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How to Check Which Apps Have Access to Your Mac’s Files

Use Privacy & Security settings to review which apps have requested access to specific Mac folders, and check Full Disk Access for broader permissions.

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To check which apps have requested access to specific files and folders, open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Files & Folders. Review the locations listed under each app and switch off access you no longer want to allow. Also inspect Full Disk Access separately: it is a broader permission.

Check per-location access in Files & Folders

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Select Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Scroll down if needed.
  3. Click Files & Folders.
  4. Review the apps shown and the locations listed for each. Use the controls beside a location to allow or disallow that app’s access.

Depending on the access an app has requested, locations can include Desktop, Documents, Downloads, network volumes, and removable volumes. Apple’s Files & Folders instructions describe this panel as the place to manage access to those specific locations.

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The list shows apps that have requested access through this permission system; it is not a complete inventory of every possible way files could be accessed. An empty or short list does not establish that no app can access any files.

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Check Full Disk Access separately

In System Settings > Privacy & Security, open Full Disk Access as a separate check. Apple describes this as a wider permission that can allow an app to access all files on the computer, including data from other apps such as Mail, Messages, Safari, and Home, Time Machine backup data, and certain administrative settings. Review the apps listed and turn off access you do not want to grant.

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Files & Folders and Full Disk Access have different scopes: the first controls access to particular listed locations, while the second is broader. Apple explains both in its Privacy & Security settings guide.

Find the setting on older macOS versions

Apple’s documented navigation varies by version. For macOS 13 or later, its security guide places general privacy controls at System Settings > Privacy & Security > Privacy; the current Files & Folders instructions give the direct path to that panel. For macOS 12 or earlier, use System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. If labels differ on your Mac, use the settings search field to look for “Files & Folders.” See Apple’s guide to controlling app access to files in macOS.

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  • 【Superior Privacy】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful UV and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
  • 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- The MacBook Pro Privacy Screen Filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports, and public areas.
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Do not confuse app access with Finder permissions or File Sharing

  • Finder permissions: Select a file, folder, or disk in Finder, choose File > Get Info, then inspect Sharing & Permissions. This controls privileges for users or groups on that item, rather than an app’s privacy permission. Apple explains this in its Finder permissions guide.
  • File Sharing: This is a network-sharing feature, not the panel for checking local apps’ file access. Apple places it under System Settings > General > Sharing.
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Review access before allowing it

When deciding whether to keep an app’s access enabled, consider whether it needs that location for the task you use it for. Apple recommends reviewing third-party apps’ privacy practices and terms; information collected by those companies is governed by their policies.

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  • 【Instant Snap-on Magnetic Attachment】- The Patented Magnetic Privacy Screen – Protected by U.S. Patents 9,829,669 and D844,012. Simply place the privacy screen along the top of your MacBook and let the magnets attach along the top. No need for tricky placement, messy tape, or damaging adhesive. Easily remove and reattach when you need it.
  • 【Perfect Fit for 15.3" Liquid Retina Display】- The SightPro Magnetic Privacy Screen is designed to integrate seamlessly with your MacBook Air 15 Inch Year 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, M2, M3, M4, M5. (Model: A2941, A3114, A3241)
  • 【Superior Privacy】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful UV and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
  • 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- The MacBook Air Privacy Screen Filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports, and public areas.
  • 【Package Contents】- Each package includes a magnetic privacy screen filter, a storage folder, and a cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
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  • 【WIDELY APPLICABLE】Removable design and comes with a macbook air privacy filter protector storage clip that can be taken and used as needed, perfect for various occasions where screen privacy needs to be protected.Like offices, airports, cafes, trains, etc. Compatible with MacBook Air 13.6 & 13 inch (Released In 2022-2026, M2 M3 M4 M5 Chip) - Model: A2681 A3113 A3240 A3449
  • 【SUPER EASY INSTALLATION】Peslv has designed an innovative magnetic mounting method in order to improve the installation of the privacy screen MacBook Air 13 inch. The top of the MacBook Air privacy screen has a reinforced magnetic strip, which can be installed in a second by simply aligning it with the top bezel of the screen and gently pressing it. With Peslv privacy screen MacBook Air 13.6 inch, you'll never be stuck in an awkward situation where you don't know how to install it!
  • 【STUNNING PRIVACY PROTECTION】To ensure that only the +-30° angle directly in front of the screen is visible, we have corrected the angle of the MacBook Air M2 privacy screen more than 5000 times to ensure that other angles of view are not visible. By getting the Peslv privacy screen MacBook Air 2022 13.6 inches, you can ensure that your computer data privacy is not peeked.
  • 【PROTECT SCREEN ALSO EYES】The high-quality materials imported from Japan and the process imported from Germany have greatly improved the performance of the magnetic Mac Air 13.6inch privacy screen. High-quality filter layer that can reduce 95% of blue light and 92% of UV light. Matte surface, anti-glare, effectively intercepts 95% of the reflected light. Anti-scratch layer to avoid scratches from daily use. Protect your screen while protecting your eyesight.
  • 【ULTIMATE HIGH DEFINITION】Modeled in accordance with the real screen size 1:1 restoration, the size is perfectly matched. The magnetic strip that strengthens the magnetic force can make the MacBook privacy screen 13 inch stick to the screen tightly. The light-transmitting layer with advanced material has a super high light transmission rate. So all this will make you have a super high definition mac 13 privacy screen with unparalleled picture quality close to the original picture.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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