iPhone X: Forgot Backup Password

If you want to be on the safe side and make sure that no one else has access to your iPhone X backup, then you can encrypt the backup with a password. However, once you have forgotten the credentials yourself, you have no choice but to reset the password

Reset backup password - this is how it works

If you have lost the password to the backup or you can't remember it, since iOS 11 you can reset the password and create a new encrypted backup. Note that despite resetting the password, you can no longer use a previously encrypted backup.

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone X.
2. In the overview, tap "General" and then "Reset".
3. Tap "Reset all settings" there and enter your code to confirm. Follow the further steps. This will reset settings such as display brightness or the layout of your home screen, as well as remove the password of your encrypted backup. Other saved user data and passwords will not be affected.
4. Afterwards, connect your iPhone to iTunes to create a new encrypted backup and set a new password.

Alternatives for older iOS versions

If you are using iOS 10 or older on your iPhone X, you will not have the option to reset the password of the backup. Alternatively, you can load a backup from iCloud. If you don't have an iCloud backup yet, you can create one via the settings of your iPhone X. All you need is a good Internet connection and your credentials. Furthermore, you also have the option of using an unencrypted iTunes backup.