How to Enable FileVault on macOS

Step by step

1. 15 sec

   Open System Settings

   Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu.

2. 15 sec

   Access Privacy & Security

   Locate the sidebar on the left side of the window. Click Privacy & Security to view your system's security configuration.

3. 30 sec

   Enable FileVault

   Find the FileVault section at the top of the menu. Click the Turn On button next to the FileVault status indicator.

   Note: If the status is already 'On', encryption is currently active.
4. 30 sec

   Verify User Credentials

   Enter your administrator password when prompted. Select the user accounts you wish to allow to unlock the disk.

5. 1 min

   Choose Recovery Method

   Select between allowing your iCloud account to unlock the disk or creating a recovery key. Using an iCloud account is the most reliable method for most users.

   Note: If you create a recovery key, store it in a secure location offline; the key cannot be recovered if lost.
6. 30 sec

   Complete Encryption

   Click Done to initiate the encryption process. The Mac will encrypt the disk in the background while you continue using the machine.

   Note: Ensure your Mac remains connected to power during the encryption process.