Revoke Accessibility Access on macOS: Step-by-Step

If an app has been granted Accessibility permissions on your Mac, it can control your computer—reading screen contents, simulating clicks, and typing. Revoking that access is a straightforward privacy measure that stops the app from using those capabilities. You only need your Mac and the admin password (if you’re not an admin user).

What You’ll Need

• Your Mac running macOS (any recent version, from Catalina to Sonoma and later).
• An administrator account password, if your user account is not an admin.
• Knowledge of which app you want to revoke (check the list in System Settings).

Step-by-Step

1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
2. Go to Privacy & Security: In the sidebar, click Privacy & Security. On older macOS, this is the Security & Privacy pane.
3. Select Accessibility: In the Privacy & Security section, scroll down and click Accessibility. You’ll see a list of apps that have been granted permission to control your computer.
4. Unlock the settings (if needed): If the list is grayed out, click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your admin password (or use Touch ID) to make changes.
5. Find the app: Scroll through the list to locate the app you want to revoke. The list is alphabetical, and you can also use the search bar at the top of the list (if available).
6. Toggle off the switch: Click the toggle switch next to the app’s name so it turns gray (off). This immediately revokes its Accessibility access.
7. Close System Settings: You don’t need to save; changes take effect instantly. You can close the window.
8. Restart the app (optional): Some apps may continue to behave as if they still have access until they are quit and reopened. If the app is running, quit it (Cmd+Q) and relaunch it to ensure the revocation is fully applied.

Common Mistakes

• Turning off the wrong app: The Accessibility list includes many system processes and helper tools. Double-check the app name and its icon before toggling.
• Forgetting to unlock: If you can’t toggle the switch, you haven’t unlocked the settings. Click the lock icon first.
• Revoking for all users: The toggle is per-user. If you have multiple user accounts, you need to revoke access in each account separately.
• Assuming revoking stops the app entirely: Revoking Accessibility only removes that specific permission. The app may still function normally for other tasks.

Tips

• Review the list regularly: Periodically check which apps have Accessibility access and revoke any you no longer use or trust.
• Use the search field: If you have many apps, use the search box at the top of the Accessibility list to find one quickly.
• Understand what Accessibility allows: Apps with this permission can send keystrokes, click buttons, and read screen content. Grant it only to apps you trust, like screen readers or automation tools.
• Revoke temporarily: If you’re unsure, you can toggle it off and later turn it back on—the app will prompt you again when it needs access.
• Check for helper processes: Some apps add multiple entries (e.g., a main app and a helper). Revoke all entries related to that app if you want to fully disable its accessibility features.

Troubleshooting

• The app still has access after toggling off: Quit the app completely (Cmd+Q) and reopen it. If it still works, restart your Mac—some background processes cache permissions.
• The toggle is grayed out and won’t change: You haven’t unlocked the settings. Click the lock icon in the bottom-left and authenticate. If you’re not an admin, you’ll need an admin to do this for you.
• You can’t find the app in the list: The app may have been removed or never granted access. If it’s not listed, it doesn’t have Accessibility permission. Check if it’s listed under other categories like Input Monitoring or Screen Recording.
• The app re-adds itself after revoking: Some apps automatically request access again on launch. If you don’t want that, consider uninstalling the app or denying its request when the prompt appears.
• System Settings crashes when you open Accessibility: This is rare but can happen. Try restarting your Mac, then reopen System Settings. If it persists, check for macOS updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does revoking Accessibility access delete any data from the app?

No, revoking this permission only stops the app from controlling your Mac. It does not delete app data, settings, or files.

Will the app notify me if I revoke its access?

Usually not. The app may continue to run, but features that rely on Accessibility (like auto-clicking or keyboard shortcuts) will stop working. Some apps may show an error or prompt you to re-enable access.

Can I revoke accessibility for system apps like Siri or VoiceOver?

Yes, you can toggle them off, but doing so may break system features. It’s generally safe to leave system apps enabled unless you have a specific reason to disable them.

How do I know which apps have Accessibility access without opening System Settings?

You can’t see it from the app itself. You must go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility to see the full list.

Is there a way to revoke all Accessibility access at once?

No, macOS does not provide a “revoke all” button. You must toggle each app individually. If you want to start fresh, you could reset your privacy settings via Terminal (but that also resets other permissions like camera and microphone).

What if I accidentally revoke access for an app I need?

Simply go back to the same list and toggle the switch on. The app will regain its Accessibility permission immediately, though it may need to be restarted.

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