# IODD MINI Encryption

The IODD MINI features hardware-based AES256 encryption, ensuring that your data is protected and inaccessible without the correct authorization.

#### Hardware Model Comparison

While the IODD MINI provides powerful encryption, its feature set differs from the ST/LK and MINI PRO series. Please refer to the table below:

| Feature                     |         ST400 / LK100 / MINI PRO        | 2541 / MINI (Legacy) |
| --------------------------- | :-------------------------------------: | :------------------: |
| **Max Password Length**     |                38 Digits                |       15 Digits      |
| **User ID Prefix (0, 1-4)** |               ✅ Supported               |    ❌ Not Supported   |
| **2nd Password Support**    |                    ✅                    |           ❌          |
| **Admin Mode**              |                    ✅                    |           ❌          |
| **Random Keypad**           |                    ✅                    |           ✅          |
| **Keep 2 Min. PW**          | [✅](/various-functions/keep-2min.pw.md) |           ❌          |

***

#### Core Security Information

{% hint style="info" %}
**ST300 Notice** The **ST300** model does not support hardware encryption features.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Random Keypad Entry** All password inputs utilize a **Random Keypad** system. The position of each number changes every time the screen is activated. **Carefully verify the keypad layout** on the IODD MINI screen before entering or setting your password.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Data Initialization** Enabling or disabling the encryption feature will **completely erase (initialize) all data** on the internal drive. It is mandatory to back up your important files before making changes to the encryption state.

**Tip (Legacy MINI)**: On the older IODD MINI, if you perform **"Remove Encryption" immediately after "Set Encryption"** (before any new data is written to the drive), it is possible to return the drive to a standard state without destroying the original pre-encryption data.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Encryption Incompatibility** Encryption formats are **not compatible** between different IODD generations. Drives encrypted on **IODD 2541** or **ST400/LK100/MINI PRO** cannot be read by an **IODD MINI**, and vice-versa.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Third-Party Software Conflicts** Do not use IODD hardware encryption in conjunction with software-based Full Disk Encryption (FDE) solutions such as **BitLocker** or VeraCrypt. Simultaneous use may lead to critical system errors or data corruption.
{% endhint %}

***

#### Configuration Guide

Since the IODD MINI does not utilize a 2nd password system, you can proceed directly to the encryption setup and removal guide:

* [**Setting or Removing Encryption on IODD MINI**](/aes256-encryption-mini/set-remove-encryption-mini.md)


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