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macOS

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Works with any MacWorks with any Mac running macOS/OS X on Intel or Apple Silicon.
  • macOS onlyThis script improves your privacy on macOS
  • Many actionsThis page belongs to a collection, containing many changes.
  • Impact: Minimum

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Low

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Bash (Shell script)These changes use macOS system commands to update your settings.
  • 143 scripts
  • 34 categories
  • Administrative (sudo) access requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Partially reversibleYou can not restore changes done by this script.

Overview​

Guide to Mac Privacy
Privacy protection for Apple's desktop operating system

Universal

All Macs and macOS

Verified

Community Tested

Explained

Step-by-step Guide

macOS Data Collection

Prevent macOS from collecting your data by default:
iCloud Analytics
Control data sharing with Apple's cloud services
App Analytics
Manage app usage and crash reporting data
Background Services
Control system analytics and diagnostics
Web Privacy
Browsing history & tracking
Voice Data
Prevent Siri audio recordings
Media Collection
Photos, videos & camera access
Communications
Emails, messages & contacts
Location Services
Control access to the location of your Mac
While macOS includes built-in privacy features, many system services still collect and share your data with Apple and third parties by default.
Supported Macs and macOS versions

Supported Mac Computers

Works on all Macs:
MacBook
iMac
Mac Mini
Mac Studio
Mac Pro
Hackintosh
Older Macs

Supported Chips

It supports both Intel and Apple Silicone:
Intel-based Macs
Macs with Apple Silicon

Supported macOS

macOS scripts should work on all versions of macOS and OS X. Following versions have been tested and verified by the community:
macOS Sequoia (15.x)
macOS Sonoma (14.x)
macOS Ventura (13.x)
macOS Monterey (12.x)
macOS Big Sur (11.x)
macOS Catalina (10.15)
macOS Mojave (10.14)
macOS High Sierra (10.13)
macOS Sierra (10.12)
OS X El Capitan (10.11)
OS X Yosemite (10.10)
OS X Mavericks (10.9)
OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)

Older versions are not tested/supported, but the scripts can still work.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Common questions about on privacy protection on Macs

Safety​

Is it safe to use privacy scripts on my Mac?

Yes! These scripts are extensively tested by the Mac users and can be reversed if needed. They only modify macOS privacy settings and don't affect your personal files or apps.

However, less recommended scripts such as High and Maximummay disable features that some users rely on.

Carefully review and choose additional privacy settings before applying them beyond the recommended Normal configuration.

Impact​

Will this break my system updates or macOS features?

No, Normal (our recommended settings) are chosen to preserve major macOS functionality, including system updates, App Store downloads, and iCloud.

However, more aggressive scripts like High or Maximummay limit some Apple services and iCloud features.

Start with Normal and carefully review each advanced script before applying it.

SIP​

How do these scripts work with Apple\'s System Integrity Protection (SIP)?

Our scripts are designed to work safely with SIP enabled. They don't modify system-protected areas, and no SIP changes are required for Normal protection level.

For High or Maximum protection levels that might require disabling SIP, you will see clear warnings.

We provide clear documentation where possible for any steps involving SIP changes.

iCloud​

Will these settings affect my iCloud synchronization?

The Normal script maintains iCloud functionality while enhancing privacy.

  • Core iCloud services remain functional.
  • Selective sync options available.
  • Granular control over what data syncs.

High and Maximum protection levels may limit some iCloud features.

We clearly mark which settings affect iCloud services in our documentation.

FileVault​

How do the scripts handle FileVault encryption?

Our scripts work seamlessly with FileVault. Your encryption status remains intact, and we do not interfere with encryption or decryption.

We recommend keeping FileVault enabled for additional privacy and security.

Reversibility​

Can I undo the changes if something goes wrong?

Absolutely! Changes can be reversed with a single click using the Undo protection button. Your system can be returned to its original state at any time.

However, some privacy cleanup actions (like deleting caches/logs) are naturally irreversible once those files are removed. Documentation of irreversible scripts always warn you about this.

Compatibility​

Will this work on older Mac models?

Yes, these scripts can significantly improve older Macs—particularly by reducing background processes, optimizing system resources, and cleaning up accumulated system data. Many of our privacy enhancements work on macOS versions as far back as High Sierra.

We strongly recommend using a supported version of macOS to ensure you receive the latest security updates from Apple.

Many users extend their Mac's lifespan by years with these scripts, avoiding new purchase while enjoying better performance and contributing to cleaner environment.

Safe for General Use
This script has Normal protection level option. This is recommended for all users to improve without any noticeable impact on the system functionality.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Free
  • Open-source

Normal — Everyday Privacy (Enterprise-Grade)​

  • Recommended for all
  • Safe for daily use
  • No impact on system stability

Read more about Normal and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore privacy on macOS using script​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 6 instructions
  1. 1

    Choose protection

    Choose one of the options with different impact levels:

    • Normal

      Some safe changes minimal system impact.

    • High

      Some potentially impactful changes with moderate system impact.

    • Maximum

      Some impactful changes with high system impact.
  2. 2

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  3. 3

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  4. 4

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  5. 5

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  6. 6

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore privacy on macOS using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Open the collection on top menu: macOS
    2. Select a level on top left:
      • Standard for Normal (Everyday Privacy (Enterprise-Grade))
      • Strict for High (Advanced Privacy)
      • All for Maximum (Strongest Possible Privacy (Military-Grade))

    On top left, you can select Normal to limit the impact.

    Not sure which level to choose? Check protection levels guide.

  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 143 Privacy settings
  • 5 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 5 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Each main category contains subcategories, helping you find specific settings you might want to adjust.
  • 34 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

  • Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.
  • Most users find the Normal protection above sufficient.

Privacy cleanup

This specification: privacy cleanup — lays out a systematic approach to how to lock down private information as part of sensitive data privacy protection on macOS. Trust in digital technologies is strengthened by digital privacy enforcement. Let's optimize personal privacy measures control by following parameters this tutorial provides: review the (Reference: choices) and decide now. Don't rush through the process; focus on precision. Completing each step carefully leads to better outcomes. Referen...

Configure programs

Configure programs — This inventory lays out the steps for how. Alongside this, process to revert the last operation is detailed below. Unintended consequences of data misuse are mitigated with personal data defenses. Start through this improvement for important data privacy assurance parameters: explore the (Reference: possibilities) available for your goals. Don't try to skip or combine steps. The guide is designed to lead you through the process safely and efficiently. References - [Processe...

Configure OS

This page gives you practical advice on: configure OS to strengthen personal data privacy enforcement for macOS. As well, process to revert to the preset configuration is detailed below. Maintaining personal privacy management helps preserve the diversity of thought. Want to optimize digital data privacy assurance options? Now, use this guide to (Reference: proceed). Don't let impatience lead to skipping steps. Every detail in the guide is important for success. References - [Script management ...

Security improvements

This document —security improvements— provides guidance on how to establish robust privacy protection on macOS. What's more, you'll learn how to reset the changed configurations on this section. Ownership and responsibility for personal data are encouraged by online data privacy enforcement. Manage options for sensitive data privacy protection enabled by this optimization and follow these steps to (Reference: proceed). Stay focused and avoid multitasking. Giving the guide your full attention will m...

Privacy over security

MacOS important privacy control: privacy over security in a few steps on this system preference that simplifies the process of how to manage online privacy safeguard effectively. More so, steps to reverse personalized configurations are included in this plan. Individuality finds protection through personal data privacy guardrail in our connected world. To improve personal privacy security preferences by following this enhancement, follow the steps and use this link to (Reference: adjust) your p...

Similar Guides​

Other Platforms​

Windows
Linux

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process