How To Fix “App Is Accessing Your Screen” Bug on macOS Sequoia

Remote screen hijacking has been a cybersecurity threat for decades, with users often becoming wary of remote desktop tools like AnyDesk and Cobalt Strike due to the risks associated with them. However, in an effort to stay ahead of these risks, Apple introduced stricter permission controls on its latest operating system, macOS Sequoia. The new system alert, which says "[App Name] Is Accessing Your Screen," is designed to be a reliable safeguard against Remote Access Trojans (RATs) and unauthorized monitoring.

For the most part, this feature has been effective in preventing remote access threats. However, when persistent bugs or misconfigurations trigger the alert repeatedly, it can lead to "alert fatigue" - a state of mental exhaustion caused by the constant stream of notifications. So, what can you do if the “App Is Accessing Your Screen” notification won't go away?

Method 1: macOS Force Restart

A quick and safe hack to bypass repeated prompts is to perform a force restart on your Mac. This will reset security permissions and may resolve the issue. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select "Restart."
  2. Immediately hold down the Power button until you see the boot options screen.
  3. Select the option to restart in Recovery Mode.

Method 2: Verify and Reset Screen Recording Permissions

If permissions are misconfigured, the system may continuously flag an app even if it's already approved. Try resetting them to revalidate app access and clear false alerts. To do this:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
  2. Click on "Security & Privacy" and then click on "Screen Recording."
  3. Make sure the toggle next to "Allow applications to capture screen" is turned off.
  4. Restart your Mac and see if the issue persists.

Method 3: Remove and Reinstall the Affected App

Corrupt application files or outdated permissions may cause macOS to misidentify an app and think it's accessing the screen without authorization. Delete and reinstall so that it's properly registered with the macOS system security. To do this:

  1. Delete the affected app from your Mac.
  2. Go to the App Store and download a fresh copy of the app.
  3. Install the new version and see if the issue persists.

Method 4: Create a New User Profile

User-specific settings and permissions could be interfering with macOS's screen access monitoring. Create a new user account to test whether the issue persists. This can help you pinpoint whether the problem is tied to system-wide settings or just your profile.

  1. Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
  2. Click on "Users & Groups" and then click on "+".
  3. Create a new user account with restricted permissions.
  4. Test if the issue persists in the new user account.

Method 5: Reinstall macOS Without Data Loss

If system files governing app permissions are damaged, even a reset may not suffice. Reinstalling macOS refreshes system components while keeping your files and apps intact. This can be a last resort if the issue persists.

  1. Back up all your data to an external drive or cloud storage.
  2. Go to the Apple Support website and download the latest version of macOS Sequoia.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS without data loss.

Method 6: Use Safe Mode to Diagnose Conflicts

Safe Mode disables unnecessary startup processes and clears caches. By leaving only the essentials, you can identify which third-party extensions or background services are causing issues. A conflicting app or process is likely responsible if the alerts stop.

  1. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key during boot-up.
  2. Test if the issue persists in Safe Mode.

Apple regularly rolls out updates to fix permission-related issues, refine privacy alerts, and patch security vulnerabilities. The latest macOS Sequoia version might include a fix for this issue. As a last resort, consider a full factory reset. Revert all your settings to their defaults since you can't pinpoint the bug or misconfiguration causing this issue.

Contact Apple Support if the issue persists. A certified technician can check for hardware defects or deeper software issues.