How to turn on FileVault on a Mac

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open System Settings, click Privacy & Security, scroll to FileVault and click Turn On. Choose how to recover access if you forget your password, and keep the recovery key somewhere safe.

FileVault encrypts everything on the Mac's disk. If the Mac is lost or stolen, nobody can read your files without your password, even by removing the drive.

Step by step

  1. Open System Settings and click Privacy & Security

    Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and choose System Settings.

  2. Scroll to FileVault and click Turn On

    On Macs with Apple silicon, data is already encrypted. Turning FileVault on additionally ties that encryption to your password.

  3. Choose a recovery method

    You can allow your Apple Account to unlock the disk, or create a recovery key. A recovery key is a long code shown once. Write it down and store it away from the Mac.

  4. Click Continue

    Encryption happens in the background while you work. On newer Macs it is almost immediate.

Good to know

If you forget your password and lose the recovery method, the data cannot be recovered by anyone, including Apple. Take the recovery step seriously.

FileVault protects a Mac that is switched off or logged out. Lock the screen when you walk away: Control + Command + Q.

Performance is not noticeably affected on any Mac from the last several years.

In short: System Settings, Privacy & Security, FileVault, Turn On, save the recovery key.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Protect data on your Mac with FileVault

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