Should I Use FileVault Disk Encryption on Mac? Pros and Cons

Your Mac holds your photos, passwords, work files, and maybe even your most embarrassing screenshots. That is a lot of personal stuff. So it makes sense to ask: Should I use FileVault disk encryption on my Mac? Is it worth it? Is it risky? Is it annoying?

Let’s break it down in plain English. No tech jargon overload. Just the good, the bad, and what really matters.

TLDR: FileVault encrypts your Mac’s entire drive, which keeps your data safe if your Mac is lost or stolen. It has very little impact on performance for most modern Macs. The main risks are forgetting your password or recovery key. For most people, turning on FileVault is a smart move.

First, What Is FileVault?

FileVault is Apple’s built-in disk encryption tool. It locks your entire startup disk with encryption. Think of it like putting everything on your Mac inside a super-strong digital safe.

Without your password, the data looks like random junk. Not files. Not photos. Just gibberish.

Once you log in, everything works normally. You do not notice anything different in daily use.

What Does “Disk Encryption” Actually Mean?

Imagine your Mac gets stolen.

Without encryption:

• Someone could remove the drive.
• Plug it into another machine.
• Read your files directly.

With FileVault enabled:

• Your disk is scrambled.
• It cannot be read without your password.
• Your personal data stays protected.

It protects data at rest. That means when your computer is powered off.

This is important.

The Pros of Using FileVault

1. Strong Security If Your Mac Is Lost or Stolen

This is the biggest reason to use FileVault.

Laptops get stolen. It happens in airports. Coffee shops. Schools. Offices.

If someone grabs your Mac and you have FileVault turned on, they cannot read your files without your password.

That includes:

• Saved passwords
• Documents
• Tax records
• Messages
• Browser data

That is serious protection.

2. It Is Built Into macOS

No extra software. No monthly fees.

FileVault comes with your Mac. It is developed by Apple. It works seamlessly with macOS.

You can turn it on in:

System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault

Simple.

3. Minimal Performance Impact (On Modern Macs)

Years ago, encryption could slow down computers.

Today? Not really.

If you have:

• An SSD (which most Macs do)
• An Apple silicon chip (M1, M2, M3)
• Or even newer Intel Macs

You will likely notice zero difference.

Encryption is handled efficiently by the hardware itself.

4. It Helps With Work and Legal Requirements

If you use your Mac for work, especially in:

• Healthcare
• Finance
• Legal services
• Corporate environments

Encryption is often required.

Using FileVault may help you comply with company policies or data protection laws.

5. Peace of Mind

This one is underrated.

You stop worrying.

If your laptop disappears, you are annoyed. But not panicked about identity theft.

That feeling alone is worth it for many people.

The Cons of Using FileVault

Okay. Now let’s talk about the downsides.

1. If You Forget Your Password, You Are in Trouble

This is the big one.

If you forget:

• Your Mac login password and
• Your recovery key

Your data is basically gone.

Not “call Apple and fix it” gone.

Gone gone.

Apple cannot unlock it. That is the whole point of encryption.

So if you use FileVault, you must:

• Use a password you can remember.
• Store your recovery key somewhere safe.

2. Slightly Longer Boot Time

When FileVault is enabled, you must log in before the system fully loads.

This can add a few seconds at startup.

For most people, that is not a big deal.

But it is different.

3. Data Recovery Becomes Harder

If your Mac has a hardware problem, recovering data from an encrypted drive is more complex.

Recovery services may need your password.

No password? Data is inaccessible.

This is good for security. Bad for forgetful people.

4. Shared Mac Complications

If multiple people use the same Mac:

• Each user must be enabled to unlock the disk.
• You need to manage user access carefully.

It is not difficult. But it adds a layer of setup.

Who Should Definitely Use FileVault?

You should strongly consider turning it on if you:

• Travel with your Mac
• Use it at school or work
• Store sensitive documents
• Have client or business information
• Want maximum privacy

Honestly, that describes most people.

Who Might Skip It?

You might hesitate if:

• Your Mac never leaves your house
• You are extremely worried about forgetting passwords
• You already struggle with account lockouts

Even then, the risk of theft still exists. Burglaries happen.

What Happens When You Turn It On?

When you enable FileVault:

1. Your Mac begins encrypting the disk.
2. This happens in the background.
3. You can keep using your computer.

It may take:

• A couple of hours
• Or longer if your drive is large

You do not need to sit and watch it.

Just keep it plugged in.

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What About Apple Silicon Macs?

Here is something interesting.

On Macs with Apple silicon (M1 and newer), encryption is deeply integrated into the hardware.

In fact:

• The internal drive is encrypted by default.
• FileVault adds an extra layer of protection using your password.

This makes modern Macs incredibly secure.

It also means performance impact is almost nonexistent.

Does FileVault Protect Against Hackers?

Important clarification.

FileVault protects against:

• Physical access to your device
• Drive removal attacks
• Offline data extraction

It does not protect you from:

• Phishing
• Malware
• Weak passwords
• Clicking sketchy links

It is one layer of security. Not the whole castle.

Is FileVault Safe?

Yes.

It uses strong XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key. That is military-grade stuff.

No practical brute force attacks exist against it when used properly.

The real weak point is human error.

Meaning: password management.

Tips If You Decide to Turn It On

1. Store Your Recovery Key Safely

Options include:

• Password manager
• Secure cloud note
• Printed copy in a safe

Do not screenshot it and leave it on your desktop.

2. Use a Strong but Memorable Password

Use a passphrase.

Example style (not this exact one):

BlueCoffeeRiver2026!

Long beats complex.

3. Keep Backups

Always back up your Mac.

Use:

• Time Machine
• External drives
• Cloud backup

Encryption protects against theft. Backups protect against disaster.

So… Should You Use FileVault?

For most people?

Yes.

The pros outweigh the cons.

You get:

• Strong data protection
• Minimal performance impact
• Built-in Apple support
• Peace of mind

The main risk is forgetting your password or losing your recovery key.

If you manage that properly, FileVault is a smart choice.

Final Thoughts

Your Mac is not just a computer. It is your digital life.

Photos. Messages. Bank tabs. Notes to yourself at 2 a.m.

Leaving it unencrypted is like leaving your house unlocked.

Will something bad happen? Maybe not.

But if it does, you will wish you had locked the door.

FileVault is that lock.

Simple. Powerful. Mostly invisible.

And for most Mac users, absolutely worth turning on.