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Introduction
Full Disk Access is a security feature on Mac that restricts certain applications from accessing files on your computer. By default, only trusted apps have Full Disk Access, but there might be situations where you need to grant this permission to specific apps. In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of granting Full Disk Access on Mac and provide several methods to do so.
Allowing Full Disk Access is important when you have an app that needs access to files or folders outside of its container, such as backup software or file synchronization applications. Without granting this permission, these apps may not work properly.
The Challenge of Allowing Full Disk Access on Mac
Allowing Full Disk Access on Mac can be a challenge for users who are not familiar with the process. It requires finding the right settings and granting permission to specific apps. This challenge can be overcome by following the methods outlined in this blog post.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods of allowing Full Disk Access, there are a few things you should prepare for:
- Administrator access: You need to have admin privileges on your Mac to make changes to system settings.
- List of apps: Make a list of apps that require Full Disk Access.
- Patience: The process may involve navigating through different settings, so it’s important to be patient.
Method 1: Allow Full Disk Access via Security & Privacy Preferences
To grant Full Disk Access to specific apps using the Security & Privacy preferences, follow these steps:
- Open "System Preferences" from the Apple menu.
- Click on "Security & Privacy."
- Go to the "Privacy" tab.
- Scroll down and select "Full Disk Access" from the left sidebar.
- Click on the lock icon and enter your admin password.
- Click the "+" button beneath the list of apps.
- Select the app(s) you want to grant Full Disk Access to and click "Open."
- Close the Security & Privacy preferences.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and straightforward process | Requires admin password |
| No need for third-party software | Only allows access to one app at a time |
Method 2: Allow Full Disk Access via Terminal
If you prefer using the Terminal application to enable Full Disk Access, follow these steps:
- Open Terminal from the Utilities folder.
- Enter the following command:
sudo sqlite3 ~/Library/Application\ Support/com.apple.TCC/TCC.db "INSERT INTO access VALUES('kTCCServiceFullDiskAccess','com.example.app',0,1,1,NULL,NULL,NULL,'UNUSED',NULL,0,1541440102)"(Replace "com.example.app" with your app’s bundle identifier). - Press "Enter" and enter your admin password when prompted.
- Quit Terminal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can grant Full Disk Access to multiple apps at once | Requires knowledge of Terminal commands |
| Doesn’t require navigating through settings | Potential risk of making mistakes in Terminal |
Method 3: Allow Full Disk Access via Third-Party Apps
If you prefer using third-party software, there are apps available that can help you grant Full Disk Access more easily. Here’s an example using the app "Full Disk Access Helper":
- Download and install "Full Disk Access Helper" from the developer’s website.
- Launch the app and click "Open Security Preferences."
- Click on the lock icon and enter your admin password.
- Select the app(s) you want to grant Full Disk Access to and click "Add."
- Close the Security Preferences.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface | Requires downloading third-party software |
| Allows for easy management of Full Disk Access | Potential compatibility issues with third-party apps |
Method 4: Allow Full Disk Access via Automator
The Automator app can also be used to enable Full Disk Access. Here’s how:
- Launch Automator from the Applications folder.
- Create a new "Application" document.
- Add the "Run AppleScript" action to the workflow.
- Paste the following AppleScript code into the action:
tell application "System Events" to set fullDiskAccessList to get properties of every login item whose name is "SecurityAgent" - Save the application.
- Double-click the application you created to grant Full Disk Access to the necessary apps.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows automation of Full Disk Access settings | Requires knowledge of AppleScript |
| Easy to repeat the process for multiple apps | May not be suitable for users unfamiliar with Automator |
Why Can’t I Allow Full Disk Access?
There may be several reasons why you are not able to grant Full Disk Access to certain apps:
- Permissions issue: Ensure you have admin privileges and are able to make changes to system settings.
- Outdated software: Make sure the app you are trying to grant Full Disk Access to is up to date.
- Incompatible app: Some apps may not be compatible with Full Disk Access or may not require it.
Q1: Why can’t I grant Full Disk Access to an app?
A: There could be multiple reasons why you can’t grant Full Disk Access to an app. Ensure you have the necessary permissions, the app is up to date, and it requires Full Disk Access.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when dealing with Full Disk Access on Mac:
- Regularly review the apps with Full Disk Access to ensure you’re only granting permission to trusted apps.
- If an app doesn’t work properly after granting Full Disk Access, try restarting your Mac.
- Be cautious when granting Full Disk Access to apps from unknown or untrusted sources.
5 FAQs about Allowing Full Disk Access on Mac
Q1: How do I find an app’s bundle identifier?
A: To find an app’s bundle identifier, you can use third-party apps like "Pacifist" or "Suspicious Package," or check the app’s "Info.plist" file.
Q2: Can granting Full Disk Access pose a security risk?
A: Granting Full Disk Access to untrusted apps or apps from unknown sources can pose a security risk. It’s important to review and trust the apps before granting this permission.
Q3: Can I revoke Full Disk Access after granting it?
A: Yes, you can revoke Full Disk Access by going to the "Security & Privacy" preferences and removing the app from the list of apps with Full Disk Access.
Q4: Do I need to restart my Mac after granting Full Disk Access?
A: In most cases, you don’t need to restart your Mac after granting Full Disk Access. However, if an app doesn’t work properly, a restart might help.
Q5: Are there any alternative methods to grant Full Disk Access?
A: Yes, there are several alternative methods, such as using a configuration profile, modifying system files, or using specialized tools like "tccutil.py" from the command line.
In Conclusion
Allowing Full Disk Access on Mac is essential for certain apps to function properly. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can grant Full Disk Access to specific apps and ensure they have the necessary permissions to access files and folders outside their container. Remember to exercise caution when granting Full Disk Access to apps and always review their trustworthiness.