How to re-encrypt Time Machine backup disk on MacBook Air

How do I re-encrypt my time machine backup disc. I do not see the option to encrypt when I press control click on the disc in the Finder. I am using Tahoe MacOS26.2 on MacBook Air M1, 2020.

Posted on Jan 17, 2026 7:06 AM

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D.I. Johnson

Level 8

35,303 points

Posted on Jan 17, 2026 7:23 AM

You don't.

You use Disk Utility to erase the backup drive and reformat it, selecting an encrypted APFS format in the process.

Choose a backup disk and set encryption options on Mac - Apple Support

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D.I. Johnson

Level 8

35,303 points

Jan 17, 2026 7:23 AM in response to LRYR

You don't.

You use Disk Utility to erase the backup drive and reformat it, selecting an encrypted APFS format in the process.

Choose a backup disk and set encryption options on Mac - Apple Support

LRYR Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 17, 2026 9:39 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thank you D.I. Johnson. I did not see that information anywhere else. I will try it.

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How to re-encrypt Time Machine backup disk on MacBook Air