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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.
  • Many actionsThis page belongs to a collection, containing many changes.
  • macOS onlyThis script improves your privacy on macOS
  • Impact: MinimumSystem Functionality 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.
  • 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 — Functional Privacy​

  • 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 scripts minimal system impact.

    • High​

      Some advanced scripts with high system impact.

    • Maximum​

      Some not recommended scripts with very high system impact.

    Learn more about protection levels

  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 (Functional Privacy)
      • Strict for High (Advanced Privacy)
      • All for Maximum (Strongest Possible Privacy)

    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​

  • 144 Privacy settings
  • 5 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 5 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Main categories may contain subcategories, further organizing related functionality.
  • 34 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:This script already includes these options.
You can review, apply or reverse each option individually.
Click any option to learn more about what it does.

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

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
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential 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