If you forgot the FileVault recovery key, there's no other way to access it except to generate a new key. Create a new FileVault recovery key through Terminal Suppose you can't locate the FileVault recovery key here are the ways you can get one if your password still works. For instance, you may have stored the key in a file on your Mac or external drive or some notes app on your phone. Therefore, to find the FileVault recovery key, you must recall where you have kept it. If you choose to create a recovery key and not use the iCloud account, macOS will generate a 24-character key and suggest you back it up in a safe place. In such cases, you'll be prompted to enter your iCloud credentials rather than the recovery key when your password is forgotten or not accepted. In fact, there's no way to see it in your iCloud interface. But that doesn't mean it's stored in it like a file and you can log into your iCloud to view the FileVault recovery key.

If you choose to allow your iCloud account to unlock your disk, the recovery key is tied to your iCloud. The FileVault recovery key is automatically generated when you set up FileVault encryption on your Mac, indicated by the message 'A recovery key has been set.' However, whether you can see the recovery key depends on the option you choose when asked how you want to unlock your startup disk if you forget your login password. It's worth noting that the FileVault recovery key is different from a Mac recovery key, which is a 28-character code used to reset your password or regain access to your Apple ID. The FileVault recovery key is a string of 24-character numbers and letters in the form xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx, specifically generated for your Mac. What does a FileVault recovery key look like? How to check if your FileVault recovery key is still valid? What to do if you forgot your FileVault password and recovery key? Nevertheless, many FileVault users have no idea where the FileVault recovery key is and how to use them when it's needed. While this is great for preventing unauthorized access to the data on your Mac, you'll need your FileVault recovery key to use your Mac if you forget the password or the password somehow doesn't work. When FileVault is enabled, you're required to enter your account password to unlock the encrypted startup disk to log into your Mac.

File vault for mac