In macOS 10.14 Mojave, Apple introduced new security settings that allow to control what apps can access your camera and microphone. Previous macOS versions allowed you to control only access to your location, contacts, photos, calendar, and reminders.
When using Duplicate File Finder for the first time, the application will need to obtain permission to access folders before scanning. The app will notify you via several pop-up windows, which request access to specific folder/s. Click OK to give the application access to the folder/s for scanning.
The first time the application will try to get access to your microphone, you’ll see a prompt from your system:
Note:
You won’t receive notifications from Apple apps like Safari or FaceTime. You can limit access to your microphone only for third-party programs.
Even if you’ve clicked “Don’t Allow,” you can change that later on your Mac. We’ll show you how to see what apps or websites can use your microphone to record audio and how you can adjust the settings.
How to allow microphone access on Mac
Follow these steps to allow the apps to access your microphone:
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Click Security & Privacy.
- Choose the Privacy tab.
- Select Microphone.
- Check the box next to the app to allow it to access your microphone.
Please note that if you allow the apps to use your microphone, any information they receive and collect is governed by their privacy policy. We recommend you to learn it to make sure that your personal data will be secure.
How to deny access to your microphone
If you want to block access to your microphone for some apps, you should follow similar steps:
- Go to the Apple menu.
- Click System Preferences.
- Choose Security & Privacy.
- Select Microphone.
- Deselect the checkbox to turn off access for that app.
You might be asked to quit the app to limit its access to your microphone. You can click “Quit Now” and the program won’t be able to use your mic anymore.
Note:
Some apps won’t work properly if you limit their access to your microphone. For example, if you’re using video chatting in Skype, you’ll have to give the app access to your camera and microphone.
How to control all permissions easily
You would be happy to learn about a cool way of managing all your apps permissions — with the help of an app CleanMyMac X. It has a great new feature, “Application Permissions,” that allows to check what data is used by different applications. In just a few clicks, you can see what programs have access to your camera, microphone, and other resources, and make changes.
Here’s how to try this amazing feature:
- Download and install CleanMyMac X first (free trial version is available).
- Launch the app.
- Choose the Privacy tab.
- Click Scan.
- Choose “Application Permissions.”
- Check the current permissions and make changes.
That’s it! All permissions are in one place, easy to view and manage.
Please note that you can control app permissions only on macOS Catalina.
Once you’ve checked your permissions, feel free to try other CleanMyMac’s features. It has a lot to offer: tools for speeding up the system, verifying your Mac for viruses and malware, finding space hoggers, and much more.
Tip:
Run a Smart Scan to clean, speed up, and check your Mac for malware in just a click.
We hope this article will be useful, and you’ll keep your private data safe and untouched.
Stay tuned!
Apple is always working on improving your security, and each macOS update brings new privacy features. In particular, macOS Catalina offers better control of your data. It requires apps to get your approval before accessing the camera and microphone on your Mac. Every time you open the application for the first time, you’ll need to permit it to use your computer’s camera.
Below we’ll show you how to give camera access for any installed app. Also, you’ll learn how to limit access for programs you suspect might be recording videos without your knowledge. Let’s dive in!
Securing your camera and microphone
How To Use Mac Computer
By default, the latest macOS versions — macOS Mojave and macOS Catalina — prevent apps from getting your personal data without your permission. That’s why when you open the program that wants to access your hardware, you’ll receive a pop-up. To give access, you just have to click OK. If this is a reliable app from a legitimate developer, you’ll need to confirm once and never think about it again.
If you clicked “Don’t Allow,” you could easily change that later on your Mac. You can check what apps are allowed to use your camera and allow or block access at any time. And here’s how to do that.
How to manage your camera permissions
Now let’s see a few ways that allow the apps to access your camera. If you’re looking for a simple automated solution, jump straight to the last method.
#1: Use System Preferences
Follow these steps to give some apps access to your camera:
- Go to the Apple menu.
- Choose System Preferences.
- Click Security & Privacy.
- Choose Camera from the lefthand menu.
- Allow the app to access your camera by ticking the box next to it.
If the application is opened on your Mac, you’ll receive a message asking you to quit it.
Click “Quit Now” and close the System Preferences window.
#2: Use your web browser
Let’s see how to enable camera permissions via Google Chrome.
- Open Chrome.
- Go to the Chrome menu > Preferences.
- Choose Advanced > Privacy & Security.
- Under Privacy and security, click Site Settings.
- Choose Camera.
- Click Ask before accessing and adjust the setting to your liking.
The process is similar for all web browsers, so if you’re using Safari or Firefox, you shouldn’t have problems with finding camera permissions settings.
#3: Use Parental Controls
The parental control feature on Mac also allows you to manage your camera.
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Choose Parental Controls.
- Click Enable Parental Controls.
- Enter your admin password if you’re asked.
- Click on the Apps tab and check Allow use of camera.
If you want to block camera access, uncheck the box. This will prevent all the apps on your Mac from using the built-in cameras.
#4: Use the app CleanMyMac X
We’ve come to the smoothest and the most intuitive way of taking care of your app permissions — with the help of an app called CleanMyMac X.
This program has a lot of useful features, like cleaning your Mac from junk files, speeding up the system, checking your computer for viruses and malware, and much more. Recently a new feature “Application Permissions” was released, and it allows controlling all your permissions, including your camera, in a few clicks. You should check it out!
- Download CleanMyMac X (a free trial version is available).
- Launch the app.
- Go to the Privacy tab.
- Click Scan.
- Choose “Application Permissions.”
- Check what apps have access to your camera and make changes.
Note: This feature is available only on macOS Catalina.
Once you’ve solved the issue with your permissions, check out other CleanMyMac’s tools. We recommend you to run a Smart Scan first. It will find unneeded files, determine potential threats, and define suitable speedup tasks for your Mac.
Then feel free to try other tools in the left panel —you’ll find a lot of useful tools for making your Mac as good as new.
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Thanks for reading and stay tuned!