How to Enable FileVault Disk Encryption on macOS

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open System Settings

   Click the Apple menu icon in the top-left corner of your screen. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu to open the primary configuration interface.

2. 30 sec

   Access Privacy & Security

   In the sidebar of the System Settings window, scroll down to locate and click Privacy & Security. This pane contains the management controls for FileVault encryption.

3. 30 sec

   Toggle FileVault

   Locate the FileVault section at the top of the menu. Click the Turn On button to initiate the setup sequence for your drive encryption.

4. 30 sec

   Enter Administrator Credentials

   When prompted, enter your Mac user account password. This verification is required to authorize the system to begin the encryption process.

5. 1 min

   Choose Recovery Method

   Select whether to use your iCloud account to unlock the disk if you forget your password, or to create a local recovery key. If you choose a recovery key, store it in a secure location offline.

   Note: A recovery key is the only way to access your data if both your password and iCloud recovery fail.
6. 30 sec

   Confirm Encryption Status

   Click Continue to finish the setup. Your Mac will begin encrypting the drive in the background, allowing you to continue working while the process completes.

   Note: You can monitor the encryption progress in the Privacy & Security settings pane.