Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

When backing up my Mac for the first time, should I encrypt the back up? I purchased a sea gate One touch,which is compatible with my Mac. A message says Time Machine is backing up an encrypted disc to an encrypted disk

Backing up my mAc air for first time. Bought a one touch. Time Machine asked me if I wanted to encrypt my backup disc. I said no. Then message said to erase disc for first time to use, which I did. Now a message says : Time Machine is backing up an encrypted disc to an encrypted disc. I’m so confused. Can I proceed to back up my computer?


Posted on Aug 2, 2022 12:09 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 2, 2022 5:22 AM

I'd erase that disk using Disk Utility. Don't encrypt the disk itself; it is not necessary. Encrypt the Time Machine backup. Follow Choose a backup disk and set encryption options on Mac - Apple Support.


Just so you know, if you choose not to encrypt a Time Machine backup, that backup can be used to create an exact duplicate of the Mac you're backing up, without a password.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 2, 2022 5:22 AM in response to Swim4Me

I'd erase that disk using Disk Utility. Don't encrypt the disk itself; it is not necessary. Encrypt the Time Machine backup. Follow Choose a backup disk and set encryption options on Mac - Apple Support.


Just so you know, if you choose not to encrypt a Time Machine backup, that backup can be used to create an exact duplicate of the Mac you're backing up, without a password.

When backing up my Mac for the first time, should I encrypt the back up? I purchased a sea gate One touch,which is compatible with my Mac. A message says Time Machine is backing up an encrypted disc to an encrypted disk

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.