How to Change File or Folder Permissions on macOS

Updated at: 11/06/2025

Controlling file and folder access on your macOS system is crucial for security and privacy. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough on how to modify permissions using the Finder's Get Info panel and the Terminal. Learn how to grant or restrict read and write access for users, groups, and yourself, ensuring your data remains safe and only accessible to authorized individuals. Master macOS permissions today and enhance your system's security.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Locate the Target

    • Navigate to the file or folder you want to change permissions for.
    Navigate to the file or folder you want to change permissions for.
    Locate the Target

  2. Access Get Info

    • Right-click (or Option-click with two fingers on the trackpad) on the file or folder.
    • Select "Get Info" from the context menu.
    Select "Get Info" from the context menu. Select "Get Info" from the context menu.
    Access Get Info

  3. Unlock Permissions

    • Scroll down to the "Sharing & Permissions" section at the bottom of the "Get Info" window.
    • Click the lock icon in the bottom right corner and authenticate with your password.
    Click the lock icon in the bottom right corner and authenticate with your password. Click the lock icon in the bottom right corner and authenticate with your password.
    Unlock Permissions

  4. Modify Permissions

    • Select the user or group you want to modify permissions for.
    • Choose the desired permission level (Read only, Write only, Read & Write) from the dropdown menu.
    • To add or remove users, click the plus or minus icon respectively.
    To add or remove users, click the plus or minus icon respectively. To add or remove users, click the plus or minus icon respectively. To add or remove users, click the plus or minus icon respectively.
    Modify Permissions

  5. Save Changes

    • Click the lock icon again to save your changes.
    Click the lock icon again to save your changes.
    Save Changes
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Tips

  • Changing folder permissions affects all its contents.
  • The method is the same for both files and folders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrectly Selecting the User or Group

Reason: Accidentally changing permissions for the wrong user or group (e.g., applying changes to 'Everyone' instead of a specific user).
Solution: Double-check the selected user or group in the Get Info window before applying changes.

2. Over-Restricting Permissions

Reason: Setting permissions too restrictively, preventing access for yourself or necessary applications.
Solution: Carefully consider the required permissions, starting with more permissive settings and gradually restricting access only if necessary.

FAQs

Why would I need to change file permissions?
Changing file permissions is crucial for security. It lets you control who can read, write, or execute specific files or folders, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access or modification.
What happens if I accidentally remove all permissions from a file?
If you remove all permissions, you (and potentially others) will likely lose access to that file. You might need to use recovery tools or restore from a backup to regain access. It's crucial to proceed with caution.
Can I change permissions for a large number of files at once?
While the Finder's 'Get Info' method is best for individual files, the Terminal offers command-line tools like `chmod` for batch processing. This allows you to efficiently apply permissions changes to multiple files and folders simultaneously.