Check what each app is allowed to access on your Mac

Why it happens

Apps on your Mac have to ask before they use your private data or parts of the system, like the camera. When you click Allow, your Mac remembers that choice and lists it in Privacy & Security. Over time the list can fill up with apps you no longer use or don't remember allowing.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

   Privacy & Security

2. Click Location Services at the top to see which apps can know where you are.

   Privacy & Security›Location Services

3. Go back and work down the list: Contacts, Calendars, Photos, Camera, Microphone and Files & Folders. Each page shows only the apps that asked.

   Privacy & Security›Files & Folders

4. Look closely at the powerful ones: Full Disk Access, Accessibility, Screen & System Audio Recording and Input Monitoring. They let an app read all your files, control your Mac, see your screen or see what you type, so only apps you trust belong there.

   Privacy & Security›Full Disk Access

5. Turn off the switch next to any app you don't want to have that access. Some apps need to quit and reopen before the change applies.

Still not fixed?

1. Check what starts by itself too. General > Login Items & Extensions lists apps that open at login or run in the background.

   General›Login Items & Extensions

2. Don't recognise an app? Look it up before you switch it off, because some belong to printers, mice or security tools you installed.

3. If you no longer use an app, delete it from the Applications folder. That's the cleanest way to end its access.

4. A dot in the menu bar while you're not on a call means the microphone or camera is in use. Click it, or open Control Center, to see which app it is.

   Menu bar›Control Center

5. If you think someone has put something on your Mac to watch you, and you can't remove it, contact Apple Support. They can help you check your Mac and your Apple Account.