Terminal says "Operation not permitted" on your Mac

Why it happens

macOS protects private places such as Mail, Messages, Safari data and other apps' folders. Terminal can't read or change them until you give it Full Disk Access, and sudo doesn't get around that, which is why you see Operation not permitted. Terminal only picks up the new permission after it restarts.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then click Full Disk Access.

2. Find Terminal in the list and turn its switch on. Your Mac asks for your password or Touch ID to confirm.

   Privacy & Security›Full Disk Access

3. Terminal not in the list? Click the add (+) button below the list, open Applications, then Utilities, choose Terminal and click Open. Then turn its switch on.

4. Quit Terminal completely with Command-Q, open it again and run your command once more.

Still not fixed?

1. Using a different terminal app, or the terminal inside a code editor? The permission belongs to the app you type in, so add that app to Full Disk Access instead and restart it.

2. If the error comes when changing or removing an app in the Applications folder, Terminal also needs App Management. Turn Terminal on there too, then restart Terminal.

   Privacy & Security›App Management

3. Some places, like the System folder, are locked by macOS on purpose and stay read-only even with Full Disk Access. That's normal, and it protects your Mac from damage.

4. If the switch is greyed out, a school or company may manage your Mac. Ask whoever set it up.

5. If Terminal still says Operation not permitted in your own home folder with Full Disk Access on, restart your Mac and try again. If it keeps happening, contact Apple Support.