What Is The Default Password for iTunes Backup? Facts & Fixes

Are you caught off guard when trying to restore your iPhone backup through iTunes - only to be suddenly asked for a password to unlock the backup file? You might remember setting one, yet you can't move forward without it. Sound familiar?

If you're stuck wondering what is the default password for iTunes backup, you're not alone.

This guide will walk you through why this happens, whether a default password exists, and how you can regain access to your data. Plus, we'll share some helpful tips to prevent this from happening again.

Part 1. Why Does iTunes Backup Ask for Password You Never Set?

When backing up your iPhone using iTunes, there's an option to encrypt your backup. If you choose this, iTunes will prompt you to create a password - this password is then required every time you restore that backup.

So why is iTunes asking for a password you don't remember setting? There are several possible reasons we collected from online discussions and personal experience from our friends:

Reason 1. Leftover Settings from Old Backups

If you enabled encrypted backups in the past, iTunes will continue using the same password for future backups - even if you're using a new computer or switching to the Apple Devices app on Windows. In this case, first try to recall the original password you used (we've listed some common passwords on Part 2 for reference). It's likely still in effect.

Reason 2. Corporate or School-Owned Devices

If your iPhone was previously managed by a workplace or school, or logged into work account on Microsoft Exchange or other platforms, encryption may have been enforced automatically via MDM (Mobile Device Management). In this scenario, the password was set by the organization, not you.

Reason 3. Family Use or Secondhand Devices

If someone else in your household or a previous owner enabled encryption before you got the device, you might not know the password. If you've purchased a used iPhone, try resetting all settings on the device. This removes the backup encryption and allows you to set a new one moving forward.

Reason 4. Software Glitches or Bugs

On rare occasions, iTunes might prompt you for a password even if you never set one, due to software bugs. If that happens, try reinstalling iTunes or switching to the Apple Devices app on Windows. You can also remove the iTunes backup encryption using professional tools.

These causes make it feel like a mystery password appeared out of nowhere, but usually, the password is a result of earlier actions.

Part 2. What Is The Default Password for iTunes Backup?

So, is there a default password for iTunes encryption backup? No! There is no such default password.

iTunes doesn't create a password for you or assign a standard one. If you're seeing a password prompt while restoring a backup (and the device doesn't belong to a school, company, or previous owner), it's likely that you enabled encryption yourself and simply forgot iTunes backup password.

Once encryption is enabled, it stays on for all future backups unless you manually turn it off. Unfortunately, if you forget the password, there's no official way to recover it from Apple unless you stored it on Mac iCloud Keychain.

But here's the good news: iTunes doesn't limit the number of password attempts, so you can try as many combinations as you like. Start with the most common possibilities below:

• Your Apple ID password;
• Your iPhone or iPad's lock screen passcode;
• Your computer's login password;
• Simple codes like "0000" or "1234", or a combination with your first/last name;
• Frequently used personal passwords (email, game accounts, etc.).

Try to think back to any password you might've used around the time you first enabled encryption. Or check the Google Password Manager. Even a small detail could jog your memory.

Part 3. How to Fix Default Password for iTunes Backup Not Working?

Tried all the common default passwords for your iTunes encrypted backup, and none of them worked? Don't panic - there are still a few effective ways to regain access to your backup.

Fix 1. Find Default Password for iTunes Backup on iCloud KeyChain [Mac Only]

This method allows you to recover your iTunes backup password for free and without losing any data. However, it only works on Mac computers running macOS 10.14 to macOS 15 and later version.

When creating the backup, iTunes will pop up the password window with an option to remember this password in keychain. If you've checked this option, you'll retrieve it through Keychain Access via the following steps:

Step 1. Open Keychain from your Applications > Utilities folder.
Step 2. In the search bar (top right), type "iOS Backup".
Step 3. Double-click the result, check Show password, and enter your Mac password to reveal the "default" password for iTunes encrypted backup.

Fix 2. Remove iTunes Backup Encryption via Professional Tools [Mac/Win]

If the password doesn't appear in your Mac's Keychain, or you're using Windows, you might not reveal iTunes backup encryption password directly. In that case, you can use a professional tool to either remove the encryption or recover the password using various password attack methods (like brute-force or dictionary attacks, which may take very long time).

One reliable tool we recommend is TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. It's designed to help users remove restrictions and passcodes from iOS devices quickly and easily, including:
✨ disable iTunes backup encryption
✨ remove Apple ID and all kinds of screen locks
✨ bypass MDM restrictions
✨ and more.

Best of all, it works on both Mac and Windows.

Here's how to fix the default password for iTunes backup not working issue via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Before proceeding, you can click the Try It Free button below to install this reliable software on your computer.

Step 1Choose Remove iTunes Backup Encryption Mode

Once you installed the TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, launch it and click the Remove iTunes Backup Encryption mode from the bottom right of main interface. Then, connect your iPhone to your computer using compatible USB cables.

💡 Note: If Find My iPhone feature has been turned on, you'll need to disable it on your iPhone first.

Step 2Start to Remove iTunes Backup Encryption

Click the Start button and wait for minutes, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will fix the default password for iTunes backup not working issue for you without losing data. Once it‘s complete, click Done and check iTunes to confirm that the "Encrypt local backup" option is now unchecked.

Fix 3. Reset All Settings to Fix Default Password for iTunes Backup Not Working [iOS 11+]

This option removes the encryption from your device for future backup but deletes all existing encrypted iTunes backups. It's a good solution if you don't need those backups or already have a copy stored on iCloud or another source.

💡 Note: This method only works on devices running iOS 11 or later.

Here's how: on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings

Then, your iPhone will restart and all system settings are erased, including the previous backup password, but won't delete your current device data. Afterward, you can reset your iPhone as a new one and create a new iTunes backup without encryption.

Part 4. Conclusion

It's a pity that there's no official default password for iTunes backup. If iTunes is asking for one, it means encryption was enabled at some point, intentionally or not. While forgetting the password is frustrating, you're not helpless. By trying common passwords, exploring your Mac's Keychain, or using reputable recovery tools like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, you may still recover your data.

To avoid this situation in the future, store your passwords securely and verify encryption settings during backups. With the right approach, you can regain control of your backups and protect your data effectively.