Back up not encrypted: Time Machine is backing up an encrypted disk to an unencrypted disk

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Level 1

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Back up not encrypted: Time Machine is backing up an encrypted disk to an unencrypted disk

Hello,

I use Time Machine for the first time on a macbook pro 2018 with macOs 10.14.2

FileVault is turned off. I do NOT want my disk to be encrypted.

When I start Time Machine I get the message: "Back up not encrypted: Time Machine is backing up an encrypted disk to an unencrypted disk"

MacBook Pro w/ Touch Bar (2018 or later)

Posted on Dec 26, 2018 1:34 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,192 points

Dec 26, 2018 2:41 PM in response to quasiDigi

Your Mac has a T2 chip, therefore, it is always encrypted.

Mac computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip - Apple Support

FileVault is not just Encryption. It also allows designated users to decrypt the drive on login. That part is not activated.

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Answer 2

quasiDigi Author

Level 1

6 points

Dec 27, 2018 11:31 AM in response to Barney-15E

Hi Barney-15E,

Thank you for that link.

I chatted today with Apple Support today and after some checks they explained me that I have no disk encryption and that the message is an error that is already reported to them.

A very confusing explication because when I check the info of the volume of my internal ssd at "is encrypted" I have the mention "No (Encrypted at rest)".

To confuse me even more: I formatted my external backup drive to APFS, but on its first use Time Machine formatted it again to Mac Os Extended (Journaled). Why did it not formatted it with the same encryption? And if it's just a warning, why does it popup constantly, in stead of just the first time?

So yes, I think you are right. That the t2 chip does encrypt my drive without me having a say on it, and that it happens when I do not use my laptop. Also that all messages, notifications, and even information are rather confusing, if not some times contradicting.

Thank you for your time

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