> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vowen.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Permissions Problems

> Fixing permission-related issues on macOS.

<div style={{ marginTop: "-2.5rem" }}>
  <Note>This page is primarily for macOS. Windows handles permissions automatically.</Note>
</div>

## Accessibility Permission

### Symptoms

* Shortcuts don't work at all
* Text doesn't auto-paste
* "Accessibility permission required" message appears

### Fix

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open System Settings">
    Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Remove and Re-Add">
    If Vowen is already in the list, remove it (click the minus button). Then re-add it by clicking the plus button and selecting Vowen from Applications.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart Vowen">
    Fully quit Vowen (right-click menu bar icon > Quit Vowen) and relaunch it. This is required after changing Accessibility permissions.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>Simply toggling the permission off and on may not work. Removing and re-adding the app is more reliable.</Warning>

## Microphone Permission

### Symptoms

* Recording starts but no audio is captured
* Transcription always returns empty or "Thank you"

### Fix

1. Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone**
2. Ensure Vowen is toggled ON
3. Check that the correct audio input device is selected in **Vowen Settings > Audio**
4. Test your microphone with another app to confirm it's working

## Screen Recording Permission

### Symptoms

* Meeting Notes can't capture system audio
* "Screen recording permission needed" message appears

### Fix

1. Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording**
2. Toggle Vowen ON
3. Restart Vowen

<Tip>Screen Recording permission is only needed for Meeting Notes. All other features work without it.</Tip>

## Permission Granted But Still Not Working

This is the most common frustration. Try these steps in order:

1. **Fully quit Vowen** — not just close the window, but right-click tray icon > Quit
2. **Wait 5 seconds** and relaunch
3. If still not working, **remove and re-add** the permission (see Accessibility fix above)
4. If STILL not working, **restart your Mac** — some permission changes require a system restart
5. As a last resort, **reset permissions** for Vowen:
   ```
   tccutil reset Accessibility com.electron.vowen
   ```
   Then re-grant the permission from System Settings.

## Permission Not Appearing in List

If Vowen doesn't appear in the permission list:

* Make sure you've launched Vowen at least once
* Try dragging the Vowen app from /Applications into the permission list
* On macOS Tahoe (26+), check under "Screen & System Audio Recording" instead of just "Screen Recording"