Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
1
votes
1
answers
133
views
Can't (re-)authorize any Accessibility apps on Monterey (12.6.3)
After a forced reboot (and another reboot for good measure), the applications I allow to "Accessibility" control under System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy no longer includes Rectangle.app nor allows me to add it manually. Nothing appears there anymore and nothing can be added. [
mcint
(269 rep)
Mar 18, 2023, 06:28 AM
• Last activity: Aug 5, 2025, 07:04 AM
4
votes
3
answers
1311
views
How to turn off "find devices on local networks" prompt
I often get the "Allow * to find devices on local networks" prompt. I always answer "Don't Allow" and everything works just fine. MacOS 15.3.1 Chrome 134.0.6998.89 The annoyance: [![Google Chrome prompting me to allow access to local networks][1]][1] Privacy & Security mess: [
Privacy & Security mess:
I'm wondering if each time a new profile or an incognito window is established chrome adds a new entry on the S&P screen and then asks for permission to look for devices on the network. However, I'm not so sure of this since while researching this more, I just got prompted again and checked the number of Chrome entries in system settings: there are now 11 entries for chrome. I am using an existing profile.
How can I configure Chrome to not ask for this permission?
How can I configure the Mac to turn off this prompt for all applications?
Privacy & Security mess:
I'm wondering if each time a new profile or an incognito window is established chrome adds a new entry on the S&P screen and then asks for permission to look for devices on the network. However, I'm not so sure of this since while researching this more, I just got prompted again and checked the number of Chrome entries in system settings: there are now 11 entries for chrome. I am using an existing profile.
How can I configure Chrome to not ask for this permission?
How can I configure the Mac to turn off this prompt for all applications?
Be Kind To New Users
(353 rep)
Mar 18, 2025, 11:18 AM
• Last activity: Jul 18, 2025, 01:36 PM
5
votes
1
answers
4604
views
Shortcut to Clear History and Website Data
Clear History and Website Data for Safari is deeply hidden in Settings. Tap, tap, tap. With the new Shortcuts App in iOS 13 can I create a shortcut to clear history?
Clear History and Website Data for Safari is deeply hidden in Settings. Tap, tap, tap.
With the new Shortcuts App in iOS 13 can I create a shortcut to clear history?
user1785730
(674 rep)
Oct 18, 2019, 08:04 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2025, 06:02 AM
0
votes
2
answers
3295
views
iCloud Private Relay turned on but not working
On my Mac I have iCloud Private relay turned on (both on the iCloud settings and for the wifi network), but my IP address doesn't change. It changed on my iPhone and iPad on the same network, but not for my Mac. I tried rebooting and removing and re-adding the wifi network, but the problem remains....
On my Mac I have iCloud Private relay turned on (both on the iCloud settings and for the wifi network), but my IP address doesn't change. It changed on my iPhone and iPad on the same network, but not for my Mac. I tried rebooting and removing and re-adding the wifi network, but the problem remains. Why isn't iCloud private relay working on my Mac?
John
(347 rep)
Dec 6, 2021, 10:42 PM
• Last activity: Jun 10, 2025, 10:34 PM
2
votes
1
answers
49
views
Mac Screensaver Program That Can Detect User's Face When Unlocking Mac
Is there a Mac screensaver program that can capture someone's face who unlock my computer (even with the correct screen unlock password)? When the person try to unlock my Mac, it can capture the face and send to me automatically. I saw this kind of program on Windows, but I can't find it on Mac.
Is there a Mac screensaver program that can capture someone's face who unlock my computer (even with the correct screen unlock password)? When the person try to unlock my Mac, it can capture the face and send to me automatically.
I saw this kind of program on Windows, but I can't find it on Mac.
user211871
(31 rep)
Jun 9, 2025, 02:57 AM
• Last activity: Jun 9, 2025, 08:46 AM
1
votes
2
answers
289
views
Can I stop macOS asking for screen recording permission while using mss.mss() in a python script?
I am trying to use mss to capture a portion of my screen using the following code: ``` import mss import cv2 import numpy as np monitor_region = { "top": 810, "left": 1070, "width": 660, "height": 300 } def get_frame(display_frame=False): with mss.mss() as sct: # Capture a single frame img = sct.gra...
I am trying to use mss to capture a portion of my screen using the following code:
Unfortunately, this isn't just a one-time thing, it happens for every screenshot request I make. This is not feasible when I am making multiple requests. Hence, I am looking for a way to disable this security check.
I have allowed terminal full access to the disk, and to screen and audio recording in my system settings. This still didn't work so I am currently using pyautogui to automatically allow this, but this is still slow (takes ~0.2 seconds to get rid of) for my application.
I am expecting a solution to guide me to disable the above security check.
Is it possible to eliminate further requests?
edit: output of the given command (
import mss
import cv2
import numpy as np
monitor_region = {
"top": 810,
"left": 1070,
"width": 660,
"height": 300
}
def get_frame(display_frame=False):
with mss.mss() as sct:
# Capture a single frame
img = sct.grab(monitor_region)
# Convert to NumPy array and display
frame = np.array(img)
# print(frame)
# print("frame dim = ", frame.shape)
if display_frame:
cv2.imshow("Captured Region", frame)
cv2.waitKey(0)
cv2.destroyAllWindows()read ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.replayd/ScreenCaptureApprovals{
"/Applications/Shottr.app/Contents/MacOS/Shottr" = {
kScreenCaptureApprovalLastAlerted = "2125-06-05 15:25:33 +0000";
kScreenCaptureApprovalLastUsed = "2125-06-05 15:25:33 +0000";
};
"com.apple.Terminal" = {
kScreenCaptureApprovalLastAlerted = "2125-06-05 15:25:33 +0000";
kScreenCaptureApprovalLastUsed = "2125-06-05 15:25:33 +0000";
};
}
tiny_sleasel
(23 rep)
Jun 2, 2025, 11:34 PM
• Last activity: Jun 6, 2025, 03:32 PM
0
votes
1
answers
36
views
How to hide an application from system preferences UI without disabling screen recording permission for that app in mac
I want to hide an application that has screen recording permission from the list shown in System Preferences under Screen Recording. Please help me with a way to hide it across all macOS versions.
I want to hide an application that has screen recording permission from the list shown in System Preferences under Screen Recording.
Please help me with a way to hide it across all macOS versions.
user635644
(1 rep)
May 5, 2025, 12:25 PM
• Last activity: Jun 6, 2025, 02:06 AM
3
votes
1
answers
91
views
Allowing apps to access specified contacts
iOS has a feature of allowing only photos you select to be accessible from an app instead of allowing all photos. Is there a similar feature where I can specify which contacts should be available to an app instead of sharing all of my contact list?
iOS has a feature of allowing only photos you select to be accessible from an app instead of allowing all photos.
Is there a similar feature where I can specify which contacts should be available to an app instead of sharing all of my contact list?
AvidSeeker
(51 rep)
Jun 17, 2021, 11:43 AM
• Last activity: May 2, 2025, 05:06 AM
2
votes
3
answers
179
views
Can a macOS App Store–installed sandboxed app access unique hardware identifiers?
I’m about to install a privacy-unfriendly app from the Mac App Store, so I want to know whether sandboxed Mac App Store–distributed apps can still access unique hardware identifiers (for example, the machine’s serial number) or are limited to non-unique IDs such as IDFA, IDFV, or app-generated UUIDs...
I’m about to install a privacy-unfriendly app from the Mac App Store, so I want to know whether sandboxed Mac App Store–distributed apps can still access unique hardware identifiers (for example, the machine’s serial number) or are limited to non-unique IDs such as IDFA, IDFV, or app-generated UUIDs.
On macOS—outside the App Store sandbox—apps can easily query the system for the machine’s serial number and other unique hardware identifiers. My question is: under Apple’s sandbox rules for Mac App Store apps, is access to the Mac’s serial number (and similar device-unique identifiers) blocked? Or can a sandboxed App Store app still read those values?
Specifically:
• Which hardware or system identifiers are accessible to a sandboxed macOS app installed via the App Store?
• Does the App Store sandbox policy explicitly prevent reading the serial number or other device-unique values?
• If those identifiers are blocked, what alternative identifiers (if any) can App Store apps use on macOS for analytics or user tracking purposes?
Any pointers to relevant Apple documentation, entitlement requirements, or API behavior would be greatly appreciated.
Kindama
(21 rep)
Apr 27, 2025, 01:51 PM
• Last activity: Apr 28, 2025, 04:18 PM
0
votes
1
answers
299
views
iPhone MDM and private Data (Inventory vs. Private Device)
I'd like to ask if there is a difference how my personal data is managed on an iPhone. 1. Private Device (enrolled manual MDM): Separate APFS volume, restrictions for the company which data can be accessed and what is controlled on that device. Things are separated. 2. Inventory Device of the compan...
I'd like to ask if there is a difference how my personal data is managed on an iPhone.
1. Private Device (enrolled manual MDM): Separate APFS volume, restrictions for the company which data can be accessed and what is controlled on that device. Things are separated.
2. Inventory Device of the company (DEP enrolled MDM device): Can I use a private iCloud-Account on such device and data is separated like it's my own private property and because of it's a corporate device, they have a bit more rights things to do with it (wiping and so on) except of accessing my personal data?
Would be really helpful to know, can't find specific information about it.
Thank you!
Marjan
(109 rep)
Jul 30, 2021, 08:38 AM
• Last activity: Apr 19, 2025, 06:06 AM
1
votes
4
answers
6782
views
MacOS Ventura 13.3 apps don't show in Camera and Microphone Privacy & Security settings
I've been having issues getting apps to show in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone & Camera, on MacOS Ventura 13.3. I have a iMac 27-inch, Late 2013, which I used OpenCore Patcher to get the latest operating system working (required for my work). I tried all solutions in this video an...
I've been having issues getting apps to show in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone & Camera, on MacOS Ventura 13.3.
I have a iMac 27-inch, Late 2013, which I used OpenCore Patcher to get the latest operating system working (required for my work).
I tried all solutions in this video and nothing worked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD-IF38E3Kw
However, I did find this solution that worked for Microphone on Stack Exchange:
Solution if you are running Monterey 12.2.1 and BigSur 11.7.4 and Ventura 13.3
I'm unsure how to get a similar solution working for Camera. Here's the Microphone solution:
In Terminal, open the TCC database by running:
sqlite3 ~/Library/Application\ Support/com.apple.TCC/TCC.db
Add app by using:
insert into access
values
('kTCCServiceMicrophone','', 0, 2, 2, 1, null, null, null, 'UNUSED', null, null, 1669648527);
Then close the connection to the database using:
.quit
Thanks to @Kubuntuer82 for providing the Microphone solution
André Thompson
(29 rep)
May 3, 2023, 09:17 PM
• Last activity: Apr 17, 2025, 10:02 PM
4
votes
1
answers
1984
views
Why am I frequently asked for access to my Local Network since upgrading to Sequoia?
I recently upgraded to macOS 15, and ever since then, macOS randomly asks me to grant an app access to my local network. The list of apps I see in "Privacy & Security" include: - VSCode - Google Chrome - Signal - Docker Desktop …but I was asked for more apps than those listed there. I didn't grant a...
I recently upgraded to macOS 15, and ever since then, macOS randomly asks me to grant an app access to my local network.
The list of apps I see in "Privacy & Security" include:
- VSCode
- Google Chrome
- Signal
- Docker Desktop
…but I was asked for more apps than those listed there. I didn't grant any access, and I am really annoyed by this because it leads to notification fatigue.
Is there any reason why all of the sudden, I am frequently prompted to grant such access?
(For more context, I skipped Sonoma and went straight from macOS 13 to macOS 15)
awendt
(1431 rep)
Dec 6, 2024, 10:58 AM
• Last activity: Feb 19, 2025, 12:08 PM
-3
votes
2
answers
141
views
What information does the iCloud Keychain contain exactly?
I have an iPhone and an iPad, both using iCloud Keychain. I read on my device's settings about [iCloud Keychain](https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016): [![enter image description here][1]][1] > iCloud Keychain keeps information like your Safari usernames and passwords, credit cards, and Wi-Fi pass...
I have an iPhone and an iPad, both using iCloud Keychain. I read on my device's settings about [iCloud Keychain](https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016) :
> iCloud Keychain keeps information like your Safari usernames and passwords, credit cards, and Wi-Fi passwords up to date on any device that you approve. Your information is encrypted and cannot be read by Apple. [Learn more](https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016) .
What information does the iCloud Keychain contain exactly?
I understand that it includes "your Safari usernames and passwords, credit cards, and Wi-Fi passwords up to date on any device that you approve" but what else does it save?
The [Learn more](https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016) linking to the Apple documentation is also incomplete, since it states:
> iCloud Keychain remembers things, so that you don't have to. It autofills your information — like your Safari and app usernames, passwords and passkeys, credit card information and security codes, and Wi-Fi passwords on any device that you approve. iCloud Keychain can also help you share passwords and passkeys with people that you trust.
and fails to give an exhaustive list of what the iCloud Keychain contains.
> iCloud Keychain keeps information like your Safari usernames and passwords, credit cards, and Wi-Fi passwords up to date on any device that you approve. Your information is encrypted and cannot be read by Apple. [Learn more](https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016) .
What information does the iCloud Keychain contain exactly?
I understand that it includes "your Safari usernames and passwords, credit cards, and Wi-Fi passwords up to date on any device that you approve" but what else does it save?
The [Learn more](https://support.apple.com/en-us/109016) linking to the Apple documentation is also incomplete, since it states:
> iCloud Keychain remembers things, so that you don't have to. It autofills your information — like your Safari and app usernames, passwords and passkeys, credit card information and security codes, and Wi-Fi passwords on any device that you approve. iCloud Keychain can also help you share passwords and passkeys with people that you trust.
and fails to give an exhaustive list of what the iCloud Keychain contains.
Franck Dernoncourt
(3616 rep)
Feb 9, 2025, 12:29 AM
• Last activity: Feb 14, 2025, 08:34 PM
4
votes
1
answers
2860
views
How to add/remove applications from "File and Folders" inside "Security and Privacy" -> Privacy Tab
[![enter image description here][1]][1] How to remove these bunch of files from here. I use VS code, when I debug a program it asks for this permission that a file that is created while debugging wants to access your Document folder. And every time I have to allow it and then those files end up in P...
How to remove these bunch of files from here.
I use VS code, when I debug a program it asks for this permission that a file that is created while debugging wants to access your Document folder. And every time I have to allow it and then those files end up in Privacy -> "Files and Folders".
Nihal Mishra
(41 rep)
Jul 28, 2020, 05:23 PM
• Last activity: Feb 4, 2025, 05:47 PM
1
votes
0
answers
28
views
I recently used iMovie and since quit the application, but it still shows a green dot, saying iMovie is using camera
I have tried going into `Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera` The three items there were iMovie, Parallels Desktop, WhatsApp. I have turned all of them off. I have quit all applications aside from the web browser (to write this question). I have tried re-opening and quitting iMovie. The green dot...
I have tried going into 
Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
The three items there were iMovie, Parallels Desktop, WhatsApp. I have turned all of them off.
I have quit all applications aside from the web browser (to write this question).
I have tried re-opening and quitting iMovie.
The green dot remains, with the status as shown in the image below.
I have not yet tried restarting, in particular because I would like to get to the bottom of why this green dot is on and restarting might reset whatever process is causing it.
This seems to have started when I opened iMovie for the first time just a few days ago, and connected a firewire interface via firewire to thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3 cables. I am not sure if that is relevant. But, maybe the act of plugging in that device somehow did something?
chaimp
(305 rep)
Jan 13, 2025, 06:08 AM
1
votes
1
answers
158
views
Does a PWA created in Private Browsing mode always open in Private Browsing?
**Scenario**: I log into Twitter in a mobile Safari Private Browsing tab with Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection enabled, then create a PWA (i.e., Add to Home Screen) of the private tab. When I open the PWA, am I still in private browsing mode with advanced tracking and fingerprinting p...
**Scenario**: I log into Twitter in a mobile Safari Private Browsing tab with Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection enabled, then create a PWA (i.e., Add to Home Screen) of the private tab.
When I open the PWA, am I still in private browsing mode with advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection? Or is it as though I am using a normal browser tab?
how-mustard-tastes
(19 rep)
Dec 29, 2024, 08:34 PM
• Last activity: Jan 4, 2025, 06:54 AM
0
votes
0
answers
51
views
Showing status of messages on iPhone
I can see when my son has “read” my messages as well as when he is typing. Mine is set where it doesn’t show I’ve “read” the message from someone, but does say “delivered” to the person I’ve received the message from once I open it. It also shows I am typing. My daughter on the other hand doesn’t sh...
I can see when my son has “read” my messages as well as when he is typing. Mine is set where it doesn’t show I’ve “read” the message from someone, but does say “delivered” to the person I’ve received the message from once I open it. It also shows I am typing. My daughter on the other hand doesn’t show “read” or that she’s typing me back!? How do I set it where the person I send a message to/ or receive from doesn’t see me typing as well as not see that I have or haven’t read the message, but also not show that it was delivered when I look at it? I would like for the sender to just see it was delivered yet not know that I’ve looked at it yet. As of now if someone sends me a message they know that I’ve at least seen it bc it says “delivered” once I open it although it doesn’t say “read”! Please help me figure out/understand this.
Marshall
(1 rep)
Jan 1, 2025, 04:31 PM
• Last activity: Jan 1, 2025, 04:40 PM
10
votes
0
answers
2174
views
Is it possible to programmatically (or in machine-readable form) get location data from an AirTag?
[AirTags][1] seem to be an incredibly useful way of creating a de-facto globally available location tracker, by taking advantage of the sheer number of iOS devices around. I'd love to be able to obtain an AirTag and get location data from it (or more precisely from the Apple 'Find My' network) progr...
AirTags seem to be an incredibly useful way of creating a de-facto globally available location tracker, by taking advantage of the sheer number of iOS devices around.
I'd love to be able to obtain an AirTag and get location data from it (or more precisely from the Apple 'Find My' network) programmatically or in machine-readable form, though. Currently as I understand it the location is only available through the 'Find My' tool (digression: see this fascinating recent article illustrating that), which in effect means it's limited to what's plotted on a map. Can I get lat/long co-ordinates from this? Can I programmatically trigger the request for location? This would be a great way to (for example) plot everywhere I travel, by popping one in my bag and having a central server somewhere request my location periodically and log it. Real-time would be ideal, but even a history of locations would be good.
(Note: I wasn't sure if this question was better suited for here or StackOverflow. Happy if the community wants to move it).
Andrew Ferrier
(3520 rep)
May 12, 2021, 03:52 PM
• Last activity: Dec 27, 2024, 08:46 AM
6
votes
2
answers
1829
views
Why was Homebrew connecting to Google analytics (now AWS) and how can I disable this?
I've noticed that when I run : brew update Homebrew was connecting to Google analytics and now warns about InnoDB anonymous analytics one time. Why and how to opt out?
I've noticed that when I run :
brew update
Homebrew was connecting to Google analytics and now warns about InnoDB anonymous analytics one time.
Why and how to opt out?
Ortomala Lokni
(6022 rep)
Apr 24, 2017, 07:23 PM
• Last activity: Dec 21, 2024, 05:36 PM
1
votes
1
answers
620
views
How can I silence the privacy alert (e.g. Screen Capture) for a specific app?
I use DisplayLink Manager to operate my dock and use external monitors. To do its job, it requires Screen Recording privilages. A blue icon in the menu bar indicates that "DisplayLink Manager is capturing your screen". I appreciate this alert, but because the alert is constantly visible, I ignore it...
I use DisplayLink Manager to operate my dock and use external monitors. To do its job, it requires Screen Recording privilages. A blue icon in the menu bar indicates that "DisplayLink Manager is capturing your screen". I appreciate this alert, but because the alert is constantly visible, I ignore it and am now unaware if any other app is capturing my screen.
Is there a way to hide this alert for a single app? Even if this setting resets when I install a new version of the app, that's better than me becoming desensitised to these alerts.
I'm using MacOS Sequoia 15.2.
Hand-E-Food
(1621 rep)
Dec 18, 2024, 02:18 AM
• Last activity: Dec 21, 2024, 06:08 AM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions