[FIXED] Terminal Operation Not Permitted in macOS Ventura/Monterey

The Mac command line is an intriguing utility. However, encountering errors can be frustrating, and one such error that many users face is the "operation not permitted" message in macOS Terminal. So, how do you address this issue?

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Mac's command line terminal is renowned for giving users complete control over their Mac devices. It enables them to perform powerful operations with just a few straightforward commands, granting them full mastery over their device. However, despite its wonders, it is not immune to issues such as the "zsh: operation not permitted" error.

More importantly, what causes this issue? This article will delve into all the possible reasons why you might encounter the "operation not permitted" error in the Mac Terminal. Let's dive in and uncover the answers.

"Everything About 'Operation Not Permitted' on Terminal"

Mac's terminal command line is brimming with intriguing commands and operations. It is an exceptional utility that empowers users with complete control over their Mac devices. Among these, utilizing the SIP (System Integrity Protection) commands is a notable instance.

However, occasionally, users encounter issues such as "operation not permitted." It's crucial to understand that macOS is an operating system that undergoes numerous upgrades, visual enhancements, and changes throughout the course of a single year. This is a prevalent issue that users experience across various macOS versions, including macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, and Mojave.

Therefore, the error "operation not permitted" is a frequent issue that Mac users encounter, similar to another specific error, the "zsh: Command not found. But don't fret, we will delve into the reasons behind this error and how to address it.

More importantly, we'll also delve into a few possible solutions to this issue. As is typical with macOS, each remedy might work for certain Mac users, whereas others might need to attempt different methods. However, our general troubleshooting approach generally proves effective for all Mac users.

What Triggers the "Operation Not Permitted" Error in Mac Terminal?

There are numerous reasons why the "operation not permitted" error might appear when using the Terminal. However, resolving this issue is as crucial as understanding its cause. Hence, before exploring the solutions, let's first comprehend the possible reasons behind it.

Mac's Terminal is a powerful utility, but it can also be quite intricate. As previously mentioned, it evolves over time; occasionally, older commands become obsolete. Hence, it's crucial to understand all the potential issues that might lead to this problem.

In this section, we will examine the three main reasons why you might encounter the "operation not permitted" error. Let's delve into each of them.

Reason 1: File Locking Issue

One of the primary reasons behind any terminal command not functioning is the file lock issue. This problem arises when the user lacks the necessary permissions to execute the command they are attempting to use.

In other words, the files you're attempting to access, remove, replace, or mount might not have granted you the necessary permissions. Consequently, you're encountering a file lock issue. This is one of the primary reasons for the "operation not permitted" error.

Therefore, it's necessary to unlock any files before proceeding with the command you're attempting to enter.

Reason 2: Issue with Operation Permissions

Another reason behind the inability to perform any task in Mac's Terminal could be limited operational permissions. In other words, you might not have the appropriate privileges to carry out or utilize the command you're attempting to execute.

That’s why Apple suggests you take the file you wish to change and see if you can check it. In other words, get into the file’s Info and look at the Sharing & Permissions section to see if you’re allowed to tinker with the file.

Reason 3: New Security Feature - Full Disk Access

There are instances when your Mac will undergo updates. In such cases, advanced SIP (System Integrity Protection) and TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) mechanisms come into play to safeguard older command lines and other crucial aspects of your Mac device.

Therefore, older versions like macOS High Sierra or earlier might permit users to execute specific commands, whereas newer versions such as macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, or Monterey do not necessarily support these commands.

Therefore, check if you need to disable those security protocols before proceeding with the command you're attempting to use.

[In Advance] Recover Your Data After macOS Update

One of the primary reasons behind the operation not being allowed is that your macOS has been updated. Nevertheless, another significant concern for Mac users is the potential data loss they might encounter during an erroneous macOS update.

This is a prevalent issue among Mac devices, hence users must address it promptly. Furthermore, when a Mac user employs the Terminal Command line to either reinstall macOS or repair the hard drive, it's crucial to safeguard their data at all costs. Therefore, they require the assistance of competent and professional data recovery software, such as the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool.

Thus, it's crucial to utilize this tool to retrieve your essential files before proceeding with the repair. Familiarizing yourself with the steps will guarantee that you don't lose any significant files and successfully recover the necessary ones.

Step 1. Choose the location to scan

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac and select the hard drive, SSD, SD card, USB flash drive, or TF card where you lost your data. Click "Search for lost files" to initiate the scanning process.

Note: Before data recovery, it's recommended to click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to prevent further data loss. Once backed up, the software can retrieve data from the Mac backup, and your computer can then write new data again.

Step 2. Filter Lost Mac Data

The software will automatically scan for lost data on your MacBook/iMac. Upon completion of the scan, filter the desired data using the "Type" and "Path" buttons.

Step 3. Recover Lost Data or Files

Double-click a file to preview it. Then, click the "Recover" button to restore the lost data to another location.

3 Ways to Resolve "Operation Not Permitted" Error on Mac Terminal

In this section, we'll examine several potential solutions to assist you in resolving this issue. Although these fixes are not directly related to terminal commands, they will aid in fixing the problem and eliminating it permanently.

Therefore, you can apply these fixes on any macOS. Here's how:

Method 1: Unlock the Home Directory

The first method is to unlock the home directory in your macOS. As mentioned earlier, you might not have sufficient permissions to utilize the Terminal to execute commands that could result in an "operation not permitted" error.

Here's how you can address that issue:

Step 1. Launch your macOS.

Step 2. Go to System Preferences and examine the user names.

Step 3. Click on "Click the lock to prevent further changes."

Step 4. Right-click on the user name and select Advanced Options.

Step 5. Enable the login shell by selecting "/bin/zsh."

Once you've completed this step, you'll need to modify the permissions for your home folder on your Mac. Here's how to proceed:

1. Choose the Home Folder 2. Navigate to File, then select "Go To" 3. From there, click "Sharing & Permissions" 4. Alter the privilege setting for your user to Read & Write

This will grant your Terminal access to the main folders within your computer. Therefore, unlocking the home directory ensures that you won't encounter the error again.

Method 2: Disable System Integrity Protection

The next approach is to disable your System Integrity Protection. As it's a crucial component of your macOS, you'll need to enter Recovery Mode to disable it. To do this, follow these steps: 1. Restart your Mac. 2. While it's starting up, press and hold the Command + R keys together until you see the Apple logo or the loading bar. 3. This will initiate macOS Recovery. 4. Once the Recovery Mode screen appears, select "Utilities" from the top menu bar, then choose "Terminal." 5. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter: ``` csrutil disable ``` 6. You'll receive a warning message about disabling System Integrity Protection. Confirm that you want to proceed by typing "y" and pressing Enter. 7. Terminal will then confirm that System Integrity Protection has been disabled. 8. Close the Terminal app and click on "Reboot" to restart your Mac normally. Remember that disabling System Integrity Protection can make your system more vulnerable to malware and other security threats. It's recommended to re-enable it after resolving the issue that required its disabling. To re-enable SIP, follow the same steps but use `csrutil enable` instead in step 5.

1. Restart your Mac and enter Recovery mode. 2. Launch the Terminal utility from the Mac's Utilities menu. 3. Type **csrutil disable** and press enter. 4. Restart your Mac.

This will disable SIP, grant your Terminal access to restricted areas, and prevent it from displaying the "operation not permitted" error again.

Method 3: Grant Terminal Full Disk Access

The last method involves granting full access to your storage device to the Terminal utility. To proceed safely and effectively, it's crucial to follow the steps carefully. Here's how you can accomplish this: 1. Open the Terminal application on your Mac. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. 2. Type or paste the following command into the Terminal window, then press Enter: ``` sudo chmod -R 755 /path/to/your/directory ``` Replace "/path/to/your/directory" with the actual path to the directory or storage device you want to grant access to. For example, if your external drive is named "MyDrive" and mounted at `/Volumes/MyDrive`, the command would be: ``` sudo chmod -R 755 /Volumes/MyDrive ``` 3. Terminal will prompt you for your admin password. Enter it, but note that nothing will be visible as you type for security purposes. 4. Once you've entered your password, press Enter again. The command will now change the permissions recursively ( `-R` flag) to give read, write, and execute permissions to the owner (7), read and execute permissions to group members (5), and read-only access to everyone else (5). 5. After the process is complete, type `exit` and press Enter to close the Terminal. Please be cautious when using the Terminal, as incorrect commands can potentially harm your system. If you're unsure about any step, consult an expert or Apple Support.

1. Open System Preferences on your Mac. 2. Select "Security & Privacy." 3. Navigate to the Privacy tab. 4. Scroll through the sidebar and locate "Full Disk Access." 5. Click on the "padlock" icon to enable changes. 6. In this section, you will authorize the Terminal utility.

This will grant the Terminal full disk access, bypassing any restrictions that may hinder its operation. Consequently, the Terminal will be able to make changes without encountering the feared error message.

Final Thoughts

Here are some methods to resolve the "operation not permitted" error in macOS. It's crucial to note that disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP) may expose certain aspects of your macOS to vulnerabilities. Hence, remember to re-enable it once you have completed your troubleshooting steps.

Next, it's crucial to utilize the appropriate data recovery software, such as Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, to facilitate a quick and smooth data recovery process. To ensure it functions correctly and doesn't yield any errors, follow these steps:

"Operation Not Permitted" FAQs

You might find your answers here if you have further questions.

**1. How do I fix "Permission Denied" error in Terminal on Mac?**

This article demonstrated a solution where you can navigate to the folder's settings and permit full read and write permissions. Hence, make sure that the file you're attempting to modify using Terminal on your Mac has been granted that access.

2. How do I reset permissions on my Mac? To reset permissions on your Mac, follow these steps: 1. **Open System Preferences**: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu. 2. **Select "Security & Privacy":** In the System Preferences window, find and click on the "Security & Privacy" icon. 3. **Unlock to Make Changes:** You may need to click on the lock icon in the bottom left corner and enter your administrator password to make changes. 4. **Click on the "Privacy" Tab:** In the Security & Privacy window, click on the "Privacy" tab. 5. **Select the App or Feature:** Choose the app or feature for which you want to reset permissions. 6. **Remove Access:** To remove an app's access to a specific feature, click on the app's icon, then click the "-" (minus) button that appears below the list of apps. 7. **Add Access:** If you want to re-grant access, click the "+" (plus) button, navigate to the app in the Finder, and select it. 8. **Reset All Permissions:** If you want to reset all permissions, it's recommended to use the Terminal. Open Terminal (found in /Applications/Utilities/) and type or paste the following command: ``` tccutil reset All ``` Press Enter, and enter your admin password when prompted. 9. **Restart Your Mac:** After resetting permissions, restart your Mac for the changes to take effect. Keep in mind that resetting permissions might affect the functionality of some apps, so only do this if you're experiencing issues related to permissions.

Once you select the home folder, go to File, then choose Get Info. At the bottom, you'll find Sharing & Permissions. Click on that and then enable Read & Write privileges for your user.

3. What is Full Disk Access on Mac?

"Full Disk Access" on a Mac enables you to grant specific applications and software complete access to your disk and its contents.

4. How do I grant app permissions on a Mac?

In Method 3, we demonstrated how to access the Full Disk Access permission via system preferences. You can attempt this method to grant full application permissions on your Mac.