Remedies for Forgot iTunes Backup Password

Have you ever encountered the frustrating situation of forgetting your iTunes backup password? Encrypting iPhone backups with a password is a wise security measure.

No doubt, passwords are great! But they can be damaging also if you forgot iTunes backup password. In this article, we will guide you through the process of encrypting iPhone backups using iTunes, provide possible remedies for a forgotten iTunes backup password.

What is iTunes backup password used for?

When you encrypt your iPhone backups using iTunes, you add an extra layer of security to your data. The iTunes backup password ensures that your sensitive information remains protected in case of unauthorized access. Encrypted backups contain data that is both more valuable and essential compared to unencrypted files. It also contains information as follows:
✅ Wi-Fi settings
✅ Saved passwords
✅ Health data
✅ Website history
✅ Call history

By encrypting your backups, you prevent anyone without the password from viewing or restoring your backup files.

How to encrypt iPhone backup

Encrypting your iPhone backup with iTunes is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to secure your backup:

Step 1. Launch the latest version of iTunes on your computer > Connect your iPhone to computer with USB.

Step 2. Click the phone icon > Tick This Computer > Check Encrypt iPhone backup > From the prompted window, enter the password to encrypt iPhone backup.

Step 3. Confirm your password, and click Back Up Now to begin the task.

Once you have completed these steps, your iPhone backups will be encrypted with the password you provided, ensuring the security of your data.

Possible remedies for forgot iTunes backup password

If you forgot iTunes backup password for iPhone, don't panic. There are several remedies you can try to regain access to your encrypted backups.

1# Try every possible password

Start by trying common passwords that you frequently use or have used in the past. Give these options a try before moving on to more advanced methods. So, consider all of the possible passwords you can enter as below. It can be your:
• Computer login password
• Apple ID password
• Hard Disk Encryption password
• Different websites password
• Default password, i.e., 0000
• Wi-Fi password
• E-Mail password
• Administrator’s passcode
• iPhone passcode

2# Reset iTunes backup password

If none of the possible passwords work, you can make a new encrypted backup of your iPhone by resetting the password. Here are the steps to reset iTunes backup password when you forgot password for backup in iTunes.

Step 1. Open Settings on iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Step 2. Enter your iPhone password. This will reset settings like display brightness, wallpaper, and certainly encrypted backup password without losing data or media.

Now, you can connect your iPhone to iTunes again. And you can create a new encrypted backup now.

3# Search iTunes password via keychain

Apple offers you the Keychain Access service for the password you have set up on all your Apple devices. You can get to the service on your Mac or iPhone to see if the iTunes backup password is stored there.

Use iCloud Keychain on your iPhone
Go to the Settings app > Scroll down to locate and tap Passwords > Unlock the screen with your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

Now you can see all the websites and apps that you have saved accounts and passwords for.

Check Keychain on Mac
Step 1. Open Mac, and select Application > Utilities > Keychain Access > Put your iPhone in the search box and check for iPhone’s backup.

Step 2. Double-click and tick the Show Password > Enter the keychain password. Then, you can get access to your iTunes backup password.

Bonus: Free iTunes alternative for iPhone backup

If you're looking for a hassle-free alternative to iTunes for backing up your iPhone, consider using a free software solution like FoneTool. FoneTool offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features, including backup and restore functionality.

Free download FoneTool to your computer, 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 > Mouse over to Full Backup and click Get Started. You can also choose Selective Backup to selectively backup iPhone.

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.

Conclusion

Encrypting your iTunes backups adds an important layer of security to your iPhone data. However, if you forget your iTunes backup password, there are several remedies you can try to regain access to your backups.

After reading this guide, hope you can ensure the safety of your iPhone backups and maintain control over your valuable data.