drfone logo
Dr.Fone – Phone Unlock&Clean

Unlock your devices in 3 steps

Dr.Fone – Data&Photo Recovery

Recover data in 3 steps

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)
Unlock iTunes Backup Encryption
  • Simple, click-through, process.
  • Remove screen passcodes, Face ID, Touch ID and Apple ID at ease.
  • Bypass iCloud Activation Locks without Password.
  • No tech knowledge required, everybody can handle it.
  • Support the latest iPhone and the latest iOS version fully!
ios screen unlock

How to Unlock iTunes Backup Encryption: Fix Encrypt iPhone Backups is Greyed Out Issue Today

drfone

Aug 24, 2024 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions

It's essential to back up your iPhone to protect your info, but what can you do when encrypted iPhone backups are greyed out in iTunes? Because of this annoying problem, you can't protect your backup with a password, which leaves your data open to attack. You're not the only one who has had the "iTunes encrypt local backup greyed out" trouble. Why does this happen? This guide will show you how to resolve it, whether you require that you uncheck encrypt local backup in iTunes or find a way to recover a forgotten encrypted backup password. Following these steps, you can regain control of your iPhone backups and keep your information safe.

Part 1: What is iPhone Backup Encryption?

A feature of iPhone backup encryption protects your data with a password, keeping it safe. The info you backed up on your PC with iTunes is encrypted this way. If you encrypt your iPhone backup, a password will be added to the backup file so somebody can't read it without the correct password. This procedure keeps private data like passwords, Wi-Fi settings, and browsing history safe from people who shouldn't have access to it.

Part 2: Why Is Encrypt Local Backup Greyed Out?

Before diving into solutions, it's essential to know why the encrypted local backup greyed-out problem occurs in iTunes. Understanding the causes will help you prevent this from happening again, ensuring you won't face the encrypted iPhone backups greyed out in the iTunes issue in the future.

Reason 1: Profile Issues on Your iPhone

One possible reason why you can't uncheck Encrypt local backup in iTunes is that a profile has been installed on your device. Profiles, such as those from the iOS beta program or certain VPN apps, can cause the encrypt backup iTunes option to be stuck. These profiles may interfere with iPhone backups, making disabling encrypted local backup iTunes impossible.

To avoid this, monitor the profiles installed on your iPhone. Reducing the number of unnecessary profiles can prevent the iTunes encrypt local backup greyed-out issue from recurring. Be cautious of apps that install profiles, which might contribute to the problem.

Reason 2: Forgotten Password Issue

Another reason you might find the encrypted iPhone backup greyed out is that you've forgotten your encrypted backup password. When setting up an iTunes backup, you must create a password. If you forget this password, iTunes won't let you disable iTunes backup encryption or turn off encryption on iPhone backups.

To avoid being stuck with the encrypt local backup greyed-out problem, ensure you store your iOS encryption password securely. Forgetting this password can prevent you from disabling encryption, forcing you to create only encrypted backups. If you find yourself in this situation, you might need to recover your forgotten encryption password for iPhone backup or consider alternative solutions to regain control over your backups.

Part 3: How to Fix Encrypt iPhone Backup Greyed Out?

If you're struggling with the "encrypt iPhone backup greyed out" issue, here are some practical solutions to help you resolve it.

Method 1: Remove Installed Configuration Profiles

The "encrypt local backup greyed out" condition is often caused by specific setup profiles on your iPhone. Follow these steps to remove them:

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Scroll down and select the General option.
  • Tap on the profile to see a list of all installed profiles.
  • Review the profiles and identify any suspicious ones.
  • Tap the suspicious profile, then select Remove profile and confirm the deletion.

remove profile

Tip: If you can't find any profiles, check under "Device Management" in the Settings app. The "Profiles" option may be renamed "Device Management." Be cautious and only delete profiles that you believe are causing issues, as removing profiles for frequently used apps could cause those apps to malfunction.

Method 2: Fix the Issue by Double-Clicking the Encrypt iPhone Backup Button

If the "encrypt iPhone backups is greyed out in iTunes" and your computer isn't responding correctly, you can try this:

  • The "Automatically Back Up" setting should be selected as "This computer."
  • Confirm that the "Encrypt local backup" or "Encrypt iPhone backup" button has not been selected.

Method 3: Delete All Existing iTunes Backups

Sometimes, corrupted backup files can cause the "encrypt local backup greyed out" issue. Here's how to fix it:

  • Open iTunes and go to Preferences. On Windows, this is found under the Edit menu. Click on Devices.
  • Locate your backup by right-clicking on it and selecting the option to show it in Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows).
  • On a PC, backups are stored in the following path: "Users," followed by your username, then "AppData," "Roaming," "Apple Computer," "MobileSync," and finally "Backup."
  • On a Mac, backups can be found in the "Library" folder, then "Application Support," then "MobileSync," and finally "Backup."
  • Move all existing backups from the "Backup" directory to another location on your computer.

iTunes backup location

Part 4: How to Uncheck Encrypt Local Backup in iTunes?

If you're having trouble with the encrypt local backup greyed-out option in iTunes, here's a quick way to check if it's working correctly.

  1. Connect Your iPhone
  2. You can use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your PC.
  3. Open iTunes
  4. Start iTunes on your computer and locate your iPhone.
  5. Find the Encryption Option
  6. Look for "Encrypt iPhone Backup" on the right side of the screen and see if you can uncheck it.

disable iphone backup encryption

Part 5: How to Turn Off Encrypt iPhone Backup Without Password?

Method 1: Remove iTunes Encrypted Backup Password with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Removing the iTunes encrypt local backup greyed-out issue with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is a simple process that helps you regain access to your backup files. Dr. Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) makes handling encrypted local backup greyed-out problems easy by offering a straightforward and easy-to-use interface. Open the software, choose "Remove iTunes Backup Encryption Password," and follow the straightforward steps. Dr. Fone-Screen Unlock (iOS) uses advanced technology to quickly and securely remove the encryption, allowing you to unlock your backup without losing any data. Whether you've forgotten the encrypted backup password or need smooth access to your backup, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) provides a dependable solution, making it easier to manage your iOS device backups without hassle.

style arrow up

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Remove iTunes Encrypted Backup Password with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

  • Simple, click-through, process.
  • Unlock screen passwords from all iPhones and iPads.
  • No tech knowledge is required, everybody can handle it.
  • It supports the latest iOS version fully!New icon
Available on: Windows Mac
3981454 people have downloaded it

Step 1: Launch the Dr.Fone Screen Unlock Tool

  • Open Wondershare DrFone on your computer.
  • Navigate to the Toolbox section.
  • Go to Screen Unlock and then iOS to use the screen unlock feature.

access screen unlock tool

Step 2: Select the Required Function

  • When the tool opens a new window, locate and select Remove iTunes Backup Encryption.
  • Proceed to the next step.

select the required function

Step 3: Connect Your iOS Device

  • For iOS devices, a USB cable is needed to link to a PC.
  • Ensure the device is connected correctly and recognized by the tool.

connect idevice to pc

Step 4: Execute the Password Removal Process

  • Once your device is detected, a message will appear with the Remove Now button.
  • Click the Remove Now button to start the password removal process.
  • Before clicking, ensure Find My iPhone is off, iTunes is closed, and your device will reboot.

proceed to remove the password

Step 5: Monitor the Progress

  • A progress box will show how the password removal is progressing.
  • If you need to stop the process, click the X button in the top right corner to cancel.

view the progress of the operation

Step 6: Complete the Process

  • After the password is successfully removed, a confirmation message will be displayed.
  • Click Done to close the window and complete the process.

remove itunes encrypted backup password

Method 2: Resetting Your iPhone Settings

If you're having trouble with your iPhone's encrypted backup, resetting your device's settings might help. This method can remove the iTunes encrypt local backup greyed-out issue without affecting your data, allowing you to start fresh with a new backup.

Step 1: Access the Reset Option:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Navigate to General, then scroll down to "Reset." Press the button.

reset iphone backup password

Step 2: Enter Your Passcode:

  • Select "Reset All Settings."
  • Enter your passcode when prompted.

Step 3: Follow the Reset instructions:

  • Proceed with the on-screen instructions.
  • It's important to know that your user data and passwords will stay safe, but settings like wallpaper, display brightness, and home page layout will be changed.
  • This also removes the encrypted backup password.

Step 4: Reconnect to Finder or iTunes:

  • Connect your device to Finder or iTunes.
  • Follow the prompts to create a new encrypted backup.
  • Remember that you can only create a new backup; restoring the old one is impossible with this method.

Method 3: Restoring from iCloud Backup

If you have an iCloud backup, you can use it to recover your data. This method is straightforward and effective if you have previously backed up your iPhone to iCloud and want to restore it.

Step 1: Prepare Your Device:

  • Turn on your iPhone and look for the Hello Screen.
  • You must erase all existing data if you have already set up your iPhone.

Step 2: Restore from iCloud Backup:

  • In the Apps & Data menu, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup."
  • Log in to your Apple ID and select the backup you want to use.
  • Ensure that your Wi-Fi is enabled during the restoration process.

Method 4: Using iTunes Password Decryptor

For those who have forgotten their iTunes backup password, the iTunes Password Decryptor is a useful tool. It helps recover or bypass the encrypted backup password, allowing you to access your iTunes backups without data loss.

Step 1: Download and Install the Software:

  • Get the iTunes Password Decryptor software on your Windows PC.

itunes password decryptor

Step 2: Import Your Backup File:

  • Open the software and add your iTunes backup file.
  • Hit "Open," subsequently "Add file," and choose the manifest. List file via route:
  • C:\Users(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup

Step 3: Choose a password attack type:

  • Click on a list item to choose a type of password attack.
  • Use mask or dictionary attacks if you remember part of the password or Brute-force if you have forgotten it completely.

Step 4: Start Password Recovery:

  • To access your backup password, hit the "Start" option.
  • The software will start working to recover your iTunes backup password.

decrypting your iPhone backup password

Method 5: Trying Every Possible Passcode

If you're still locked out, trying every possible passcode might be an option. Although this method can be time-consuming, it's a simple approach to potentially unlock your encrypted backup by testing common or previously used passwords.

Consider Common Passcodes:

If you're unsure of the password, try common ones. Here's a list to start with:

  • Default password like 0000
  • Computer login password
  • Apple ID password
  • Hard Disk Encryption password
  • Various website passwords
  • Wi-Fi password
  • Email Password
  • Administrator passcode
  • iPhone passcode

Conclusion:

The encrypted iPhone backup greyed-out issue can be frustrating, but it's manageable with the proper steps. You can regain control over your iPhone backups by removing restrictions, updating iTunes, or using a powerful tool like Dr. Fone—Screen Unlock (iOS). Always ensure your backups are secure, and if you encounter any issues, refer to the methods and solutions provided in this article to fix the problem.

safe Downloadsafe & secure

FAQs

Tools like Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock (iOS) can help you recover or remove your encrypted backup password for your iPhone without losing your information if you forget it.
No, you don't have the correct password to turn off security on your iTunes backups. However, you can control your backups with tools like Dr.Fone that can help you remove the password.
You might not be able to see the "encrypt iCloud backup" choice because of your device's safety settings or restrictions. To fix the problem, check and change these settings.
screen unlock

Alice MJ

staff Editor

iPhone Unlock

Access Locked iPhone
iPhone Lock Screen
Remove iCloud Lock
Unlock Apple ID
Remove SIM Lock
Unlock iPhone MDM
Unlock Screen Time Passcode
Unlock Apple Watch
drfone
Your Complete Mobile Solution
  • ● Manage/transfer/recover data
  • ● Unlock screen/activate/FRP lock
  • ● Fix most iOS and Android issues
Unlock Now Unlock Now Unlock Now
Home > How-to > Remove Screen Lock > How to Unlock iTunes Backup Encryption: Fix Encrypt iPhone Backups is Greyed Out Issue Today