Summary

Permission Type
iPhone / iPad
Mac
Files & Folders
Settings → App → Files/Folders
Privacy & Security → Files and Folders
Local Network
Privacy & Security → Local Network
Network → Firewall → Options
Location
Privacy & Security → Location Services
Privacy & Security → Location Services

1. FILES & FOLDERS ACCESS

On iPhone or iPad

iOS apps cannot access all files arbitrarily, but they can request permission to access Files app documents or Photos.

To allow file access:

1. Open Settings → [App Name].

2. Turn on:

   • Files and Folders → toggle ON

   • (If the app uses the Files app storage picker, you’ll see this when it first asks permission.)

3. If you don’t see “Files and Folders,” it means the app uses the Files picker instead — which asks permission dynamically when opening a document.

To allow photo/media access:

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Photos

2. Select the app → Choose Full Access, Selected Photos, or None.

On Mac (macOS Ventura / Sonoma / Sequoia)

To allow Files and Folders access:

1. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders.

2. Find the app in the list.

3. Enable the toggles for specific directories (e.g., Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Removable Volumes, Network Volumes).

💡 Tip: Some apps request permission dynamically the first time they try to access a folder. You’ll get a popup to Allow or Don’t Allow — choose Allow.

2. LOCAL NETWORK ACCESS

On iPhone or iPad

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network.

2. Turn on the toggle for the app that needs access.

⚠️ The app must have requested Local Network access before it appears here. You’ll see a popup like:
“App would like to find and connect to devices on your local network” → tap OK.

On Mac

There’s no single “Local Network” switch on macOS, but local network access depends on Firewall and Network permissions.

To allow local network communication:

1. Go to System Settings → Network → Firewall.

2. If the Firewall is on:

   • Click Options…

   • Make sure your app is listed and set to Allow incoming connections.

3. If it’s not listed, click the + button → select your app → choose Allow incoming connections.

For apps using Bonjour or mDNS (like AirDrop, printers, or NAS tools), ensure Block all incoming connections is disabled.

3. LOCATION ACCESS

On iPhone or iPad

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → make sure Location Services is On.

2. Scroll down → tap your app.

3. Choose one:

   • Never

   • Ask Next Time or When I Share

   • While Using the App

   • Always

4. (Optional) Enable Precise Location if the app needs exact coordinates.

On Mac

1. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.

2. Make sure Location Services is On.

3. Scroll to find your app → toggle it On.

4. (Optional) Click the i icon next to System Services to see which built-in macOS features use location (e.g., Find My, Time Zone, etc.).