How to Connect After Restarting a Mac with FileVault On

How to Connect After Restarting a Mac with FileVault On


With FileVault turned on, your Mac stops at an unlock screen after every restart. VNC Console and other remote desktop tools can't connect at this point. Unlock it over SSH first.


Steps


Step 1: Wait for the Mac to get ready


After a restart, wait 2–3 minutes for the Mac to get ready.


Step 2: Unlock with SSH Console


In the client area, open SSH Console and enter your login password.


If the page shows “SSH authentication failed.” and asks for the password again, this is expected and means the Mac is unlocking. Close the password dialog and don't enter the password again.


Step 3: Wait for macOS to start


Wait about 1 minute.


Step 4: Sign in with VNC Console


Open VNC Console. When the login screen appears, enter your password again to reach the desktop.


You can also use your own SSH client. The steps are the same.


Notes




You need to unlock the Mac this way after every restart.


While the Mac is locked, Reinstall macOS isn't available. Unlock it first.


Keep your login password safe. If you forget it, the Mac can't be unlocked remotely.


When you turn on FileVault, macOS shows a recovery key. Save it somewhere safe, not only on this Mac, and don't share it with anyone, including our support team. We don't keep your recovery key. If you forget your password and don't have the recovery key, your data can't be recovered, and the Mac will have to be erased and delivered again.


If you no longer need encryption, turn FileVault off in System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault so a restart doesn't lock you out.


If you still can't connect after these steps, contact us by ticket or email.