[4 Powerful Ways] iPhone Backup Password Was Incorrect

“My iPhone X was backed up last night and I decided to restore it at the moment. But it shows an error message that my password is incorrect which is totally ridiculous because I just logged into my Apple ID with the same password.”

Are you also stuck in a similar problem? Don’t worry, I encountered this problem too and decided to take the matter into my own hands. I experimented with some methods and listed them out with detailed steps so non-tech persons can also follow this comprehensive guide.

The Reason Why iTunes Keep Saying My Password Was Incorrect?

In most cases, this error appears because the encrypted backup password does not match the password you entered. That backup password is separate from your Apple ID or Apple Account password, so signing in to your account does not prove the backup password is correct.

If your Apple Account password is correct, the backup can still be using an older password you created when you first turned on backup encryption. That is why your current Apple Account password often fails here.

Methods to fix iTunes could not restore the iPhone because the password was incorrect

Encrypting your iTunes backup means putting a password on your backup so no one can access it except you. It also protects extra data such as saved passwords and health information. If you are stuck with “iTunes could not restore the iPhone because the password was incorrect,” the four methods below help you either find the password or move to a new backup path.

Method 1: Restore your iPhone by trying different passwords you might have used

The best thing to do is to try and enter all the possible passwords you can think of like passwords you previously used or are always in front of your sight such as:

• Your social media account passwords
• Your email password
• Your iPhone’s passcode
• Your Apple ID password
• Easy numbers like 0000 or 1234
• Any important date i.e. your birthday or anniversary
• Easy patterns i.e. QWERTY, ASDFGH, etc.

If you have tried all of these and still didn’t get through the “iTunes could not restore the iPhone because the password was incorrect” then it is time to move to our next method.

Method 2: How to use Keychain to find the right Backup Password? (For Mac Only)

iCloud Keychain is a password management system introduced by Apple so people can easily save their passwords, sensitive data, or secure notes in case they do not forget while keeping the information safe.

If you were lucky enough to enable the iCloud keychain before you got into this iTunes trouble then let me share an easy way for you to get your password back.

Steps

1. Go to Application and open Utilities then Keychain Access on your Mac.
2. Type “iPhone” in the search bar located in the upper-right and locate a keychain item labeled as iPhone Backup.
3. Open iPhone Backup by double click, and then select the Show password checkbox. Type in your keychain password.


Type in your keychain password

4. A pop-up window will appear on the screen with your iTunes password.

If you didn’t enable the iCloud Keychain then you can check your auto-fill passwords to see if you can get a password for your iTunes.

How to check auto-fill passwords?

1. Go to settings and then locate passwords.
2. Enter your passcode, face ID, or touch ID (whatever you have set) to proceed.
3. Select the website you want to see the password for such as iTunes.
4. You can see the username and password on the screen if it was saved.

Method 3: How to Restore iPhone Backup from iCloud?

If you are unable to solve this “incorrect password” problem with iTunes, an iCloud backup is the safest fallback. If you already have an iCloud backup, follow these steps:

1. Go to your iPhone’s settings and open the “General” tab.
2. Locate Reset by scrolling down.
3. Select “Erase all Content and Settings”
4. Set up your iPhone from the Hello screen.
5. Click on Restore from iCloud Backup on the Apps & Data screen.
6. Sign in to your iCloud by entering your password
7. Choose a backup and restore it.

Note: If you don’t have a backup on iCloud yet, make one before you erase the iPhone so you do not lose the current data.

How to Restore iPhone Backup from iCloud

Method 4: How to Reset Settings to encrypt a new Backup?

Are you still not able to get through your iTunes incorrect password problem? Apple lets you remove the encrypted backup password and create a new encrypted backup, but this will not unlock any older encrypted backups:

Steps

1. Launch Settings on your iPhone and go to the General tab
2. Now, open Reset and locate Tap Reset All Settings
3. Enter your device passcode to proceed.
4. Follow the prompt on your screen to reset settings.


Reset All Settings

Note: It will reset settings such as brightness, Home Screen layout, and wallpaper, but it won’t remove your personal data. It will remove the encrypted iTunes backup password for future backups.
5. Next, connect your iPhone to Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes and create a new encrypted backup.

And you are done. Make sure to remember your password or write it in a safe place so you do not have to go through this hustle again.