Apple iPhone 13 mini Backup Password Never Set But Still Asking? Here’s the Fix

Part 1: Why Do iTunes Ask Me for iPhone Backup Password?

When you use iTunes to create a backup, the backup will probably have a password that iTunes automatically create. This is for privacy reasons. Hence, it might ask for an iTunes backup password never set by you!

In most cases, this occurs when the Encrypt Backup option is activated. As an official iOS feature, its purpose is to provide iOS users with the iTunes backup encryption for further security.

Unfortunately, this capability may also become problematic if you inadvertently take a backup without being able to provide the password. For example, you may have to enter the password for your Apple iPhone 13 mini backup unlocking never set by you.

But the good news is you have some possible fixes. So, let’s talk about them.

Part 2: 4 Possible Ways to Fix Asking for iPhone Backup Password

Many iPhone users have problems with iTunes when they back up their devices.

One of the most common issues is that people are asked for their iPhone backup password never set, but they need to know what it is. This can be frustrating because you can only back up your device if you have the password.

There are a few possible ways to fix this problem. Try resetting your password or using a different computer to back up your device. You could also try using a third-party software tool like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

1. Try all passwords you use on iPhone

When iTunes prompts you for an iPhone backup password never set, what should your initial course of action be?

To get out of this predicament in the simplest way possible, try entering every potential password you will likely have used. In most cases, individuals will use the same password for many accounts.

A significant possibility is that you encrypted the iTunes backup with the same password from the iCloud account.

Therefore, before doing anything further, try all passwords to configure your iTunes account. For example, try entering 0000, 123456, name123, or 1111.

2. Find the password from Keychain on macOS

You may also attempt to find the password for the iTunes backup using the keychain approach if you are working on a Mac.

The likelihood of success with this approach is relatively low. However, it is still worthwhile to try it, particularly if you have also synchronized your iTunes account with your Mac.

1. On your macOS, go to Utilities by clicking the Applications menu item. At this point, launch the Keychain Access app and look for your Apple iPhone 13 mini backup.
2. To open a new dialogue box, double-click the most recent backup file, and you will see one appear before you.
3. On this page, choose Show Password to get the password for the Apple iPhone 13 mini backup. However, you will first be prompted to provide the administrator password associated with your iCloud account to recover the password.

3. “Reset All Settings”

Resetting the password is another option at your disposal if you encounter the Apple iPhone 13 mini backup password never set problem. How you do this will be different depending on the version of iOS that you have installed.

Here are what you can do with your iOS smartphone if it has iOS 11 or a later version:

Step 1: Unlock your Apple iPhone 13 mini, and then open the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: After locating the General menu, go to the Reset menu and then hit the Reset All Settings button. Please confirm your action by providing the password for your Apple iPhone 13 mini.

Step 3: Once the reset has been completed, your previous password will be deleted.

Step 4: The next thing you should do is take a fresh backup of your Apple iPhone 13 mini using iTunes, and then establish a new password for the backup that iTunes creates.

You will need to use an alternative strategy, which includes a factory reset if you use an older version of the iOS firmware than iOS 11.

Step 1: Before continuing, it is highly recommended that you create a backup of the data on your Apple iPhone 13 mini using iCloud.

Step 2: After you have opened the Settings app, go to the General menu, then to the Reset menu, and finally to the Erase All Content and Settings option.

Step 3: Confirm that you want to reset your Apple iPhone 13 mini to factory settings, and wait until it is done.

Step 4: Once the factory data reset is finished, you must restore your iCloud backup. To do this, follow the steps for setting up iOS until you reach the Apps & Data option.

Step 5: Create a new backup in iTunes and change the password for the existing backup in iTunes.

You should be aware that resetting the Apple iPhone 13 mini device to factory settings will not make your encrypted backups accessible again.

On the other hand, it does make it possible for you to generate a fresh backup in iTunes that is not encrypted.

4. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

First step: After installing Dr.Fone on your device, please run the program and look for the red button labeled “Screen Unlock.”

Step 2: While in the interface for Screen Unlock, navigate to the bottom right of the screen and tap on the feature labeled “Remove iTunes BackUp Encryption.” This will allow you to proceed.

Step 3: When brought to this screen, please use a USB cord to connect your iOS device to your personal computer. If Dr.Fone can identify this relationship, the following picture will appear for you to see.

Please read the following three notes carefully before clicking the “Remove Now” button:

• Check to ensure that “Find My iPhone” is not turned on.
• During this procedure, you should not launch “iTunes.”
• During the process, your Apple iPhone 13 mini will restart.

Step 4: If you have an iTunes backup, Dr.Fone may automatically verify it and delete it. This encryption will be removed once the percentage on the progress meter reaches the end. This procedure won’t take a lot of time at all.

Step 5: The encryption of the iTunes backup has been successfully erased! Your backed-up data may be quickly restored, transferred, wiped clean, and backed up again. Hence, you can enter the password to unlock your Apple iPhone 13 mini backup never set in the first place!

The Bottom Line

There are four ways to fix the problem if iTunes keeps asking for your Apple iPhone 13 mini backup password. The first method is to try all the passwords you use on your Apple iPhone 13 mini. You can try finding the password from Keychain on macOS if this does not work. Another option is to “Reset All Settings” on your Apple iPhone 13 mini.

Lastly, Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is a program that can help you bypass the passcode and get into your backups. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to avoid the problem of iTunes backup password never set.

Full Guide to Unlock Apple iPhone 13 mini with iTunes

With such countless passwords, forgetting passwords on occasion isn’t surprising. What are your possibilities for iTunes unlock phone if you run over such circumstances and lose your password? Certainly, when this question springs up, you must not get terrified. We are here to direct you through the process of fixing this issue.

Losing a passcode is entirely normal and can happen to anyone. So, if you are also among the lot, we will elaborate on how to unlock iPhone with iTunes. After thorough research, our experts have laid out some essential unlocking methods for our readers. So, if you need to get things straight, read this detailed guide to go over your issue.

Part 1: Why Was My iPhone Disabled?

Using a lock screen passcode to secure your iDevice is an excellent way. However, it can become troublesome when you forget the key to your phone. Moreover, you may get stuck even if your screen breaks. On the other hand, someone may take your phone and type a few incorrect passcodes.

If your screen displays “iPhone disabled,” the most probable reason is an excess of wrong passcode attempts. However, this can sometimes occur without you understanding if the phone is in your pocket.

It would help if you erased your Apple iPhone 13 mini to eliminate the lock and passcode, then re-sync it with iTunes. Then, you can restore your phone from an iCloud or an iTunes backup, but if you have never used a backup on your phone, your phone will have nothing. This guide illustrates how to unlock disabled iPhone with iTunes.

Part 2: How to Unlock iPhone with iTunes

At first, iTunes was only a media software used to play, download and see sound and video documents. Later in 2011, it became a valuable tool to support information and adjust it across numerous devices.

It added the ‘Restore’ option that can assist clients with unlocking their iPhones when they forget their passcode.

In any case, one has to know that iTunes is not an expert unlocking tool. Apple seldom updates iTunes, and its last update was long ago. Consequently, it has numerous tech bugs. As a result, the unlocking process using iTunes takes a lot of time. During the process, you may experience different error codes like 3004, 1100, 3194, 4000, and 4013. That makes it a tedious process.

Requirements for Windows PC:

• For iTunes unlock phone, your PC should have installed Windows 8 or later and the most recent iTunes variant.

Requirements for Mac:

• Open the Finder window if you have macOS Catalina or a more recent one.
• Open the most current version of iTunes using macOS Mojave or older.
• You must have a USB connector.

Steps (For Windows)

Step 1. Connect the locked Apple iPhone 13 mini to the PC

Connect your locked Apple iPhone 13 mini to your PC through a lightning or USB connector. Open iTunes on Windows PC.

Step 2. Put your Apple iPhone 13 mini in recovery mode

To enter a Recovery Mode, press a combination of buttons on your Apple iPhone 13 mini. Doing such, you will see a recovery mode screen on your Apple iPhone 13 mini. To place the Apple iPhone 13 mini in Recovery mode, follow these:

• iPhone 8 or above (second and third generation): Press and release the volume (+) button. Press and release the volume (-) button. Hold power/side button until seeing the recovery mode on your screen.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press the top (or side) and volume down buttons simultaneously until the recovery screen shows up.
• iPhone SE (first generation) and iPhone 6S: Hold the home button and the power/side button simultaneously until the recovery mode screen shows up.

Note: If you see the passcode screen, switch off your Apple iPhone 13 mini and do the process again until you see the Recovery mode screen.

Step 3. Restore your Apple iPhone 13 mini

As the recovery Mode screen shows up on the iPhone, you will find your Apple iPhone 13 mini on iTunes unlock phone screen. Then, a box shows up with a message saying there is an iPhone issue. It will expect you to update or restore your phone. So, click on Restore.

Step 4. It then asks you to confirm whether you are sure you need to restore the Apple iPhone 13 mini to its default factory state. It does so because your media and data will be all erased. Then, click on Restore and Update.

Step 5. Then, “iPhone Software Update” may spring up. Click Next, and afterwards, click Agree. iTunes will begin downloading the software and restore your Apple iPhone 13 mini when the download is finished.

When the “iPhone software update” is downloaded, iTunes will show that it will erase your Apple iPhone 13 mini and restore it to iOS 15.4.1. Then click on Restore.

The above bar will show “Extracting software… “. It implies iOS 15.4.1 iTunes is planning to restore the software on this iPhone.

Step 6. Your Apple iPhone 13 mini will show the restore progress bar with the white apple logo. The length of the process relies upon how much data is on your cell phone. Generally, it takes 20 to 120 minutes. When done, your Apple iPhone 13 mini will restart naturally. Furthermore, after your Apple iPhone 13 mini restarts, you can reset your Apple iPhone 13 mini. For example, you can make a new passcode.

Part 3: Unlocking iPhone without iTunes

1. Unlock it with Find My in iCloud

Find My is a famous element in Apple devices that allows you to find your lost phone through Maps. The component has been updated from that point forward, and presently it can be utilized to erase your Apple iPhone 13 mini. Additionally, you can use it to erase your information without a passcode.

Steps to Unlock:

Step 1. Open iCloud.com on a mobile or internet browser.

Step 2. Enter your Apple ID and password as inquired.

Step 3. After signing in effectively, click on Find My and enter your Apple ID and password. Click on Sign In.

Pick your locked gadget under the “All Devices” area.

Step 4. Click on ‘Erase iPhone’. Click on ‘Erase’ again.

Step 5. Enter the Apple ID password to proceed.

Step 6. A check code will be sent to unlock your locked gadget. Enter the code to proceed.

Step 7. Presently, enter your number. Then, click Next and then Done.

Step 8. The iCloud will effectively begin the erase, and you can see the Apple sign with a white advancement bar noticeable on your locked iPhone. After an effective erase process, your Apple iPhone 13 mini will restart.

Step 9. Swipe up on the Apple iPhone 13 mini screen to begin once more.

Step 10. iPhone will show that it is locked to the owner. You have to sign in with your Apple ID again, enter the password, and tap on Next. You will currently be enabled to make your new passcode.

2. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock

If you are searching for an elective way to unlock your Apple iPhone 13 mini with iTunes, you can pick Wondershare Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock.

This software is an ideal iTunes elective that doesn’t need a passcode to unlock the iPhone. Whatever the situation, Dr.Fone can determine the issue in no time. It can eliminate Face ID, Touch ID, or a 4 to 6-digit passcode in no time. Moreover, it works with almost any iOS version at the moment. Here’s the alternate way to iTunes unlock phone:

Step 1. Connect your iDevice to the PC

From the Dr.Fone program on your PC, select “Screen Unlock” the tool.

Then use a USB connector to connect your iOS gadget to the PC. Then, click the “Unlock iOS Screen” option on your screen.

Step 2. Boot your iDevice in Recovery/DFU Mode

Before deleting the Apple iPhone 13 mini screen, it is necessary to boot it in Recovery/DFU. You can follow the steps on your screen to do so. Moreover, the Recovery mode is the suggested way for your situation. However, you can use the DFU mode if this doesn’t work.

Step 3. Confirm Phone Model

After turning the DFU mode on, the program will show your phone information. In addition, it will show its model and software version. You can choose the correct data from the dropdown menu if it isn’t accurate. Then, it is time to download the firmware required for your phone model.

Step 4. Remove the Lock

After downloading the firmware, tap Unlock Now to begin the unlocking process.

Doing so will unlock your Apple iPhone 13 mini within no time. However, kindly note this unlocking process will likewise wipe your Apple iPhone 13 mini’s user data. Indeed, each solution removes your data. Therefore, you must be careful enough to back up your files before doing this process.

The Bottom Line

We hope you found out about how to unlock iPhone with iTunes. We likewise discussed what to do when you need an alternate method to iTunes. We know that using iTunes can be somewhat complicated; hence, the other options can help you a ton. However, we strongly suggest Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock for a more refined unlocking process.

Apple iPhone 13 mini Asking for Passcode after iOS 17/14 Update, What to Do?

If you’ve recently updated your iOS iPhone and iPad to the iOS 17/14 operating system, you may notice a bit of a bug where the Apple iPhone 13 mini displays the passcode lock, even if you haven’t got a security code in place.

This obviously means you won’t be able to access your phone, and in many cases, you’re going to want to get back into your phone as quickly as possible. However, this may be easier said than done. Fortunately, today we’re going to go through multiple solutions to help you get your device working as it should!

Part 1. Don’t try passcodes blindly

One of the worst things you can do when faced with this situation is to enter passcodes blindly. Perhaps you’re trying random numbers and letters, or you’re trying passwords you’ve used in the past. If you get it wrong, you’re going to be locked out of your device for a long time.

The more times you get your code wrong, the longer you’ll be locked out, so avoid doing this at all costs, so make sure you move straight onto these approaches to get your phone working as quickly as possible.

Part 2. 5 ways to unlock iPhone after iOS 17/14 Update

2.1 Try a default passcode in your family

While we said, you shouldn’t type in random numbers to try and guess the password, of course, if you have a standard family passcode that you use across all iOS devices, perhaps an admin password or just something you use for everything, it can be well worth a try.

In reality, you get three attempts to put a passcode in before it locks you out, so try two passcodes that your family uses to see whether this will easily unlock your device. If you brought your device preowned and still have contact with the owner, they may have a passcode you can try.

2.2 Unlock iPhone with an unlock tool

The second approach you can take if you don’t know the passcode and can’t get it unlocked is to use a powerful software solution known as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) . This Wondershare software application completely unlocks your phone, even if you don’t know the passcode.

This software is easy to use and incredibly simple, yet it gets the job done. If you’re looking for a quick way to get your iOS device back up and running with full access after an iOS 17/14 update, it doesn’t get much better than this. Here’s how it works;

Step 1. Download and install the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) software to either your Mac or Windows PC and open it, so you’re on the homepage. Connect your iOS device to your computer using the USB cable and wait for the software to recognize your device.

When it does, close iTunes if it automatically opens and clicks the Screen Unlock option from the main menu.

Step 2. Click the Unlock iOS Screen option.

Step 3. You will now need to put your device in DFU mode, also known as Recovery Mode. Fortunately, this is easy thanks to the on-screen instructions where you will hold down the volume down and power button for a few seconds.

Step 4. Once Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) has detected your device in DFU Mode. You’ll be able to select which device you’re using and what firmware you want to be repaired; in this case, iOS 17/14.

Step 5. Once everything has been confirmed and you’re happy to continue, press the Unlock option. The program will do its thing, and when it’s done, the software will say you’re able to disconnect your Apple iPhone 13 mini and use it without a lock screen!

That’s how easy Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) makes the entire unlock process!

2.3 Restore an old backup from iTunes

Another key way that some users have found to unlock their device after an update is to restore their device to an older version, aiming to put your device back into a position where it didn’t have a lock screen.

It’s only possible to do this if you’ve backed up your iOS device in the past (which is why you’re encouraged to back up regularly), and it can all be done through the iTunes software on either your Mac or Windows computer. Here’s how it works;

Step 1. Ensure you’re running the latest version of iTunes and then connect your iOS device to your Mac or Windows computer using the official USB cable. This should automatically open the iTunes window.

Step 2. In iTunes, click the symbol representing your device and then click Summary. On this screen, you’ll be able to choose the Restore iPhone option at the top to begin the restoring process.

Step 3. Follow the onscreen instructions where you’ll choose which backup file you want to use before iTunes, then restores your device. When the software has completed the process, you’ll be able to disconnect your Apple iPhone 13 mini and use it without a lock screen!

2.4 Restore in recovery mode

In some cases, restoring your device using just iTunes will not be good enough, and it won’t have the effect you’re looking for; in this case, restoring your device with no lock screen after an iOS 17/14 update.

If the above method of restoring your device via iTunes doesn’t work, or you haven’t got a backup file to load, you’ll need to restore your device using a move known as Recovery Mode, or DFU mode. This will hard reset your device and get it working to its full potential.

Here’s how to do it. (Note, the process will differ slightly depending on which model of iPhone you’re using).

Step 1. Press and hold the volume up button for about one second, and then switch and press the Volume Down button for the same amount of time. You can then hold the side button (on devices without a home button), and the following screen should appear after a few seconds.

Step 2. Now connect your Apple iPhone 13 mini to your computer with iTunes and wait for iTunes to open. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iTunes before connecting up your device. Also, make sure you’re using the official USB cable for the most stability.

Step 3. iTunes should automatically detect that your device is in Recovery Mode and automatically restore your device to a default state without a lock screen. Wait until this process is completed before disconnecting your device and using it as normal.

2.5 Use Find My iPhone feature in iCloud

The fifth and final approach you can take to removing a lock screen from your recently updated iPhone or iPad when faced with the iOS 17/14 glitch is taking advantage of the integrated Apple technology and features are known as Find My iPhone.

While this feature originally allows you to literally find your Apple iPhone 13 mini in the situation where it’s lost and offers many other security features to help ensure your device and data don’t fall into the wrong hands, you can also use it to remove your device unwanted lock screen.

Of course, this will only work if the Find My iPhone features have been enabled in the past, so make sure you’re using it to get it to work. Here’s how to use the feature to get your phone access back.

Step 1. From your computer, iPad, tablet, or mobile web browser, head over to iCloud.com and log into your iCloud account using the login in button at the top of the screen.

Step 2. Once signed in, scroll down the menu of features and select the Find iPhone feature. Click on the All Devices option at the top.

Step 3. From the list of devices connected to your account, click the Apple iPhone 13 mini device name with the locked screen and then click the Erase option. This will clear everything from your device, much like the process we’ve spoken about in the methods above.

Leave the Apple iPhone 13 mini device to erase, and once completed, you’ll be able to pick up and use your phone as normal without a lock screen. You should also now be able to update to iOS 17/14 without any problems!

Summary

And there you go, the five key ways you need to know when it comes to removing an unwanted lock screen from your iOS device after an iOS 17/14 update. We highly recommend the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) since the software makes the whole process incredibly easy, especially when managing any problems you may have on your iOS device!