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To review or remove an app’s Full Disk Access on macOS 13 or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access. Review the list, then switch off access for any app you no longer want to have it. On macOS 12 or earlier, use System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
What Full Disk Access allows
Apple describes Full Disk Access as permission for an app to access all files on your computer. That can include data from other apps such as Mail, Messages, Safari, and Home; Time Machine backup data; and certain administrative settings for all users on the Mac. Apple’s Mac User Guide therefore treats it as a broad grant, not a routine permission to approve without considering why an app needs it.
Apple’s Platform Security documentation says apps that require access to the full storage device must be explicitly added. The settings list lets you review those grants; Apple does not provide a universal list of apps that should be allowed. Whether an app needs access depends on the app and how you use it.
Review or revoke access in macOS 13 or later
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Scroll if needed.
- Select Full Disk Access.
- Review the listed apps. Switch off access for an app you no longer trust or no longer need to grant this permission.
If you are unsure why an app requests Full Disk Access, check its official documentation or ask its developer before changing the setting. Apple’s cited guidance does not identify a standard allowlist or say that every app responds identically after a permission change.
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Find the setting on macOS 12 or earlier
On these older versions, Apple’s documented route is System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. The interface names differ from the current System Settings route, so use the path for your macOS version rather than looking for a label that may not appear on your Mac. Apple documents the older route in its Platform Security guide.
Understand which permissions this setting does—and does not—control
Files & Folders
Files & Folders is separate from Full Disk Access. It controls access to particular locations such as Desktop, Downloads, and Documents. Changing an app’s Full Disk Access grant does not automatically change its Files & Folders controls; review those separately in Privacy & Security. See Apple’s guidance on changing privacy and security settings.
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Accessibility and Automation
Accessibility and Automation are also separate permission categories. If an app feature is blocked, check which permission the app requests instead of assuming Full Disk Access controls every sensitive capability. Apple distinguishes these controls from full internal storage access in its Platform Security documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What revoking access does not tell you
Turning off a grant changes the permission shown in macOS settings; it does not establish what the app may have accessed, collected, or retained before the change. Apple advises that third-party apps’ and websites’ information practices are governed by their terms and privacy policies. For an app-specific question about past handling or deletion, consult the developer’s privacy information. Apple’s guidance on controlling app access to information explains the privacy controls and points users to third-party practices.
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