If you no longer wish to utilize encryption on your USB flash drive, you can permanently disable it. When you are done working on your data, simply unplug it from your computer. Your macOS computer will automatically manage encrypting and decrypting your information while it is plugged in to your computer. You will be prompted to enter the password you used to encrypt your drive. To securely use your encrypted USB flash drive, simply plug it into your computer. How to use your newly encrypted USB flash drive Encryption should only take a few minutes once complete, you USB flash drive will be fully protected.You will then need to enter and confirm a password (as well as a password hint).When the icon appears on your desktop, right click on it and select Encrypt.Insert your USB flash drive into your Mac.The password you choose to protect your USB flash drive CANNOT be changed once it is configured.įollow the steps below to encrypt a USB flash drive using macOS.Drives encrypted with FileVault CANNOT be opened by Windows.This guide applies to encrypting a flash drive on macOS El Capitan and Sierra using the built in encryption tool known as FileVault. This guide will demonstrate how to securely encrypt a USB flash drive within macOS so that the data stored on it cannot be read nor accessed without entering a secure password. How do I securely encrypt a USB flash drive using a Mac? Share & PrintĮncrypting a portable USB flash drive is a great way to prevent sensitive data falling into the wrong hands, preventing data breaches and security incidents.

How to format usb drive from imac