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Yes — Full Disk Access. CleanMyMac requests Full Disk Access so it can scan and delete files across your system, which means it can read any file on your Mac. It doesn't need camera, mic, or screen access. Full Disk Access is the permission to scrutinize most here. To check on your Mac, open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and review the Camera, Microphone, Screen & System Audio Recording, Accessibility, and Full Disk Access lists for CleanMyMac.

Security/App Permissions

Cleaner & Utility

Does CleanMyMac access your camera, mic, or screen?

Yes — Full Disk Access. CleanMyMac requests Full Disk Access so it can scan and delete files across your system, which means it can read any file on your Mac. It doesn't need camera, mic, or screen access. Full Disk Access is the permission to scrutinize most here.

CleanMyMac's permission profile

Screen Recording
No
Microphone
No
Camera
No
Accessibility
Optional
Full Disk Access
Yes — used

“Used” = needed for a core feature · “Optional” = only for a specific feature · “No” = not normally requested

Why CleanMyMac requests these

A cleaner needs broad file access to find caches, logs, and junk anywhere on disk. That necessarily includes the ability to read personal files.

What to watch for

Full Disk Access is one of the most powerful permissions — grant it only to software you fully trust, and review what it's allowed to remove before clicking. Consider whether you need an always-installed cleaner at all.

How to check CleanMyMac's permissions on your Mac

  1. 1Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access.
  2. 2Check whether CleanMyMac (or its helper) is listed.
  3. 3Remove access if you're not actively using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Full Disk Access dangerous to grant?

It's not inherently dangerous, but it lets the app read every file on your Mac — so only grant it to trusted software and revoke it when you're not using the app.

See everything CleanMyMac (and every other app) can access

A free CoreLock Security Score lists every app with screen-recording, mic, camera, accessibility, or full-disk access — and flags the risky ones — in about 60 seconds.

Get your free Security Score

Free · 100% on your Mac · No account

Audit every app's permissions — free

Don't check apps one at a time. CoreLock scans your whole Mac and shows you exactly which apps can see your screen, hear your mic, or read your files.

Download CoreLock Free

Available for macOS and Windows