Recent macOS versions require your permission for apps to provide remote control functionality (e.g., screen recording or mouse and keyboard control).
Without this permission, TeamViewer functionality may be restricted:
- You may only see the TeamViewer app and the desktop background, but not other apps.
- You may not be able to control the mouse and keyboard remotely.
- You may not be able to use file transfer.
Learn how to set up and grant access to your macOS device for TeamViewer.
Note: TeamViewer cannot grant this access by itself, nor can it be granted remotely through a TeamViewer connection from another computer.
This article applies to macOS users using TeamViewer Remote.
How to set up your Mac for TeamViewer
The following prompt appears the first time TeamViewer is open or any time when the permissions for the options have been revoked:
Hint: You can also open this dialogue by navigating to Help ➜ Check system access.
Permissions required
Screen Recording
Allows the remote user to view the macOS device in remote control sessions and meetings.
Remote Desktop
Ensures that unattended access remains functional for TeamViewer full client and Host.
Note: TeamViewer cannot display the status of this permission in the 'Set up your Mac for TeamViewer' prompt. You will need to verify it in System Settings ➜ Privacy & Security ➜ Remote Desktop.
Accessibility
Allows remote user access to the mouse and keyboard of the macOS device to allow remote control.
Full Disk Access
Allows the remote user to access files and folders on the macOS device for File Transfer.
How to grant access to macOS devices
In this example, we will use Accessibility. The steps for each setting are identical and can be replicated with ease.
Note: To manually access the four required permissions, please navigate to System Preferences ➜ Privacy & Security. The four required permissions will be named as they appear above.
1. In the Set up your Mac for TeamViewer prompt, click on Set up Accessibility.
2. This will automatically take you to the Accessibility permissions in Privacy & Security.
3. Enable the toggle for TeamViewer to grant access.
Once all four permissions are authorized, the remote user will have access and control over the macOS device. These settings will also remain for all future connections.
The permission status can be reviewed under Help ➜ Check system access at any time.
macOS devices & MDM systems
If you manage Macs in your organizations through an MDM system, you can use Privacy Preferences Policy Control (PPPC) payloads to configure these permissions. Your users will still need to grant Screen Recording access themselves.
Starting with macOS 11 Big Sur, you will need to use a ScreenCapture PPPC payload with AllowStandardUserToSetSystemService to allow non-admin users to grant this permission.