Encrypt Backup Drive (Catalina)

[NormArmour]

I want to backup my new Mac mini to a new 2tb external. How can I encrypt this destination drive?

[dnanian]

Format as regular APFS. Back up to the drive. Start up from the drive. Turn on FileVault. Boot back to the regular drive. When prompted, add the password to the keychain.

[DavidCB]

Format as regular APFS. Back up to the drive. Start up from the drive. Turn on FileVault. Boot back to the regular drive. When prompted, add the password to the keychain.
When using Smart Update to copy to that drive again, does FileVault first have to be turned off?

Thank you,

David

[dnanian]

No, we'll maintain the encryption.