Full Disk Access

Full Disk Access is a security permission that utilities like CleanMyMac require to perform essential tasks – cleaning, maintaining, and protecting your Mac. It is normal and safe to grant Full Disk Access to trusted system tools, especially when:

• They are developed by well-known, reputable companies (such as MacPaw, the creators of CleanMyMac).

• They are notarized by Apple (as CleanMyMac is).

Rest assured, CleanMyMac only operates when you explicitly initiate it and does not transfer your personal files or data beyond your Mac. This should give you added confidence in the app's safety.

Full Disk Access is a macOS security and privacy feature that restricts apps from accessing certain "protected" areas of your system, including:

• Data from other apps (like Mail, Messages, Time Machine, Safari, Home, and more)

• Files in the Trash

• Certain system settings

The "protected data" mainly refers to files created by macOS and other apps rather than your personal documents or emails.

It's common to grant Full Disk Access to utilities, antivirus software, and other applications that need deeper system access. However, always ensure that the app comes from a trusted developer.

Without Full Disk Access, CleanMyMac cannot scan all areas of your Mac for junk files or malware. As a result, your Mac may have reduced storage space and could run slower, which is especially problematic on older machines. Additionally, without a thorough scan, your Mac could become more vulnerable to malware or other security threats.

Yes, it is completely safe. Here’s why:

• CleanMyMac is notarized by Apple and available through the App Store.

  Notarization verifies that the app is from a trusted developer, is free from malicious code, and is safe to use.

• MacPaw respects your privacy.

  We do not transfer any personal data beyond your Mac, including your work documents, chat histories, or emails. We only collect analytic data to improve CleanMyMac, and we handle it in accordance with GDPR and our (strict) Privacy Policy.

• CleanMyMac ensures your Mac and data remain safe during cleanup, using its Safety Database, Smart Selection, and other advanced features.

To grant Full Disk Access, first open CleanMyMac, select Smart Care, then click Scan. During the Smart Scan, CleanMyMac registers its components with macOS.

Now, follow the steps below to give Full Disk Access to the CleanMyMac components depending on your macOS version.

In macOS Ventura or later

1. Open System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then select Full Disk Access.

   

   Alternatively, in CleanMyMac, go to Assistant, find the Allow Full Disk Access recommendation, then click Allow Access.

   

2. Turn on Full Disk Access for CleanMyMac.

   

3. Confirm your choice using Touch ID or your password.

In macOS Big Sur and Monterey

1. Open System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then select Full Disk Access.

   Alternatively, in CleanMyMac, go to Assistant, find the Allow Full Disk Access recommendation, then click Allow Access.

   

2. Click the lock in the lower-left corner, then enter your password or use Touch ID.

3. In the right pane:

   • For macOS Big Sur 11.0–11.3.1, select CleanMyMac.

   • For macOS Big Sur 11.4 or later, or macOS Monterey, select CleanMyMac, CleanMyMac Health Monitor, and CleanMyMac Menu.

   

Once done, CleanMyMac will have Full Disk Access and can take complete care of your Mac.