Blind Mac server remotely logging in at start when File Vault is active - how to?

Question

Level 2

294 points

Blind Mac server remotely logging in at start when File Vault is active - how to?

I have a Mac Mini as a blind server. I would like to have File Vault activated. Presently it is now because in case of a power failure or so it will not boot up without me needing a password.

Now all this would not be a big problem if

1. It was not a blind server.

2. It was easily accessible (it is located in a storeroom on the top shelf in the back)

3. And it would be a pain to hook a screen up to it (as said storeroom – there is no space to connect a screen of normal size)

Now when it reboots, I think it will not be available in screen sharing or for example in TeamViewer.

So, either find a cheap (very small) screen (I have not been able to find one) that is permanently hooked up and connect a keyboard when needed. Or connect to the Mac Mini when it asks for a password at login.

Anybody know or have a solution? I hope so!

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Feb 20, 2022 5:52 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,144 points

Feb 20, 2022 6:49 AM in response to ChangeAgent

I know that. My question was (hopefully formulated correctly) so how to get to the login screen at start?

You turn off FileVault.

With FileVault enabled, the drive must first be decrypted. FileVault ties the decryption password and login to the same act, but the decryption must happen first. If nobody decrypts the drive in a short amount of time, the Mac shuts down. I don't know how you would disable that since the OS isn't even booted up at that point. I would imagine it would be something in the firmware that you would have to change in order to have it not shut down.

Reply

Answer 2

BobHarris

Level 9

56,819 points

Feb 21, 2022 5:38 AM in response to ChangeAgent

Search Amazon. Set the filter for least expensive sort order, hdmi (or preferred interface), and the lowest screen resolution. You will find under $100 small screens.

Reply

Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,144 points

Feb 20, 2022 7:05 AM in response to ChangeAgent

A Mini display? Do they exist? Could an iPhone be used as a display?

I've heard of tablet-sized USB displays, but Apple doesn't push video over USB. DisplayLink has drivers for USB video, but that would have to load after boot up.

With Monterey, you can use just about any current Apple Device, but only after the OS boots up.

Reply

Answer 4

ChangeAgent Author

Level 2

294 points

Feb 21, 2022 1:09 AM in response to ChangeAgent

was thinking further. has anybody tried to encrypt the OSData volume by itself? I did not see no possibility to do it with FileVault, but could think it could work with VeraCrypt or the likes. Would it boot? Or are there crucial ingredients on that part of the disk that would prevent it?

Reply