Turn Off Backup Encryption in iTunes?

Yes, you can turn off backup encryption in iTunes (and in current macOS versions, in Finder). The setting is a simple checkbox, but turning it off requires your device passcode, and doing so means your backup will no longer include saved passwords, Health data, or HomeKit data. This article explains exactly where the setting lives, what happens when you disable it, and what to consider before you do.

Where the Encryption Setting Lives

In iTunes on Windows or in older macOS versions, the option appears when you connect your iPhone or iPad and select the device icon near the top-left of the iTunes window. In the Summary tab, under the Backups section, you’ll see a checkbox labeled “Encrypt local backup.” In macOS Catalina and later, the same option appears in Finder: connect your device, click it in the sidebar, and scroll to the Backups section. If the box is checked, your backups are encrypted. To turn it off, uncheck the box. iTunes or Finder will ask for your device passcode to confirm, then immediately create a new, unencrypted backup to replace the old one.

Why Apple Encrypts Backups by Default (When You Choose It)

Apple does not encrypt local backups by default—you have to actively select the checkbox the first time. But once you do, the encryption is strong (AES-256) and applies to the entire backup file. Apple encrypts because a backup contains far more than your photos and contacts: it includes your keychain items (saved Wi-Fi passwords, website logins, credit card info), Health and Activity data, HomeKit configuration, and call history. Without encryption, these sensitive categories are stored in plain text inside the backup file, which could be read by anyone with access to your computer. Encrypting the backup keeps that data unreadable without your passcode.

What Happens When You Turn It Off

When you uncheck “Encrypt local backup” and enter your device passcode, iTunes/Finder will delete the existing encrypted backup and create a new unencrypted one. From that point forward, your local backups will not include:

• Saved passwords and other keychain data
• Health and Activity data
• HomeKit data (like smart home device settings)
• Call history (in some iOS versions)

Everything else—photos, messages, app data, settings, and most other content—will still be backed up, just without encryption. If you later restore from this unencrypted backup, you’ll have to re-enter passwords and set up Health/HomeKit again. Also, if you use iCloud Backup, turning off local encryption has no effect on iCloud’s own encryption, which is always on.

How to Turn It Off (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the exact process for both iTunes and Finder, depending on your setup:

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer with a USB cable. If prompted, tap “Trust This Computer” on your device.
2. Open iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier) or open Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
3. In iTunes, click the device icon near the top-left. In Finder, select your device under “Locations” in the sidebar.
4. Scroll to the Backups section.
5. If the box next to “Encrypt local backup” is checked, uncheck it.
6. Enter your device passcode when prompted, then click “OK.”
7. iTunes/Finder will immediately create a new unencrypted backup. Wait for it to finish before disconnecting your device.

If you don’t see the checkbox, make sure your device is properly connected and that you’ve unlocked it. On some older iTunes versions, the option is under “Edit > Preferences > Devices” instead.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common issue: you try to uncheck the box but it’s grayed out. This happens when you haven’t entered your device passcode recently, or when the device is locked. Unlock your iPhone/iPad and try again. Another frequent problem: you forgot your passcode. If you can’t remember it, you cannot turn off encryption—Apple provides no backdoor. The only way to remove the encryption is to erase the device and set it up as new, which loses all data. That’s a last resort, so only do it if you’re sure you have no other way.

A common misconception is that turning off encryption makes your backup less secure overall. In reality, the backup file is still protected by your computer’s user account permissions, but it’s not encrypted—so anyone with administrative access to your computer could read it. If you’re the only user and your computer is secure, the risk is low, but it’s not zero.

Should You Turn It Off?

Whether to disable encryption depends on your priorities. Turn it off if:

• You don’t store sensitive data (passwords, Health, HomeKit) on your device.
• You need to access backup files directly (e.g., to extract photos or messages) and don’t want to deal with encryption.
• You’re running out of storage and want to save a little space (encrypted backups are slightly larger).
• You’ve forgotten your passcode and are willing to lose the encrypted backup to regain control.

Keep it on if you value security and don’t mind the extra step of entering your passcode when backing up or restoring. For most users, the convenience of having passwords and Health data automatically restored is worth the minor hassle. If you’re unsure, a good compromise is to keep encryption on but write down your passcode in a safe place (like a password manager).

Alternatives to Local Encrypted Backups

If you want the security of encryption but don’t like the local backup setup, consider using iCloud Backup. iCloud backups are always encrypted in transit and at rest, and they include Health and HomeKit data (but not keychain items—those sync separately via iCloud Keychain). iCloud backups are automatic when your device is plugged in and on Wi-Fi, and they don’t require a passcode to restore. The trade-off is that iCloud storage costs money beyond the free 5 GB, and you’re relying on Apple’s servers. Another alternative is to use a third-party tool that creates encrypted backups to an external drive, but those are less common and often paid. For most people, the choice is between local encrypted backups and iCloud backups—both are secure, but they differ in convenience and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off encryption delete my existing backup?

Yes, when you uncheck the box, iTunes/Finder deletes the old encrypted backup and creates a new unencrypted one. You can’t have both an encrypted and unencrypted backup of the same device at the same time.

Do I need my passcode to turn off encryption?

Yes, you must enter your device passcode to confirm the change. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from disabling encryption on your device without your knowledge.

Can I turn encryption back on later?

Absolutely. Just check the box again and enter a passcode (it can be the same or different). A new encrypted backup will be created.

Does turning off encryption affect iCloud backups?

No. iCloud backups are always encrypted, regardless of your local backup settings. The two are independent.

What if I forgot my passcode and want to turn off encryption?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover the passcode. Your only option is to erase the device and restore from an iCloud backup (if you have one) or start fresh. This will remove the encrypted local backup.

Is an unencrypted backup safe to store on my computer?

It’s as safe as any other file on your computer. If your computer is password-protected and you’re the only user, the risk is low. But if someone else can access your user account, they could read the backup file and see your data. For maximum security, keep encryption on.

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