Updated: · 6 min read
When you first run Maccy it asks for a permission, and people reasonably ask why — and whether it needs more. Here is exactly what Maccy uses, what it does not, and how to manage it.
The short version: Maccy needs Accessibility permission to paste for you. It does not require Full Disk Access. That is the whole permission story.
Accessibility — the one permission Maccy uses
macOS gates the ability to simulate keystrokes behind Accessibility. Maccy app uses it for one purpose: to press paste in the app you are using when you choose an item from your history. Grant it in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
It is not used to watch your screen, read other apps, or log your activity — and because Maccy is open source, you can verify that in the code. If you decline, Maccy still works: it copies the item to the clipboard and you press ⌘ V yourself.
Does Maccy need Full Disk Access?
No. Maccy Mac stores its history in its own application-support folder and does not require Full Disk Access to function. If something prompts you for it, you can decline — normal clipboard operation does not depend on it.
Why permissions get reset
Major macOS updates sometimes disable previously granted permissions. If Maccy stops pasting after an update, re-grant Accessibility — this is the most common post-update issue. Full fix: Maccy not working after a macOS update.
How to grant or revoke
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
- Toggle Maccy on to grant, off to revoke.
- If it behaves oddly, remove Maccy with the minus button and re-add it with the plus button, then relaunch.
Permissions and your privacy
Minimal permissions are part of why Maccy rates well on privacy: one permission, used for one obvious purpose, in fully auditable code. See the full security review and why it is among the most secure clipboard managers. Explore all Maccy features, or download Maccy free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Maccy need Accessibility permission?
To paste the item you choose into the app you are using, which macOS only allows with Accessibility access. It is not used to monitor your screen or activity, and Maccy still works without it — it just copies instead of auto-pasting.
Does Maccy need Full Disk Access?
No. Maccy functions with only Accessibility permission and does not require Full Disk Access. You can decline Full Disk Access without affecting normal clipboard operation.