Full Disk Access is a security permission without which utilities like CleanMyMac X cannot do their job — clean up, maintain, and protect your entire Mac. It is normal and safe to give Full Disk Access to system tools when they are:
- Made by well-known developers with good reputation (like MacPaw, the creators of CleanMyMac X)
- Notarized by Apple (like CleanMyMac X)
Note that CleanMyMac X only works when you give it a command and does not take your personal files beyond your Mac. We hope it helps you trust CleanMyMac X even more.
In this article:
- What is Full Disk Access (FDA)?
- What happens if you don't give Full Disk Access to CleanMyMac X?
- Is it safe to provide Full Disk Access to CleanMyMac X?
- Grant the Full Disk Access permission to CleanMyMac X
What is Full Disk Access (FDA)?
Full Disk Access is a security and privacy feature on macOS. It prevents apps from accessing the areas and resources
which macOS considers "protected," like these:
- Data from other apps (like Mail, Messages, TimeMachine, Safari, Home, and others)
- Files in thrash bins
- Some system settings
In this context, the "protected data" is not so much private information, like your documents or emails, but rather
the data that macOS and other apps produce for you (including settings and service files).
It's a common practice to grant Full Disk Access to utilities, anti-viruses, and other apps that work deeper with
your system. Of course, you must be sure these apps are trustworthy and come from reputable developers.
What happens if you don't give Full Disk Access to CleanMyMac X?
Without Full Disk Access, CleanMyMac X cannot scan all areas of your computer for junk files or malware. As a result, your Mac may have less available space on a hard drive and work slower (which is especially annoying on older computers). Finally, without deep scanning, your Mac may become vulnerable for malware attacks or other network threats.
Is it safe to provide Full Disk Access to CleanMyMac X?
Yes, absolutely. Here are the main reasons:
- CleanMyMac X is notarized by Apple and is available on the App Store. Notarization means that the app is from a trusted developer, it's free from malicious components, and is safe for distribution.
- MacPaw doesn't transfer any personal data beyond your Mac — especially your office files, chat history, or emails. We only use some analytic data to improve CleanMyMac X, but we protect such data in compliance with GDPR and our (very strict) Privacy Policy.
- CleanMyMac X keeps your Mac and your data safe during cleanup by using its Safety Database, Smart Selection and many other features.
For more details, see Is CleanMyMac safe?
Grant the Full Disk Access permission to CleanMyMac X
First, open CleanMyMac X and click Scan, especially if you haven't done that before. During the Smart Scan, CleanMyMac X registers its components in macOS System Settings.
Now, provide CleanMyMac's components with the Full Disk Access privilege.
On macOS 13 Ventura and 14 Sonoma
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen and choose System Settings.
- Click Privacy & Security in the sidebar on the left.
- In the pane on the right, scroll down and select Full Disk Access.
- Turn on Full Disk Access for all components of CleanMyMac X:
- CleanMyMac X
- CleanMyMac X HealthMonitor
- CleanMyMac X Menu
- Confirm your choice using Touch ID or a password.
The password is usually the one with which you log in to your Mac.
On macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey (10.14-12.x)
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen and choose System Preferences.
- Click Security & Privacy and switch to the Privacy tab.
- In the sidebar of the left, scroll down and select Full Disk Access.
- Click the lock in the lower-left corner, then enter your password or use Touch ID.
- In the pane on the right, scroll down and select these components:
- CleanMyMac X.app
- CleanMyMac X HealthMonitor.app
- CleanMyMac X Menu.app
On macOS 10.13 High Sierra and older
These versions require separate permissions for apps to access Photos, Calendars, and Contacts. To save time, we recommend providing Full Disk Access for CleanMyMac X, thus automatically granting all other permissions. The steps are almost identical to those for macOS Mojave-Monterey. However, instead of Full Disk Access, you may choose to provide separate permissions for CleanMyMac X to work with Photos, Calendars, and Contacts.
Done! Now, with a Full Disk Access permission, CleanMyMac X can finally take care of your entire Mac. Thanks for your trust!
If you have any questions or need assistance providing Full Disk Access for CleanMyMac X, feel free to contact our Customer Care Team.
