how do i turn off encryption on time machine without loosing the backups

[stuartrozier]

hello,

i have an external drive, lace 1TB i use as a time machine, when i go to "enter time machine" (before encryption stage) i used to be able to search - view files, drag and drop,

but since ive turned on encryption im no longer able to view any files, or search through any backed up folders,

is there a way to turn off the encryption without starting from scratch ? so i can search through the old backups,

many thanks in advance,

Stuart

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not that I am aware of.

 

[stuartrozier]

Not that I am aware of.

🤦‍♂️ ok, so backed up files i can't access ? or only access if i do a full system restore from that certain date ?

 

[appltech]

Try this guide:
https://peakwinter.net/blog/time-machine-backupbundle-mount/

It shows how to mount an encrypted Time Machine disk, bypass all integrity checks and browse the files.

 

[Fishrrman]

I don't use time machine.

But my advice is to get rid of the encryption (which I consider a VERY bad idea for a drive that's intended to be a backup, which should always be "easy to access" in a moment of need)...

... and then erase the drive (unencrypted this time) and just "start over".

 

[gilby101]

But my advice is to get rid of the encryption (which I consider a VERY bad idea for a drive that's intended to be a backup, which should always be "easy to access" in a moment of need)...

I completely disagree with you there.

I encrypt my system and data disks so that in the event of theft, my data is inaccessible.

It would be foolish, in that case, to not encrypt my backups as it would leave me wide open in the event of theft.

Just make sure you have the encryption key stored safely - I use 1Password but any synchronised password service should do.

 

[Starfia]

Maybe appltech's answer will help if you're desperate, but it looks like the official answer is that you have to start over if you want to toggle encryption.

Keep your Time Machine backup disk for Mac secure

There are several ways to keep your Time Machine backup disk secure.

support.apple.com

 

[gilby101]

Try this guide:
https://peakwinter.net/blog/time-machine-backupbundle-mount/

It shows how to mount an encrypted Time Machine disk, bypass all integrity checks and browse the files.

But not how to bypass the encryption password! The method that worked included "After executing this command, it will ask you for your backup encryption password."

 

[appltech]

But not how to bypass the encryption password

You cannot bypass that password

 

[gilby101]

You cannot bypass that password

Exactly!