How to Recover Your Forgotten iTunes Encrypted Backup Password?

What are encrypted backups in iTunes?

You can encrypt and protect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in iTunes with help of encrypted backups. When you use iTunes's password protection and encryption features you will be able to protect your personal information with the help of powerful encryption algorithms. You can encrypt data that iTunes backups don't normally include, like your private passwords, your Wi-Fi settings, and browsing history.

How to activate encrypted backups?

Normally iTunes doesn't encrypt your backups unless you enable the feature. Enable the iTunes the password Encrypt backup option once and from then on iTunes will auto encrypt backups for that device in the future. Note: Do not lose your password or you will not be able to retrieve your data or turn off iTunes Encrypt Backup.
You can choose between local storage or Cloud storage.

Encrypt your iTunes backups

1. Open iTunes.
2. Connect your mobile device to your PC or your laptop.
3. You'll find yourself in the Summary screen.
4. Navigate to "Backups".
5. Choose "Encrypt [device] backup".
6. Type a password when prompted (make sure you remember it or you'll lose all of your backups).
7. Now iTunes will begin creating encrypted backups.

How to makes sure iTunes is encrypting my backups.

Simply connect your device to your computer and go the Summary page. If iTunes Encrypt Backup is enabled the Encrypt backup option will have a check mark.

How to see whether a specific iTunes backup is encrypted:

Mac:
Navigate the menu at the top of your screen and select "iTunes", then "Preferences".

Windows:
Like with the Mac navigate the iTunes menu and select "Edit" and then "Preferences".
Click the Devices tab and look for a padlock icon. If you see one than that backup is encrypted.

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:

• On your iOS device, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset".
• Tap "Reset All Settings" and enter your iOS passcode.

How do I restore my backup if I forget my password?

Don't do that. Unfortunately, there is no way to decrypt your backups if you don't have the right password, so whatever you do make sure you remember it. Write it down and keep it in a secure location if you have to.

How to turn off the backup encryption.

Simply uncheck the Encryption box in the iTunes menu.