What is the difference between full and fast encryption on Android devices?

When an encryption payload is pushed to Android devices via Profiles, there is a checkbox to enable fast encryption on the device user's end. If left unchecked, it will use full encryption.

8 years ago
Android
ANSWERS
C
CF
8 years ago

When full encryption is selected, the entire disk is encrypted included unused space. This may take longer but will reduce the amount of time it takes to decrypt files during normal operation.

When fast encryption is selected, only the used space on the disk will be encrypted. This process will take less time to complete, but there may be a slight increase in the amount of time it takes to encrypt a newly installed app or file, since it will be done on-the-fly during normal operation. This is due to the rest of the disk not being encrypted, as it is with full encryption.