Encrypting external HDD

I started encrypting an external HDD with my MacBook Air by "right-clicking" the HDD icon, and then clicking encrypt. (Not by using Disk Utility and erasing the data)

The problem is, I can't find a way to see how much of the encryption process has been completed. It is a 1TB HDD, and I have seen it can take days to encrypt, and that you can disconnect it from your computer and it will start encrypting when you plug it back in, but I would like to have an idea of how long it is going to take.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Sep 20, 2022 02:30 PM

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4 replies

Sep 20, 2022 02:37 PM in response to somo_

Encryption with Apple drives is usually handled as CoreStorage volumes (Unless we're talking T2 Chip M1 or M2 Chip on-board encryption)

Meaning, using this terminal command might list if the encryption is in progress or not finished yet in the CoreStorage Volume Details:

diskutil cs list

(for the nervous types) the above Command Translates to:

Use/Command Disk Utility → Target all detected CoreStorage volumes → List Details of all Core Storage volumes

At least you'll have more information than you started with.

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,250 points

Sep 21, 2022 12:33 PM in response to somo_

CoreStorage doesn’t exist on Monterey. All encryption is done with APFS.

Try ap instead of cs.

somo_ Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 20, 2022 02:46 PM in response to roflcopter2013

I found that command and tried using it, but it just returns "No CoreStorage logical volume groups found".

I am using a M1 MacBook Air to encrypt the HDD.

somo_ Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 21, 2022 12:57 PM in response to Barney-15E

Yes! That worked, thanks a lot!

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Encrypting external HDD