Permissions
Why Xeneric asks for Accessibility, Microphone, Calendars, Screen Recording, System Audio Recording, Full Disk Access and Automation, and how to allow each one.
How permissions work#
Xeneric only asks for what a feature needs, and only when you use it. Dashboard → Privacy lists every permission, whether it's allowed, why it's needed and an Allow button. It checks again every few seconds, because macOS doesn't tell apps when you flip a switch in System Settings.
Every permission and why#
| Permission | Used for | Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Typing companion and Write with Xeneric | For writing |
| Microphone | Talking to Xeneric, hands-free conversation, clap to wake | For voice |
| Calendars | Your day in the notch and event reminders | For calendar |
| Screen Recording | Xeneric Lens | Optional |
| System Audio Recording | Per-app volume in the sound mixer | For the mixer |
| Full Disk Access | Other apps' notifications in the notch; FreeUp in the Trash, Mail attachments and iPhone backups | Optional |
| Automation | Spotify in the notch | Optional |
Accessibility#
Lets the typing companion and Write with Xeneric see the text box you're in and insert text. Password fields are always ignored. With Accessibility, ⌥Scroll also zooms the Lens without scrolling the app underneath.
Microphone#
macOS shows: “Xeneric listens when you tap the mic so you can speak to it.” Needed to talk to Xeneric, for hands-free conversation and for clap to wake. macOS asks the first time.
Calendars#
macOS shows: “Xeneric shows your upcoming events (including Google Calendar) and answers questions about your schedule.” Used for your day in the notch and event reminders.
Screen Recording#
Only for Xeneric Lens, which shows the screen around the pointer. Nothing is recorded or saved. If you've just allowed it, quit and reopen Xeneric.
System Audio Recording#
macOS shows: “Xeneric changes the volume of individual apps.” It's under Screen & System Audio Recording in System Settings. Xeneric never records audio.
Full Disk Access#
Optional. Lets the notch show notifications from your other apps, and lets FreeUp look in the Trash, Mail attachments and iPhone backups. Programs Xeneric starts (such as the terminal's shell) get it too.
Automation#
macOS shows: “Xeneric shows what's playing in Spotify and controls playback from the notch.” macOS asks when you connect Spotify.
Allow a permission#
Open Dashboard → Privacy
The page shows how many permissions are still needed.Click Allow next to the permission
Xeneric asks macOS (where macOS has its own prompt) and opens the right pane of System Settings → Privacy & Security.Switch Xeneric on
The row turns to “Allowed” within a few seconds.