See and change which apps can use your camera, files and more

Why it happens

Your Mac asks your permission the first time an app wants something private, such as the camera, the microphone, your location or your files. Your answers are saved in Privacy & Security, one list per kind of access. That's the one place to review them all and change your mind later.

How to fix it

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

   Privacy & Security

2. Click a category to see its list. Camera and Microphone show which apps can see and hear you.

   Privacy & Security›Camera

3. For documents, click Files & Folders. It shows which apps can open your Desktop, Documents, Downloads and other places.

   Privacy & Security›Files & Folders

4. Location Services lists the apps that can see where you are.

   Privacy & Security›Location Services

5. In any list, turn an app's switch off to stop its access, or on to allow it. Your Mac may ask for your password first, and some apps ask you to quit and reopen them before the change takes effect.

Still not fixed?

1. If an app isn't in the list you expected, open it and use the feature that needs access, so it asks. Apps only appear after they've asked at least once.

2. For Accessibility and Full Disk Access, an app may need you to add it yourself. Open that list, click the add button below it and choose the app from your Applications folder.

   Privacy & Security›Full Disk Access

3. If the switches are greyed out or won't stay put, your Mac may be managed by a school or company. Ask whoever manages it.

4. If a change still doesn't stick after you restart your Mac, contact Apple Support. They can help check what's resetting it.