How to Change Application Permissions on a Mac

A detailed guide on changing app permissions on a Mac

This wikiHow will show you how to change what different apps can access on a Mac.

Quick Steps

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

Steps

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    It's the Apple logo at the top left corner of the menu bar.
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    [1]
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    The icon is shaped like a house. [2]
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    The services on the left contain apps of that service's function, which appear in the window on the right.
    • For example, "Location Services" on the left might have "Maps" enabled on the right because Maps uses Location Services in order to provide directions.
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    Apps that are marked with a blue check mark have permission to the service highlighted in the left pane of the window.
    • If you don't see any apps here, it's because you have none that perform the selected service's function.
    • If the apps and check boxes are greyed out, click on the padlock icon in the bottom, left corner of the window.
    • Type in your password.
    • Click Unlock .
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    Your app permission changes will be made!
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Expert Q&A

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  • 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.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
  • 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.
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  • Question
    How do I stop Google Chrome from changing the OFF sound on my Mac to ON, without asking me?
    Isaac Welch
    Community Answer
    You are going to have to go to Chrome's settings, go to the privacy settings, and change it so that websites can not change your sound. Thanks for specifying what browser you were using.
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      Tips

      • Some services, like "Accessibility" allow you to add or remove app permissions directly from the "Privacy" window.
        Thanks
      • 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
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      References

      1. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
      2. ↑ Stan Kats. Cybersecurity Expert. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.

      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.

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