How to Grant Terminal Full Disk Access on Mac

Granting Terminal full disk access on macOS allows the Terminal app to read and modify files in protected system locations. This permission is often required when installing patched or modified applications and running setup scripts. With full disk access enabled, Terminal can:

• Install and remove system applications
• Modify system files and settings
• Manage file and folder permissions
• Start and stop system services
• Perform other tasks that require elevated privileges

For macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia

1. Open System Settings.

2. Go to Privacy & Security.

3. Open Full Disk Access.

4. At the bottom of the list, click the + button.

5. Navigate to Applications > Utilities and select Terminal. Terminal now has full disk access on your Mac.

6. Return to Privacy & Security.

7. Open App Management and repeat the same steps as for Full Disk Access — add Terminal and enable the toggle.

Done! Terminal now has the permissions it needs for copy, paste, delete, and other file operations.

For macOS Monterey, Big Sur and earlier

1. Open System Preferences (System Settings on some versions).

2. Go to Security & Privacy.

3. Open the Privacy tab.

4. Select Full Disk Access in the sidebar.

5. Click the + button.

6. Navigate to Applications > Utilities, select Terminal, and confirm. Terminal now has full disk access on your Mac.

Done! Terminal now has the permissions it needs for copy, paste, delete, and other file operations.