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Recovering an old backup and resetting the password are different
To restore an existing encrypted computer backup, you need the password that was used when it was created. Apple does not provide a way to retrieve or bypass that password. Resetting settings on a supported iPhone or iPad lets you create a future encrypted backup with a new password; it does not change the password on a backup already on your computer. As Apple explains, “Creating a new password doesn’t allow you to access previous encrypted backups.”
If you need the contents of the old backup, try passwords you may have used and ask the person who set up the device. If you cannot open it, check whether you have an iCloud backup or an older computer backup you can restore instead.
Reset the saved backup password on iOS 11 or later
Apple’s reset procedure applies to devices running iOS 11 or later and iPadOS. Reset All Settings does not erase your user data or passwords, according to Apple, but it does reset preferences such as display brightness, Home Screen layout, and wallpaper. Exact menu labels can vary by software version.
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- On the iPhone or iPad, open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset [Device].
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings and enter the device passcode.
- Confirm Reset All Settings.
- Connect the device to your computer, then use Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes to create a new encrypted backup and set a new password.
This resets the saved password setting so a new encrypted backup can be made. It does not make any previous encrypted backup accessible.
Choose the backup app for your computer
| Computer | App to use |
|---|---|
| Mac running macOS Catalina or later | Finder |
| Windows PC | Apple Devices; use iTunes if Apple Devices is unavailable |
| Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier | iTunes |
In the app, select the connected device and enable Encrypt local backup before starting the backup. Apple’s instructions for backing up an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with Windows advise keeping the password somewhere safe: without it, an encrypted backup cannot be recovered.
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If the device runs iOS 10 or earlier
Apple says its reset procedure is not available for iOS 10 or earlier. The options it identifies are to ask whoever set up the device, use an iCloud backup, or restore from an older Apple Devices, iTunes, or Finder backup. If you can still use the device, make an iCloud backup if possible before relying on another backup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What an encrypted computer backup contains
Local backups are not encrypted by default; encryption is enabled by selecting Encrypt local backup in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. An encrypted backup can include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, health data, and call history. It does not include Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode.
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Keep the backup password separate from your iPhone passcode and Apple Account password. Resetting either of those does not change the password protecting an existing computer backup.
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