The flaw can show up in Zoom or other similar apps. Image: Apple user forums
A bug in certain versions of macOS Sequoia may result in repeated notifications indicating that an app is accessing your screen. Here’s how to resolve it.
If you frequently use Zoom or other third-party video-conferencing apps on macOS Sequoia, you might encounter a bothersome yet minor issue: a notification that keeps popping up to inform you that your program has accessed your screen.
This problem is caused by a bug in a security feature that seems to have started in macOS Sequoia 15.2. Users should only see this notification once when a new app accesses their screen for the first time, or if it has been over 30 days since the last access.
Unfortunately, the hidden preference file that is updated after the initial notification is not properly rewritten with a correct timestamp, leading it to reappear repeatedly. However, there are a couple of relatively simple fixes.
Resolving excessive screen access notifications
The first and easiest solution is to update to macOS 15.3, released in late January 2025. This update should resolve the issue, but some users have reported that it persists.
There are also organizations and institutions using Macs that are slow to upgrade to the latest version, opting to thoroughly test the update before deploying it. For those temporarily dealing with the problem, there are two additional solutions that have helped different individuals.
The first solution is more technical but is the correct way to address the issue. Click on the search icon in the top right of the menu bar — the icon resembling a magnifying glass. In the prompt that appears, type Terminal and press return.
For those unfamiliar with Terminal, this command will open a small window displaying some text indicating the last login, followed by a line with your username, an @ symbol, and your computer’s name. This will be followed by a blinking or static cursor.
At that prompt, enter — or copy and paste — the following command:
open $HOME/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.replayd
This command in Terminal will fix the annoying notification issue.
This action will open another window on your screen titled group.com.apple.replayd. Within this folder is a file named ScreenCaptureApprovals.plist. Drag that file to the desktop or directly to the trash.
After completing that step, restart your Mac. This should resolve the issue by triggering a rewrite of the preference (.plist) file to function correctly.
If the problem persists, try repeating the process. One AppleInsider writer reported that the issue was resolved after the second attempt.
Please note that even after successful resolution, the video-conferencing or screen-capture app you’re using may notify you once more when you launch the program again, but should not continue to notify you afterward.
A riskier but simpler method
There is another simpler method that users who find Terminal intimidating can try, although it comes with a risk. Only attempt this if the previous solution failed and you cannot tolerate seeing the repeated notification any longer.
If you opt for this second approach, ensure that all apps are closed.
Next, open System Preferences from the Apple menu at the top left of the menu bar. Set your time and date to a distant future, such as the year 2050. Then, launch Zoom or any other program that triggered the persistent “[program] is accessing your screen” notification.
You may or may not receive the notification again. Exit the program, reset your date and time to the current settings, and restart your Mac. This action should also stop the repetitive notifications, although you might see the notification one last time when you open the video-conferencing app next.
This workaround functions by adjusting the replayd preference file to not send reminders until that far-off year. As a result, it avoids further notifications, considering you will likely have a different Mac by the time 2050 — or whichever year you chose — arrives.
However, during that brief period, your Mac will operate as if the current year is 2050 or your chosen year. Your To Do app may become overwhelmed with seemingly overdue tasks, which may not necessarily resolve when you revert the date.