Does FileVault slow down Mac?
Many users are asking, 'does FileVault slow down Mac?' If you're looking for smart ways to protect or encrypt your personal data, you might be looking into all the various options, including Apple's native FileVault.
Data encryption, sadly, is a must these days — when it comes to your private and personal information, regardless of whether you share a Mac or not, don't leave it to chance.
Join us as we discuss all things FileVault, including how it works, its benefits, and what to do if it affects your Mac's performance. Let's go!
What is FileVault disk encryption?
Full-disk FileVault has been part of macOS since OS X Lion in 2011. It's Apple's built-in disk encryption program designed to help users protect their files and most sensitive data. It uses AES-XTS, a standard encryption mode, to encrypt your Mac's startup disk. If your Mac is turned off, or hasn't been unlocked since it started, nobody can read that data without your login password or the recovery method you set up. FileVault doesn't protect you from malware once you're logged in, though.
We all know the importance of protecting our data. Although there are many options available on the market, FileVault is one of the best, not to mention that it's free, comes with your Mac, and is made by Apple, meaning you're getting expert encryption specifically designed for Mac data.
On Macs with Apple silicon or the T2 Security Chip, the internal storage is always encrypted. But without FileVault, the encryption key is protected only by the Mac's hardware, not by your login password, so the Mac unlocks the data without asking for it. Turning FileVault on ties the key to your password, which is why we recommend switching it on. On these Macs, it takes effect immediately, because the data is already encrypted.
FileVault only covers your Mac's startup disk. To protect an external drive, Control-click it in Finder and choose Encrypt, or erase it in Disk Utility using the APFS (Encrypted) format.
Here's a reminder on how to check if FileVault is enabled on your Mac:
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From the main Apple menu, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
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Scroll down, and under Security, you will see if FileVault is enabled.
If you need support setting it up, read Apple's official guide here.
When you turn FileVault on, macOS asks how you want to unlock the disk if you forget your login password: with your iCloud account, or with a recovery key, a string of letters and numbers. If you choose the recovery key, keep a copy somewhere safe that isn't on this Mac or stored with it. If you lose both your login password and the recovery key, your files and settings will be lost forever.
But let's get to the question everyone is asking: does FileVault slow down Macs? Head to the next section to find out.
Does FileVault slow down your MacBook?
So, does FileVault hinder performance and slow down your Mac? Well, it's a yes-and-no answer. In newer Macs, most definitely, it does not. You're not even likely to know it's working away in the background, and the encryption process is speedy.
However, on older Intel-based Macs without the T2 chip, turning FileVault on means encrypting all your existing data, which can take hours and may slow your Mac down while it runs.
So, it really depends on your Mac model. If you feel like your MacBook is struggling when you use FileVault, we've got a solution for you.
How to speed up your Mac
There's a lot you can do to speed up your Mac's performance. Here are a few ideas:
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Quit all apps you're not currently using
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Close excessive browser tabs
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Clean up your Desktop and Downloads folder
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Remove old apps you no longer use
Another easy way to boost your Mac's performance is to use a specially developed tool like CleanMyMac (Apple notarized). It comes with Smart Care, an all-in-one Mac care routine that removes junk, neutralizes threats, and optimizes performance. Here's how to use it:
- Open CleanMyMac. No app yet? Get your free CleanMyMac trial.
- Open Smart Care and click Scan, then follow the steps on the screen.
So, now that you know a few tips on improving your Mac's speed, let's get back to FileVault.
How long does FileVault disk encryption take?
As mentioned briefly above, the encryption time of a Mac really does depend on the model and, of course, the amount of data you're encrypting. Apple doesn't provide any official or specific timeframes, and this is probably because there are too many variables.
We know one thing — newer Macs benefit from accelerated encryption speed.
Regardless of your MacBook model, FileVault works away in the background, so it should never really stop you from doing what you're doing; just remember to keep your Mac connected to a power source.
On Macs with Apple silicon or the T2 chip, there's nothing to wait for: the data is already encrypted, so turning FileVault on is immediate.
Well, now you know what to say if someone asks, 'does FileVault slow down Mac?'
Frequently asked questions about FileVault
What are the downsides of FileVault?
The main downside is the risk of losing data: if you forget your login password and can't reset it, and you've also lost your recovery key, you can't log in, you will lose your files and settings. Also, if you use FileVault, you will have to enter your password every time your MacBook wakes from sleep or leaves the screen saver. And for a shared Mac, a user whose account isn't enabled for FileVault can't start it up alone: someone with an enabled account has to start it up, log in, and log out first.
What happens if I turn off FileVault?
On a Mac with Apple silicon or a T2 Security Chip, all of your data will stay encrypted. However, if you disable FileVault, you will lose the extra protection of needing your login password to access it. On any other MacBook, your startup disk will become unencrypted because it is FileVault that encrypts your data. If you want to turn it off, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault, turn FileVault off, then click Turn Off Encryption.
Where can I find my FileVault recovery key?
Start with wherever you wrote it down or saved it: you get the key when you turn FileVault on. If the Mac asking for it runs macOS Tahoe 26 or later, the key might also be in the Passwords app on your iPhone, iPad, or another Mac signed in to the same Apple Account with iCloud Passwords & Keychain turned on: search for "recovery key" and open your Mac's entry. On a work or school Mac, the administrator may have set the key, so ask them to unlock the Mac. If you still can't find it, use Apple's password reset options in macOS Recovery.