Unlocking an "EXTERNAL" Storage APFS, that was attached to a FAILED "INTERNAL" FileVault macOS, During Migration, where the recovery key, nor Mac login password doesn't work?

There were many community questions I would have loved to respond to, ironically, they get "locked out" after so long, I would change that feature. Within bounds of Questions for the community rule , "clear explanation of the issue", with all due respect, this would be my best description of the problem… Role out an updated operating system, and provide the choice of tying a FileVault recovery key with-or-without your AppleID, when FileVault is designed with it… The Customer adds the recovery key to an external device text file… without the AppleID… Why didn't the Developers and Engineers have a better answers other than "Unless either your login password works or the recovery process works, unfortunately your data is lost. Best of luck in recovering your data!! "???? What Customer Churn Percentile will it take to work the problem, and do it right? How well are we supporting our Developers and Engineers? How can we create a product that is so solid, so strong and REASONABLY affordable, our customers will WANT to buy a newer product sooner rather than later, eliminating never???


[Re-Titled By Moderator]

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Mar 28, 2025 9:25 PM

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Mar 30, 2025 3:01 AM in response to ChupeOS_X

It sounds like the OP protected a disk with FileVault – and then proceeded to forget both the password and the recovery key, thus permanently locking themselves out of their data.


Protect data on your Mac with FileVault - Apple Support


"WARNING: Don’t forget your recovery key. If you turn on FileVault and then forget your login password and can’t reset it, and you also forget your recovery key, you won’t be able to log in, and your files and settings will be lost forever."


E.g., install a steel door frame, a metal door, and a pick-proof deadbolt lock on your front door. Then proceed to lose your keys – all of them. After that, have fun getting in.

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Unlocking an "EXTERNAL" Storage APFS, that was attached to a FAILED "INTERNAL" FileVault macOS, During Migration, where the recovery key, nor Mac login password doesn't work?

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