Firevault Encrypted Disk (now external)

Hello All,

Desperate need of some help here :)

I was using Macbook Pro 2012 for some time now and enabled Firevault to encrypt the data. It also had Bootcamp for some specific apps (for win environment).

Now I wanted to sell the machine (upgraded myself to MBP2020) and replaced the HDD (thinking that I will extract the data)

When I plugged in the HDD via USB, it asked me to enter my password which I did and it showed me 2 partitions, Bootcamp and Mac HDD, but the folders are still locked and it says I don't have the permission.




Posted on Feb 19, 2021 10:57 AM

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Posted on Feb 22, 2021 8:19 PM

The reason you cannot read anything in those folders is because you are using a different User ID for each Mac for your user accounts (permissions are base on UserID and not usernames). You can drag & drop those locked folders which will have macOS prompt you for an admin password which will then copy the entire folder.


Another option is to use Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) which will also prompt you for an admin password plus CCC allows you to select exactly which items you want to transfer.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 22, 2021 8:19 PM in response to atherrizvi

The reason you cannot read anything in those folders is because you are using a different User ID for each Mac for your user accounts (permissions are base on UserID and not usernames). You can drag & drop those locked folders which will have macOS prompt you for an admin password which will then copy the entire folder.


Another option is to use Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) which will also prompt you for an admin password plus CCC allows you to select exactly which items you want to transfer.

Feb 22, 2021 6:46 AM in response to atherrizvi

Hello atherrizvi,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're unable to access your data with FileVault been turned on your old Mac, and we'd be happy to look into this with you.


In this specific situation, you'll need to mount the drive on your Mac then use Disk Utility to turn off encryption. Select: File menu > Turn Off Encryption. You will be prompted for a password again.


Please check out these helpful links:


Use FileVault to encrypt the startup disk on your Mac

Turn off FileVault encryption on Mac

How does FileVault encryption work on a Mac?

Change permissions for files, folders, or disks on Mac

How to remove Filevault encryption within Recovery Mode in Catalina?

Under: "Apple recommended"


We hope this information is useful. Kind regards.

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Firevault Encrypted Disk (now external)

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