ThreadlodeMake an unencrypted iPhone backup
Encrypted local backups protect your data – and also stop backup readers from opening them. To read your messages with a tool like Threadlode, you need an unencrypted backup.
Updated 2026-10-26 · 4 min read
Turn off encryption
- Connect the iPhone and open Finder (Mac) or Apple Devices/iTunes (Windows).
- Select the device. Under Backups, untick Encrypt local backup.
- Enter the backup password when asked.
- Click Back Up Now.
Forgot the backup password?
Apple's documented route: on the iPhone, Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset All Settings. This resets settings (wallpaper, Wi-Fi passwords, display settings) but not your data, and removes the backup encryption password. Then make a new backup. Older encrypted backups stay unreadable without their password.
What an unencrypted backup doesn't contain
Apple excludes some sensitive data from unencrypted backups (e.g. saved passwords, Health and Wi-Fi settings). Messages, attachments and contacts are included. After you've read or exported your messages, you can turn encryption back on.
Read your backup now. Threadlode opens Android SMS Backup & Restore XML files, unencrypted iPhone backups (sms.db) and the Mac Messages folder (chat.db) in your browser, with photos and search, and exports PDF, Excel, CSV or an HTML archive. Nothing is uploaded. Reading and search are free; a $15 one-time license removes the export limit.
Questions and answers
Does Threadlode support encrypted backups?
No. It shows a clear message when a backup is encrypted.
Messages in iCloud
If Messages in iCloud is on, some older attachments may be stored only in iCloud and missing from the local backup.
Sources and product names: Apple Support: "About encrypted backups on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch". iPhone, iMessage, iTunes and Finder are trademarks of Apple Inc.; Android of Google LLC; SMS Backup & Restore is an app by SyncTech. Threadlode is independent and not affiliated with them.