macOS processes › Security and privacy
What is tccd on Mac?
tccd manages privacy permissions on your Mac. It tracks which apps you've allowed to use the camera, microphone, screen recording, files and other protected data, and shows the prompts that ask you.
What it does
TCC stands for Transparency, Consent and Control. When an app tries to use something protected, macOS asks tccd whether it's allowed and prompts you if you haven't decided yet. Your choices appear in System Settings › Privacy & Security. There's a system copy and a copy for your user account.
Why it gets busy
- An app asking for the same permission over and over, often after you denied it.
- Many apps launching and checking permissions at once.
- Changing many permissions in System Settings.
Why is tccd using so much CPU?
tccd checks privacy permissions. If it's busy, an app is usually asking for access repeatedly, so review that app in Privacy & Security.
Is it safe to quit?
macOS restarts it immediately. Your permission choices are stored and aren't affected.
How to calm it down
- Look in System Settings › Privacy & Security for an app you denied that keeps asking, and either allow it or remove the app.
- Update the app that keeps prompting.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch's History shows whether tccd spikes when a specific app opens, which points to the app that keeps asking for permission.
