Worried an app is logging your keystrokes on your Mac

Why it happens

macOS doesn't let an app see the keys you type in other apps unless you've given it permission. Input Monitoring is the permission made for that, and apps with Accessibility permission can also watch and control what happens on screen. Both lists are in Privacy & Security, so you can see exactly who has that access and take it away.

How to fix it

1. Click the Apple menu, choose System Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

2. Click Input Monitoring. Look through the apps listed. Keyboard tools, shortcut apps and remote support apps you installed yourself often need this. Turn off the switch for anything you don't recognise or no longer use.

   Privacy & Security›Input Monitoring

3. Go back and click Accessibility. Apps here can read the screen and control your Mac. Turn off any you don't trust in the same way.

   Privacy & Security›Accessibility

4. While you're there, check Screen & System Audio Recording, which shows which apps can see your screen.

   Privacy & Security›Screen & System Audio Recording

Still not fixed?

1. See what starts by itself. Open General > Login Items & Extensions and look for anything you didn't add. Turn off what you don't want.

   General›Login Items & Extensions

2. If you find an app you don't trust, quit it and move it from your Applications folder to the Trash. Then restart your Mac.

3. Check General > Device Management. If a profile is listed there that you didn't install and your Mac isn't from work or school, it may be controlling settings, so ask Apple Support about it before removing anything.

   General›Device Management

4. Keep macOS up to date in General > Software Update, since updates include Apple's latest security protection. If you think someone saw your passwords, change them from a device you trust.

   General›Software Update

5. If an app you removed keeps coming back, or you still believe someone is watching what you type, contact Apple Support. They can help you check your Mac safely.