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mrokloricred37
User level: Level 3 (873 points)

Password hint on encrypted volume


Can I get the password hint I used on an encrypted APFS volume on my Mac HD which is not stored in my keychain on Golden Gate?

Posted on Oct 22, 2026 8:43 PM

1 reply

neuroanatomist
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 23, 2026 6:21 AM in response to mrokloricred37

Reportedly, the hint is stored within the volume structure of the drive and not in Keychain.


See: https://eclecticlight.co/2026/09/30/how-does-apfs-handle-encryption-keys/


To be prompted for the hint, do one of the following:


Unmount/Remount the Volume

  • In Disk Utility, select the volume in the sidebar
  • Click Unmount in the toolbar
  • That button will change to Mount, click that

  • See if the password dialog box that comes up has the Show Hint button

More info from Apple: Disk Utility User Guide for Mac - Apple Support


Repeated Incorrect Entries

Some users have reported seeing a Show Hint option after three failed/incorrect password attempts


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256381274