down to find and tap Passwords > Unlock the screen with your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

Step 2. From this page, you can see all the websites and apps that you have saved accounts and passwords for. Look for iTunes backup, and get your encrypted backup password.

Case 2. Can’t uncheck encrypt iPhone backup when it is greyed out

If you find the "Encrypt local backup" grayed out and you can't uncheck it, the three solutions below can do you a favor.

Tip 1. Double-click the Encrypt iPhone Backup button

Chances are that your computer cannot respond to your mouse click operation. You can just simply double-click the Encrypt iPhone Backup button when you can’t uncheck encrypt iPhone backup.

• Begin by verifying that the "Automatically Back Up" option is set to "This computer".

• Additionally, ensure that the "Encrypt local backup" or "Encrypt iPhone backup" button is not selected.

Tip 2. Remove installed configuration profiles

Some of the attribute profiles will be “Encrypted backup s enforced”. Therefore, you can check if your iPhone has installed any profiles and remove them from your iPhone. Here are the steps.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap General > Locate and tap Profile to view the list of installed profiles.

Step 2. Tap on the profile, and tap Delete Profile to remove it from your iPhone.

Note: Profile only shows up if you actually have profiles installed on your iPhone. Or, check whether there is Device Management under Settings > General.

Tip 3. Delete all existing iTunes backups

Cannot uncheck encrypt iPhone backup in iTunes issue caused by encrypt iPhone backup greyed out can also be solved by deleting all existing iTunes backups. It always works if your backup files are corrupted.

To delete iTunes backups, you should know where iTunes backups are stored.
• For PC users, the backup location can be found at \Users (username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
• For Mac users, the backup location is located at ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Locate the iTunes backups and delete them from your computer. Then, you can try to reconnect your iPhone to iTunes and backup iPhone again.

Bonus: Backup iPhone with iTunes alternative

If you still encounter difficulties unchecking the encrypt option or prefer an alternative backup solution, consider using FoneTool. FoneTool is a reliable iTunes alternative that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of backup features.

FoneTool provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to effortlessly enable or disable iPhone backup encryption according to your preferences. With this versatile software, you have complete control over customizing your iPhone backup. Explore some of the notable features offered by FoneTool:

• You can choose to fully or selectively backup iPhone to PC. As for Selective Backup, you can preview and choose wanted files to backup.
• Easily enable and disable iPhone backup encryption. In addition, you can delete or change the password at any time.
• Safeguard your iPhone data by backing up to USB drives, external hard drives, NAS, and more with FoneTool.

Get FoneTool on your PC by clicking the button below, and let’s see how to backup iPhone using FoneTool.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer using USB > Launch FoneTool, and click Phone Backup from the left pane > Choose Selective Backup or Full Backup as per your need. Here we take Full Backup as an example.

Step 2. Switch on Enable Backup Encryption > When asked, enter and verify your password to encrypt iPhone backup > Click OK to continue.

Step 3. Modify the backup storage path if needed. Finally, click Start Backup to begin the backup process.

When you need to restore the encrypt backup for iPhone from FoneTool, just get to the Backup History page > locate the backup files > Click the restore icon > Enter your backup password to restore it.

Summary

Encountering difficulties can’t uncheck encrypt iPhone backup in iTunes can be frustrating, but with the tips provided in this article, you can overcome these issues. Whether you forgot your backup password or the option is grayed out, there are solutions available.

Additionally, considering an iTunes alternative like FoneTool can provide a convenient and hassle-free backup experience. Choose the method that suits your situation best and ensure the security of your data while maintaining control over your backup settings.