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The Mercurian

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Mar 17, 2012
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So I have forgotten the password I used for iTunes backup over USB on my iphone 7.
I can back up to icloud. But how can I reset the iTunes backup password. I understand this password is on the phone itself but a reset didn't' make any difference :(
 

jermy4

macrumors 6502a
Jun 27, 2010
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406
I stole this from apple's website:

If you can’t remember the password for your encrypted backup

You can’t restore an encrypted backup without its password. With iOS 11 or later, you can make a new encrypted backup of your device by resetting the password. Here’s what to do:

  1. On your iOS device, go to Settings > General > Reset.
  2. Tap Reset All Settings and enter your iOS passcode.
  3. Follow the steps to reset your settings. This won't affect your user data or passwords, but it will reset settings like display brightness, Home screen layout, and wallpaper. It also removes your encrypted backup password.
  4. Connect your device to iTunes again and create a new encrypted backup.
You won't be able to use previous encrypted backups, but you can back up your current data using iTunes and setting a new backup password.

If you have a device with iOS 10 or earlier, you can't reset the password. In this case, try the following:

  • If someone else set up your device, ask them for the password.
  • Use an iCloud backup instead of iTunes. If you don't have an iCloud backup, you can make one.
  • Try using an older iTunes backup.
 

The Mercurian

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Mar 17, 2012
2,158
2,442
Try to open keychain access and it's possible that your itunes backup password was stored there:
http://osxdaily.com/2013/06/26/recover-lost-encrypted-backup-password-ios/
https://www.top-password.com/blog/recover-itunes-backup-password-on-mac/

If you're unable to find itunes backup password, you reset iphone to factory defaults and then set up as a new device.

I had already tried all of that to no avail (strangely including factory reset). jermy4's sugggestion worked a treat
 
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