macOS · Privacy & Security
Approve apps that can capture your screen
Control which apps are allowed to record or capture the contents of your screen, a permission required by screen-sharing, recording, and streaming tools.
How to open Screen Recording Permission
- Open System Settings
- Select Privacy & Security, then Screen Recording
- Enable the toggle for the app requesting access
- Quit and relaunch the app to apply the change
What you should know
- Located under Privacy & Security → Screen Recording
- Required by video conferencing apps' screen-share features
- Also used by screenshot, recording, and streaming utilities
- App must be relaunched after being granted permission
Why it matters
Screen Recording permission gates a capability that could otherwise be exploited to silently capture passwords, messages, and other sensitive on-screen content. Requiring explicit user approval per app closes off a common attack vector used by malicious software. For everyday use, this permission is what makes legitimate features like video call screen sharing and screen recording software work correctly.
Best practices
- Only approve apps you recognize and intentionally installed
- Revoke access for apps no longer used for screen sharing or recording
- Relaunch an app immediately after granting permission for it to take effect
Common problems and fixes
- Screen share appears black in a video call
- Grant Screen Recording permission to the conferencing app and restart it.
- Permission toggle doesn't take effect
- Quit and reopen the app after enabling the toggle; a live relaunch is required.
- An unfamiliar app requests screen recording access
- Deny it unless you can verify the app's legitimacy and purpose.
Tips and tricks
- Check this list periodically since it's a common vector for spyware to abuse
- Use it alongside Camera & Microphone privacy settings for a full audit of capture permissions
Frequently asked questions
Why does Zoom or Teams need this permission?
Screen sharing features capture your display contents, which macOS treats the same as any screen recording.
Does this affect built-in screenshots?
No, macOS's own Screenshot tool doesn't require this user-granted permission.
Related settings
- Camera & Microphone PrivacyPrivacy & Security settings let you review and control exactly which apps are allowed to use your Mac's camera and microphone, so you always know what has access to audio and video.
- Privacy & SecurityThe Privacy & Security settings pane is the central hub for controlling app permissions, FileVault encryption, Gatekeeper protections, Lockdown Mode, and analytics sharing — essentially every major security and data-access decision on your Mac in one place.
More Privacy & Security guides for macOS
- FileVault Disk EncryptionFileVault encrypts the entire startup disk on your Mac, so your data stays protected even if the device is lost or stolen. Only someone with your password or recovery key can unlock and read the disk.
- App PermissionsBeyond camera and microphone, macOS tracks separate permissions for things like Full Disk Access, Files & Folders, Automation, Accessibility, and Local Network — each controlling exactly what a specific app is allowed to see or control on your Mac.
- Activation Lock (Find My Mac)Activation Lock automatically protects your Mac the moment Find My Mac is turned on, requiring your Apple Account password or device passcode before anyone can turn off Find My, erase the Mac, or reactivate it after an erase — making a lost or stolen Mac far less useful to whoever has it.
- Location ServicesManage system-wide Location Services and grant or deny individual apps and system features permission to use your Mac's estimated location.
- Full Disk AccessAuthorize specific apps, usually backup, security, or automation tools, to read protected locations across your entire disk that are normally off-limits.
- Apple AdvertisingTurn Personalized Ads on or off to control whether Apple uses your activity within its own apps, like the App Store and News, to show more relevant advertising.