If you use an iPhone, you may have come across the term “reset encrypted data” and wondered what it means. Resetting encrypted data on your iPhone is an important process that helps keep your backups secure.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what encrypted data is, why you should reset it, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it safely.
What is Encrypted Data on iPhone?
iPhones have built-in data protection that encrypts and secures sensitive information stored on your device, such as passcodes, health data, and Apple Pay details. This is known as “encrypted data”. When you back up your iPhone using iTunes (or Finder in macOS Catalina and later), an encrypted backup is created that locks all this crucial data within it.
Encrypting your iPhone data provides an significant extra layer of security. However, the encrypted backup can only be unlocked using the password you set for it. If you forget this password or your iPhone becomes disabled, resetting the encrypted data is the only way to unlock your disabled device and create a new backup.
Methods to Reset Encrypted Data on iPhone
The process for resetting encrypted data differs slightly depending on which version of iOS your iPhone is running. Here’s how to do it:
For iOS 11 and Later:
- Open the Settings app and go to General > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings and enter your device passcode.
- Confirm you want to reset all settings.
This will delete your encrypted backup and reset settings like home screen layout, brightness, and wallpaper to defaults. Your data and media won’t be deleted.
If you’ve forgotten your iPhone passcode and your device is showing a black screen, you may need to erase your iPhone completely to remove the encryption and set it up as new.
For iOS 10 and Earlier:
- Open Settings and go to General > Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode to erase your device.
Since you forgot the encryption password, this is the only way to remove the encrypted backup. However, it will erase all the data on your iPhone, so make sure you have a backup.
Reset Encrypted Data Without Data Loss Using Tenorshare 4uKey
If you want to reset encrypted data on your iPhone without losing any existing data, your best bet is using a professional tool like Tenorshare 4uKey. It’s an iPhone backup unlocker that can remove the backup encryption in a few clicks, without requiring a password.
Key features of Tenorshare 4uKey include:
- Easily decrypt iTunes backup passwords
- Safely reset encrypted iPhone data with one click
- Remove Screen Time passcode without data loss
- High 100% decryption success rate
- Supports latest iPhone 15 and iOS 18
- 4uKey (Android version) Can also unlock Motorola, LG and other Android phones
Here’s how to use Tenorshare 4uKey to reset encrypted iPhone data:
- Download and install 4uKey on your computer. Launch it and select Remove Backup Encryption Settings.
- Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. 4uKey will detect the device.
- Click Start to begin removing the encrypted backup settings.
The process just takes a few seconds. Once completed, the backup encryption will be fully removed from your iPhone. You can now create new backups that are encrypted with a password you remember.
Tips and FAQs
Still have questions about resetting encrypted data on iPhone? Here are answers to some common queries:
What is encrypted data on iPhone?
Encrypted data refers to sensitive personal information stored on your iPhone that is secured and protected through encryption. This includes data like your device passcode, health information, Apple Pay details, Wi-Fi passwords and more.
Encrypting this data provides an important extra security layer. When you back up your iPhone using iTunes, the encrypted data is locked within the encrypted backup file.
What happens when you reset encrypted data?
After resetting the encrypted data on your iPhone, you will not be able to use any previously created encrypted backups. They are inaccessible without the password.
However, you can still back up your iPhone using iTunes and set a new password to encrypt future backups. Resetting lets you start fresh with a new encrypted backup.
Conclusion
In summary, you can reset encrypted data on an iPhone by either resetting all settings (iOS 11 and later) or erasing all content and settings (iOS 10 and earlier). However, the erase method will delete all your iPhone data if you forgot the encrypted backup password.
To avoid data loss, we recommend using Tenorshare 4uKey to easily remove the backup encryption. It will reset the encrypted data while keeping your iPhone data fully intact. 4uKey can also help if you’re dealing with a disabled iPhone or black screen issue.
By resetting the encrypted data on your iPhone, you can ensure your future backups are secured with a password you remember. Though it takes a few extra steps, encrypting your iPhone backups is well worth it for the added layer of protection.