So you’ve just updated macOS, expecting new features and better performance. But instead, your Mac has turned into the digital equivalent of a toddler who asks for permission every five seconds. Notifications pop up endlessly: “Allow access?” “Grant permission?” “Are you sure you trust this?” Productivity flies out the window. Sound familiar?
TL;DR
After a macOS update, permissions may reset. This causes Focus Modes, Shortcuts, and Automations to constantly ask for access or stop working. The fix? Know where to go and how to reset or grant permissions in System Settings. Don’t panic — we’ll guide you step-by-step below!
Why macOS Does This
Modern macOS is very privacy-forward. That’s great — in theory. But when the system updates, it often resets some app permissions. Suddenly, your trusted apps can’t control Focus Modes, run AppleScripts, or trigger Shortcuts — even though they used to work just fine yesterday.
Here’s what might be broken:
- Your Focus Mode doesn’t auto-start when you open Zoom
- Shortcuts give you “permission denied” errors
- Automation scripts don’t turn on Do Not Disturb
- Calendar or Mail triggers no longer launch anything
The culprit? Missing Automation access, Full Disk Access, or Accessibility permissions.
Step 1: Visit the Security & Privacy Settings (Now It’s “Privacy & Security”)
First, open System Settings from the Apple menu. On the left sidebar, scroll and click Privacy & Security.
Inside, you’ll see a bunch of options. These control what apps can do.
Check these three areas:
- Accessibility – for apps that control your Mac (like your automation scripts)
- Full Disk Access – for apps that scan or control files across your computer
- Automation – for Shortcuts or Automator scripts running other apps
Make sure your trusted apps — like Shortcuts, Script Editor, Calendar, or others — are checked here. If unchecked, they’re likely the cause of the errors.
Step 2: Re-Grant Permission for Each App
Sadly, there’s no “Allow Everything I Trust” button (yet). But you can manually fix the issue:
For example, if your Shortcut refuses to launch Mail, go to Automation and look for “Shortcuts” trying to control “Mail.” Enable it.
If AppleScript can’t update a Focus Mode, go to Accessibility and grant access to the Script Editor app.
This takes 5-10 minutes but solves 80% of issues. If the app isn’t listed yet, don’t worry — it will likely appear the next time it attempts the denied action. So retry your workflow and return to this screen after it reappears.
Step 3: Reset the TCC Database (Advanced, But Sometimes Needed)
If permissions are deeply broken and nothing shows up properly, you may need to reset macOS’s trusted app database (TCC).
Warning: This will reset ALL app permissions, including camera, microphone, files, etc. So only use it if your Mac’s really confused.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open Terminal
- Paste this command:
tccutil reset All - Hit Return
- Restart your Mac
Afterward, macOS behaves like a fresh install. Apps will ask for access again — but this time, permissions should stick correctly.
Step 4: Rebuild Broken Focus Automations
If Focus Mode automations were working before but not now, revisit your Focus settings:
- Go to System Settings → Focus
- Pick your Focus (like “Work” or “Quiet Time”)
- Scroll to Turn On Automatically
- Make sure the automation triggers are still listed
If they’re gone after the update (which happens), just re-add them. You can set Focus to activate with apps, time of day, or locations.
Double-check the related apps have proper access back in the Privacy & Security menu as described earlier.
Step 5: Check Shortcuts Permissions
Shortcuts often get blocked post-update. You may see errors like “The operation couldn’t be completed” or “Shortcuts doesn’t have permission.”
Here’s a tiny checklist to fix that:
- Open Shortcuts app
- Run the Shortcut that’s broken
- Let macOS prompt for access
- Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security to confirm access is granted
Sometimes, even built-in apps like Notes or Calendar need you to manually approve them again in the Shortcut’s settings.
Step 6: Check Login Items and Background Permissions
Open System Settings → General → Login Items.
Apps that used to start background helpers (like automation daemons or menu bar tools) may be disabled after an update. Re-enable them here if needed.
In the same screen, also review Allow in the Background. This lets apps continue operations silently — super useful for timed triggers and Focus updating tools.
Step 7: Prevent It Next Time (Sort of)
Apple doesn’t give us toggle switches to lock our permissions in place. But a few habits can help reduce headaches after future macOS updates:
- Keep a list of apps with automation access before updating
- Use Time Machine or create a full backup before major OS changes
- Revisit Privacy & Security settings after big updates
- Don’t ignore popups—click “Allow” as needed instead of “Not Now”
And finally — breathe. Even though it’s frustrating, these issues are fixable.
Bonus Tip: Try Using Third-Party Automation Tools
If Apple’s built-in options give you too many headaches, apps like Keyboard Maestro, Hammerspoon, or BetterTouchTool often bypass some of macOS’s quirky restrictions by using their own helper apps and permission models.
They still require initial approval in Accessibility and Automation, but tend to break less often during updates.
You’re Back to Work!
Now that things are reset, your Mac should behave again. Your Focus Modes toggle on with apps, your Shortcuts respond like tiny digital elves, and your productivity is back where it belongs.
Updates aren’t bad — they just like attention. Luckily, now you know exactly where to look when things go wrong.
Go forth and automate! 🚀