macOS permissions

TranscribeX only asks for a permission when a feature needs it. Transcribing files you import needs no permissions at all. This page lists every permission, what it unlocks, and how to fix it if you clicked Don’t Allow by mistake.

Permissions at a glance

On macOS 14 Sonoma the screen permission is called Screen Recording. On newer versions it is Screen & System Audio Recording.

Microphone

The setup screen describes it as “Required for microphone recording and live transcription.” TranscribeX also uses the microphone for dictation and, when Settings › Recording › Use Mic When Recording a Meeting is on, to capture your own voice during a meeting.

If access is off when you start a recording, TranscribeX shows Microphone Access Needed. Click Open Settings to jump to the right page in System Settings.

Screen Recording

macOS treats capturing another app’s audio as screen recording, so TranscribeX needs this to record from Zoom, Teams, a browser or any other app (see app recording and meeting detection). The setup screen describes it as “Required to capture app audio and video.” Without it, the Select an App to record sheet shows “Screen & System Audio Recording is required” instead of the app list.

1. Click Open Screen & System Audio Recording in that sheet, or Open Settings if an alert appears.
2. In System Settings, make sure TranscribeX is turned on.
3. If TranscribeX is not in the list, click the + button and add it from Applications.
4. If macOS asks you to quit and reopen TranscribeX, do so. Then click Refresh in the app sheet.

Recording other people needs their knowledge: tell participants you are recording and follow the consent laws where you and they are.

Accessibility

Only dictation needs this. It lets TranscribeX notice your trigger key in any app and insert the text “into the app where the cursor is focused.” Check it in Settings › Dictation: the Accessibility Permission row shows Granted or Not Granted. If it isn’t granted, click Open Settings and turn on TranscribeX under Accessibility.

Calendars

TranscribeX asks for calendar access only when you turn on Settings › Recording › Attach Calendar Events to Meeting Recordings. If access is missing you’ll see Calendar Permission Required with a button:

• Allow Access shows the macOS prompt (first time only).
• Open Settings appears if you denied it before. Turn on TranscribeX under Calendars.
• Granted means you’re set.

More in calendar events.

Notifications

Turning on Settings › General › Notifications asks macOS for permission. If notifications are blocked, the pane shows “Notifications are blocked in System Settings”. Open System Settings › Notifications › TranscribeX and allow notifications.

Fix a permission that won’t stick

macOS only shows each permission prompt once. If you denied it, turning it on in System Settings is the fix. If TranscribeX is listed and switched on but the feature still says it has no access (this can happen after moving or reinstalling the app):

1. Quit TranscribeX.
2. In System Settings, select TranscribeX in the list for that permission and remove it with the − button.
3. Open TranscribeX again and use the feature. macOS asks again, or you can add the app back with +.

You can also reset a permission from Terminal, then reopen the app:

tccutil reset ScreenCapture com.wlly.janome.AudioTranscribe
tccutil reset Microphone com.wlly.janome.AudioTranscribe
tccutil reset Accessibility com.wlly.janome.AudioTranscribe

Still stuck? See troubleshooting.