To enable full disk access on your Mac:

1. Navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
2. Click the icon, select the antivirus software from the list, and then click Open.
3. Ensure that the switch is toggled on.

What is full disk access on Mac

Full Disk Access is a privacy feature within macOS’ System Settings that allows apps to access files and folders usually protected by your system. While most applications need these permissions, they are especially important for antiviruses, which must protect the entire disk.

Why is full disk access important on macOS

Allowing an app full disk access is vital for it to operate correctly. If programs such as antivirus software, backup tools, and disk management apps aren’t given permission to access protected system files, they may not be able to access critical data on your Mac that they need to function effectively.

1. Improved app performance

We advise giving an app requiring full disk access the necessary permissions to ensure it works properly. For example, with antivirus software, allowing these permissions enables the program to scan and manage system files, ultimately enhancing performance.

If you suspect the app’s malfunction might be related to your device’s overall sluggishness, we recommend reading our guide on how to clear the startup disk on Mac.

2. Enhanced security and privacy

Furthermore, we believe that granting full disk access to cybersecurity programs is essential for ensuring your computer’s overall security and privacy. After all, you likely install antivirus software to protect your Mac. However, we think these programs won't be effective if they can't perform all their required functions.

If you understand the importance of this but are having trouble accepting these permissions, we suggest starting by repairing the permissions on your Mac.

3. Essential for backup and security apps

The same applies to various apps that require permission to access the entire disk. Applications like Time Machine, backup tools, and security software such as VPNs may not work correctly. We consider this particularly crucial for backup tools, as improper configuration could lead to potential data loss if your Mac is compromised.

For more tips on backing up your Apple device, we recommend troubleshooting any issues with external hard drives that are not showing up on a Mac.

4. What happens if you don’t enable full disk access

So, what will happen if you don’t grant permission to these apps? In our view, the most likely outcome is that your antivirus software won’t perform complete Mac scans, leaving some areas unprotected. Additionally, you may encounter failed backups when using backup tools or malfunctioning utilities.

How to enable full disk access on macOS

To fully benefit from the features of antivirus software, backup tools, and other utilities, you should first learn how to enable full disk access on Mac. This will allow these apps direct access to your system files and folders.

Here’s how to enable full disk access to an app on Mac:

1. Go to the Apple logo from your Mac’s menu bar.
2. Select System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Scroll down to find Privacy & Security, then click Full Disk Access.
4. Click the plus icon ( ).
5. Enter your password if prompted.
6. Locate the app in your Applications folder, then click Open.
7. Make sure the toggle is on.

Risks of granting full disk access on Mac

Granting full disk access to an app involves certain risks, especially if the app wasn’t downloaded from the Mac App Store or a trusted website. It's important to enable this feature only for apps from verified developers that you trust to access your personal and system files.

What are the risks of ignoring this advice?

1. App misuse or overreach

When you grant access to the entire disk, there’s a chance the app could misuse the data it’s allowed to access or even access data you prefer to keep private. Therefore, we advise carefully choosing which apps you permit this access.

2. Lack of granular permission control

As the name suggests, the Full Disk Access feature gives access to your entire Mac disk. However, macOS doesn’t allow users to restrict access to specific folders. We hope future software updates from Apple will provide more customizable permission settings.

3. Potential data exposure

These factors contribute to the possible exposure of personal data. While we believe the risk is generally lower with official, Apple-verified apps, we also recommend caution with apps downloaded outside the Mac App Store. Malicious apps could steal or leak your sensitive information.

The ultimate guide to allow full disk access on Mac

Many apps on macOS require full disk access to function properly. While this access is necessary for their operation, it also comes with some risks. Hence, we recommend carefully considering which apps you grant these permissions to and thinking about the potential consequences.

The risks are particularly significant for apps downloaded from sources outside the Mac App Store. In such cases, it becomes even more critical to install and use MacKeeper’s Antivirus. This software will provide your Mac with the necessary security and give you peace of mind.

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