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How to Add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac

I’ve got a bit of a thing for Chrome. I know, I know—Apple’s Safari gets the job done just fine. But sometimes, you just want to google stuff on Google’s native product—Chrome. The familiarity is comforting.

 

Recently, though, I hit a snag after upgrading Chrome on my Mac. It wasn’t showing up in the permissions list under the Privacy tab, and without the right permissions, I couldn’t use it properly. After some trial and error, I figured out how to add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac. It’s a neat little trick, and I’d love to share it with you.

Before we start:

 

While sorting out how to add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac, I ran into another headache—those endless ads that pop up while browsing. If you use Chrome, you know exactly what I mean. They slow things down, clutter the page, and make the whole experience frustrating.

 

To avoid this, I recommend using MacKeeper’s StopAd feature. It keeps your browsing ad-free and much smoother.

 

Here’s how to set up MacKeeper’s StopAd:

  1. Download MacKeeper and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
  2. Open MacKeeper, and choose StopAd from the sidebar.
  3. Install the extensions for the web browsers you use.
  4. Select Enable to start the extensions.
  5. Follow each browser’s prompts to turn on the extensions.

What are Mac's Security and Privacy settings?

Mac’s Security and Privacy settings help you manage the information (and features) that software like Chrome can access on your system. These settings allow you to control permissions for features like the camera, microphone, and screen recording.

 

In short, Mac's security settings play a key role in protecting your privacy and keeping your data safe by deciding what apps/services can and cannot do on your Apple device.

Why you need to manually add Chrome to your Mac's Security and Privacy settings

Sometimes, apps like Chrome don’t ask for the permissions they need. Usually, you’d see a pop-up asking for camera or mic permission when you want to start a video meeting. But, sometimes, you don’t, and Chrome stays blocked.

 

Even after restarting your Mac, checking updates, and trying everything under the sun, Chrome stays off the list.

 

Don't worry.

 

This happens because certain macOS security features block apps from requesting permissions automatically. So, instead of waiting for a permission popup that never comes, you'll need to add Chrome manually to get it working properly.

 

I'll show you how soon. But first…

Is it safe to add Chrome to Mac’s Security and Privacy settings

Chrome accounts for over 65% of internet users—three times more than Safari. It’s popular, but does it make it safe to add the browser app to your Mac’s security and privacy settings?

 

The short answer: Yes, adding Chrome to Mac’s Security and Privacy settings is generally safe, but it depends on how comfortable you are with Chrome’s data practices.

 

The long answer: Chrome provides solid protection with features like real-time Safe Browsing, which automatically flags dangerous sites and suspicious activity.

 

On the flip side, Chrome collects a lot of user data, including browsing history, location, and app usage, which might not sit well with privacy-conscious users​. Data tracking still happens in incognito mode, too—so you’re not safe with that either.

 

Having that much info out there is a risk, especially if there’s a breach. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it, but it’s good to stay aware of the risks and adjust your settings to limit unnecessary data collection.

A tip from our team: 

 

Use MacKeeper’s StopAd to block trackers while you browse. Not only does StopAd get rid of annoying ads, but it also stops those hidden trackers that sites love to load up on.

 

Here’s how to set up MacKeeper’s StopAd:

  1. Download and install MacKeeper following the setup guide.
  2. Open the app and select StopAd from the sidebar.
  3. Install the extensions for the web browsers you use.
  4. Select Enable to start the extensions.
  5. Follow each browser’s prompts to turn on the extensions.
MacKeeper StopAd screen with options to enable Safari and install the Chrome extension, helpful after you add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac.
Steps 1-3. Open MacKeeper > Select StopAd from the sidebar > Click Install next to Chrome Extension
Safari window with prompt to turn on MacKeeper StopAd extensions, enhancing privacy after you add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac.
Steps 4-5. Select Enable > Follow browser prompts to turn on the extension

With our StopAd in place, you’re in control of what Chrome can collect and track on your Mac. Give it a try today!

An extra hint from us:

 

If you’re curious about other ways to protect your data online, check out our article on how to protect yourself from data breaches.

How to add Chrome to your Mac's Security and Privacy settings

If Chrome isn't asking for permissions or showing up in your Privacy settings, you’ll need to add it manually.

 

To manually add Chrome to Mac’s Security and Privacy settings:

  1. Open System Settings from your Apple Dock.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security in the sidebar.
  3. Select Camera from the menu.
  4. If Google Chrome isn’t listed, open Chrome and attempt to use the feature (e.g., visit a site that needs camera access). This should prompt Chrome to request permissions.
  5. If Chrome is on the list, toggle the switch next to it to enable access.
  6. You will be prompted to Quit & Reopen Chrome—choose Later.
  7. Do the same for Microphone.
  8. Go to Screen Recording and toggle the switch too. It will ask for your password or Touch ID.
  9. After that, select Quit & Reopen to apply the changes. If not, manually quit Chrome with Cmd + Q and reopen it.
Mac Privacy & Security settings with Camera highlighted, guiding how to add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac.
Steps 1-3. Open System Settings > Go to Privacy & Security > Select Camera
Google Chrome is listed under Camera permissions with a Quit & Reopen prompt, part of the steps to add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac.
Steps 4-5. Toggle Chrome on > Choose Later when prompted to Quit & Reopen
Screen Recording permissions with a prompt for password or Touch ID, finalizing the setup to add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac.
Step 8. Go to Privacy & Security > Screen Recording
Screen Recording permissions with a prompt for password or Touch ID, finalizing the setup to add Chrome to Security and Privacy on Mac.
Steps 9. Enter password or Touch ID > Quit & Reopen Chrome

Now, Chrome should have the permissions it needs to function smoothly.

A quick note from our team: 

 

If Chrome still doesn’t show up in your Privacy settings, it might just need a quick update. Make sure both your macOS and Chrome browser are fully up to date.

 

To update macOS, click the Apple icon > System Settings > Software Update.

 

For Chrome, open the browser, click the three dots > Help > About Google Chrome, and install any pending updates. Restarting both the system and Chrome after updating can also help.

While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to change privacy settings on a Mac—it’ll come in handy for managing other app permissions down the road.

Conclusion

Once you’ve added Chrome to your Mac’s Security and Privacy settings, it’ll work exactly the way you need—whether for video calls, screen sharing, or simple browsing. No more dealing with blocked permissions or frustrating pop-ups.

 

And if you’re tired of ads slowing things down, MacKeeper’s StopAd extension can help. It blocks ads and trackers, so your browsing stays distraction-free.

 

Go on, try it. You’ll definitely wonder how you ever browsed without it.

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