You should have a personal recovery key for FileVault
If you have forgotten you FileVault password you can recover your encrypted data with a recovery key, but there was no recovery key created. You should immediately create a recovery key.
How to fix it
macOS 10.11 – 14
- Open terminal.app
- Enter and press return:
sudo fdesetup changerecovery -personal
- Enter the administrator password
- Enter your password (both are on most single user Mac the same)
- Write down the recovery key (write it on paper or an other location, but not on your Mac)
Example Output:
Password: Enter your password: New personal recovery key = 'GKF2-BXMK-WUEJ-JT76-J7ZK-47MO'
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Other security setting to check
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Keep in mind: not every security and privacy setting is suitable for everyone. Enhancing the security can lead in losing functionality and/or comfort.
Before making changes, please backup your Mac! Do not make too many change at once. After changing your Mac, check if your normal usage of your Mac has changed in a way which fits to you. Are your really willing to loose some functionality and/or comfort?
Most important is, that you learn and understand what are the advantages and disadvantages of the security settings and that you are aware about the capabilities and risks of your Mac configuration.
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