Change Application Permissions on Mac: Easy Tutorial

PDF download Download Article
A detailed guide on changing app permissions on a Mac
PDF download Download Article

Are app permissions on your Mac preventing features from working correctly? App permissions manage how your hardware interacts with applications on your Mac. If certain settings are disabled, it may limit specific functions, such as your web browser being unable to access your camera. This guide will demonstrate, with pro tips from Cybersecurity Expert Stan Kats, how to change the access permissions for different apps on your Mac.

Quick Steps to Change App Permissions on Mac

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select System Settings .
  2. Go to Security & Privacy > Privacy and select a permission to enable.
  3. Click the toggle switch next to an app to enable or disable that app permission.
Section 1 of 2:

Changing App Permissions on Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Open System Settings. According to Kats, you can enable app permissions in your Mac’s security settings. [1] To easily access this menu, click the Apple logo in the menu bar and click System Settings .
    • If you are using an older version of macOS, this will say System Preferences instead.
    • This method lets you give apps access to hardware or other apps on your Mac. Kats says that you might need to grant full disk access to your antivirus software, for example. [2] In other cases, you might be allowing permission for an app to access things like your camera, microphone, or photo gallery.
  2. 2
    Click Privacy & Security . It's near the bottom of the menu on the left side of the window.
    • If you are using an older version of macOS, this says Security & Privacy instead and is located near the middle or right side of the window.
    • On older Macs, you may need to click the Privacy tab to see the permission options.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Click the permission that you need to allow. For example, if you want to allow your camera to be used with an app, select Camera .
  4. 4
    Toggle on the switch next to the app you want to grant permission. In each permission category, you should see a list of apps that you can allow. If the toggle switch next to an app is grey, its permission is currently turned off. Click the switch to toggle it on. The switch will turn blue.
    • Enter your admin username and password if prompted.
    • Close the "System Settings" window, and your changes will be saved! [3]
      • Be aware that some apps take control of your Mac through accessibility features. Only allow the app permission if you trust it; click Deny when prompted if you don't recognize or trust the app. [4]
    • In most cases, you’ll only see an app on the list if it has requested permission to access that particular area on your Mac. However, Kats explains that in some cases, you’ll see a + you can click near the bottom of the permission window to add apps to the list. [5]
  5. 5
    Revoke permissions from the same menu. If you no longer want an app to be able to access a particular area, app, or utility on your Mac, you can always remove those permissions. To do so:
    • Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security and select the permission category you want to change (e.g., Microphone or Location Services ).
    • Toggle off the switch next to the app for which you are revoking access. Enter your administrator password if you’re prompted to do so.
    6. Advertisement
Section 2 of 2:

FAQ

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    What do I do if the app isn't listed in System Settings > Privacy & Security ? Some apps, like Chrome, have their own area of permissions that you have to enable before it will prompt your Mac for the same permissions. For example, if you want to use your camera with Chrome, open Chrome and go to â‹® > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings , click Camera under "Permissions," and click the site that you want to enable your camera with. [6]
    • Relaunch the app with the changed permissions, which would be Chrome in this example, and you'll be prompted to Allow or Deny app permissions from Mac the next time you visit that site. [7]
    • In some cases, you might not see the app in the Privacy & Security menu unless it’s recently requested permission to access a specific area or app/utility on your Mac.
    • You can also look in the permission category you’re trying to modify for a + icon near the bottom of the window. If you see it, click it and add the app for which you want to change permissions.
  2. 2
    Can apps control apps? Yes! To disable or enable this feature, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation . You can turn each item on or off. [8]
  3. 3
    How can I download apps from anywhere? Apple has many safety features in place to keep Apple devices secure and prevent viruses and malware, but there is a way to get around this security if you really want to. It's not recommended, since apps from sources other than the App Store can contain malicious content or bad coding that can wreak havoc on your computer and personal information stored on it. Here's what to do if you want to download something that's not on the App Store:
    • Open Terminal and enter sudo spctl --master-disable . Press Return to enter the command, then close Terminal.
    • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Security and check the option next to "Anywhere" under "Allow applications to be downloaded from."
  4. 4
    How can I open apps that require root or superuser privileges? This is a more complicated type of permission that you can’t access from your Mac’s settings. If you need to run an app as root, you can do it from the Terminal using the sudo command or by logging in with the root user account. Neither option is recommended unless you are totally sure of what you’re doing. Running apps with root permission can destabilize your computer if you’re not careful.
    • To learn how to run apps as root on your Mac, check out this article .
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Why do programs ask for full access to another program?
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Expert Answer
    If a program needs access to the full disk, such as an antivirus program, the software will ask for full disk access to be able to scan everything.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I give something full disk access?
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
    Stan Kats
    Professional Technologist
    Expert Answer
    Look for a specific section under "security." Typically, there's a little plus button that you'd click, which gives you your full list of programs. From there, add the program that you'd like to receive full disk access.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How can I change the permission on MS Office (MS Word), which is not showing in on the privacy tab content, the ms office which is not compatible with my new Big Sur, I am trying to uninstall.
    Phantom Me
    Community Answer
    In an Office program, on the File tab, click Options. Click the area that you want (on the left pane) and make the selections you need. For example, to change the privacy settings, click Privacy Options. When changing privacy settings, you should make selections that will help set the level of Office privacy you want.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Some services, like "Accessibility" allow you to add or remove app permissions directly from the "Privacy" window.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • To add an app, click the + , click Applications in the left pane of the popup window, click on an application, and click Open . Click the - to remove an app from the "Accessibility" permissions list.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      How to
      Install AltStore on an iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Force Shut Down or Restart a Frozen Mac
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      How to
      Create a TXT File on Mac
      Can You Change Your Apple ID Without Losing Everything? Learn How to Keep What You Need
      How to
      Install MacOS on a Virtual Machine Using VirtualBox
      How to
      Open Executable Files on Mac: Virtual Machine, Boot Camp, or Wine
      How to
      Find Your Internal & External IP Address on a Mac
      5 Ways to Turn On a Mac Computer - wikiHow
      How to
      Quickly Open the Launchpad on a Mac
      How to
      Print Double Sided on a Mac
      The Best Ways to Transfer Files Between Two Macs
      How to
      Uninstall Programs on Mac Computers
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
      2. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-privacy-security-settings-on-mac-mchl211c911f/15.0/mac/15.0
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/allow-accessibility-apps-to-access-your-mac-mh43185/mac
      5. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/114662?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Desktop
      7. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/114662?visit_id=638825770078926914-1639387657&p=settings_manage_exceptions&rd=2
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/allow-apps-to-control-other-apps-on-mac-mchl07817563/mac

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To change application permissions on a mac, click the Apple icon → Click "System Preferences" → Click "Security & Privacy" → Click "Privacy" → Click on a service → Click the check box to add or remove an app's permission to the selected service.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 203,984 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement