Erasing encrypted SSD in recovery mode

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miMac2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Erasing encrypted SSD in recovery mode

I’m currently erasing my encrypted SSD in recovery mode in OS X Catalina on iMac 2020.

I read that I need to select ‘unlock volume name’ from the file menu in Disk Utility after selecting the disk to be erased, and enter my password or encryption key.

However I now discover there is no such option in my file menu.

How should I proceed?

If I continue with erasing my Macintosh HD (APFS Encrypted), will the erased drive remain encrypted and non readable?

Anyone able to help with this situation?

Many thanks,,

iMac 27", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 17, 2020 9:53 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Brallen01

Level 2

305 points

Apr 18, 2020 1:46 AM in response to miMac2020

Hi,

You can continue to erase your disk as usual and will be able to select what format you wish to erase it to.

I would choose the standard APFS (not the encrypted on) and then turn on FileVault at a later date if you wish to encrypt it.

Thanks.

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Answer 2

Brallen01

Level 2

305 points

Apr 18, 2020 4:07 AM in response to miMac2020

Hi there

no it won’t, erasing the disk will remove all volumes / partitions from it leaving it blank. You can then reinstall the os and choose to encrypt it at a later date.

FYI - the whole disk isn’t encrypted. Just the volume or partition

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Answer 3

miMac2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2020 6:10 AM in response to Brallen01

Hi Brallen,

thanks again for the clarification.

Understood.

It is the encrypted partition that I am referring to. Not the actual SSD.

Partitioned thus:

Volume name: Macintosh HD (Encrypted) +

Volume name: Macintosh HD - Data (Encrypted)

This is how the the partition is described in Disk Utility.

What is still unclear to me is whether the standard erase of these (encrypted) partitions, will leave the erased DATA in an encrypted state.

Cheers,

miMac

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Answer 4

Brallen01

Level 2

305 points

Apr 18, 2020 6:34 AM in response to miMac2020

The standard erase removes the entire partition. when a partition is erased all data within that partition is removed as well, regardless if it is encrypted or not. You're then left with a blank slate.

I think I get why you think there may be some "encrypted state" left. However, imagine it as you've thrown a bottle of water away, you wouldn't be left with the water on its own, the whole thing would be gone.

cheers.

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Answer 5

miMac2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2020 3:59 AM in response to Brallen01

Hi Brallen,

thanks for your response.

So if I continue with standard erase procedure will my erased hard drive remain in its encrypted state?

I assume this will be the case?

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Answer 6

miMac2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2020 7:22 AM in response to Brallen01

Hi Brallen,

Thankyou again for the further clarification.

I think I get the picture now re the ‘encrypted bottle of water’!

Thankyou for taking the time. Appreciated!

Cheers,

miMac

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Erasing encrypted SSD in recovery mode

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