VeraCrypt Hidden Volume: How to Create and Use on macOS

VeraCrypt is a popular open-source disk encryption software that allows you to create encrypted volumes to protect your sensitive data. One of the advanced features of VeraCrypt is the ability to create hidden volumes, which are essentially encrypted volumes within encrypted volumes. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating and using a hidden volume on macOS.

Step 1: Download and Install VeraCrypt

First, you need to download and install VeraCrypt on your macOS device. Visit the official VeraCrypt website and download the macOS version of the software. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install VeraCrypt on your system.

Step 2: Create an Outer Volume

After installing VeraCrypt, launch the application. Click on the "Create Volume" button to begin the volume creation process. In the VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard, select "Create an encrypted file container" and click "Next". Choose "Standard VeraCrypt volume" and click "Next" again.

Next, you need to specify the location and name for your outer volume. Click on the "Select File" button and choose the desired location on your macOS device. Enter a name for the outer volume and click "Save".

In the next step, you will be prompted to select an encryption algorithm and hash algorithm. For entry-level users, it is recommended to stick with the default options. Click "Next" to proceed.

Now, you need to specify the size for your outer volume. It is important to note that the size of the outer volume should be large enough to accommodate both the outer and hidden volumes. Once you have entered the desired size, click "Next".

Next, you will be prompted to set a password for your outer volume. Make sure to choose a strong and unique password that you can remember. Click "Next" to proceed.

In the final step, you need to format the outer volume. Click on the "Format" button and wait for the process to complete. Once the formatting is done, click "Exit" to close the VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard.

Step 3: Create a Hidden Volume

Now that you have created the outer volume, it's time to create the hidden volume within it. Launch VeraCrypt and click on the "Create Volume" button once again. In the VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard, select "Create an encrypted file container" and click "Next". This time, choose "Hidden VeraCrypt volume" and click "Next".

Follow the same steps as in Step 2 to specify the location, name, encryption algorithm, hash algorithm, size, and password for your hidden volume. Make sure to choose a different password for the hidden volume than the one you used for the outer volume.

After formatting the hidden volume, click "Exit" to close the VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard.

Step 4: Mount and Use the Hidden Volume

To access the hidden volume, launch VeraCrypt and click on the "Select File" button. Choose the location of your outer volume and click "Open". Enter the password for the outer volume and click "OK".

In the VeraCrypt main window, click on the "Mount" button. Select the outer volume file and click "Mount". Enter the password for the hidden volume when prompted and click "OK".

Once the hidden volume is mounted, it will appear as a separate drive on your macOS system. You can now use this drive to store your sensitive data securely.

Remember to dismount both the outer and hidden volumes when you're done using them to ensure the security of your data.

Conclusion

Creating and using a hidden volume with VeraCrypt on macOS is a powerful way to protect your sensitive data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create and access hidden volumes within encrypted volumes. Remember to choose strong passwords and always keep backups of your encrypted volumes to avoid data loss.