How to Enable Full Disk Access on Mac?

Full Disk Access is a macOS privacy permission that allows an application to access files and data that are normally protected by the system.

Some Mac applications may require Full Disk Access to access or modify certain files. If a NeededApps application asks you to enable this permission, you can do it from System Settings in just a few steps.

How to Give an App Full Disk Access on Mac

Open System Settings on your Mac.

Then go to:

Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access

You'll see a list of applications that have requested or can be granted Full Disk Access.

Find the application you want to authorize and enable the switch next to its name.

macOS may ask you to authenticate using Touch ID or your administrator password.

If the application isn't listed, click the + button, select the application from your Applications folder, and add it manually.

Restart the App

After enabling Full Disk Access, quit the application completely and open it again.

Some applications need to be restarted before macOS applies the new permission.

If the application still can't access the required files, restarting your Mac may also help.

What Is Full Disk Access on macOS?

Full Disk Access was introduced by Apple as part of the macOS privacy system. It controls access to protected user data and locations that applications cannot normally access without explicit permission.

Because this is a powerful permission, you should only enable Full Disk Access for applications you trust and when the application requires it for a specific feature.

How to Disable Full Disk Access

You can revoke the permission at any time.

Open:

System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access

Then disable the switch next to the application.

If you later need a feature that depends on Full Disk Access, you can return to the same settings and enable it again.

Can't Find Your App in Full Disk Access?

If your application doesn't appear in the list, click the + button at the bottom of the Full Disk Access settings and select it manually from your Applications folder.

If you're troubleshooting a NeededApps application and enabling Full Disk Access doesn't solve the problem, please contact NeededApps Support and tell us which application and macOS version you're using.