Don't Have Permission Save Files to This Location Mac [Fixes]

"You don't have permission to save files to this location" is an error message on macOS. Unfortunately, this message may not seem normal to first-time Mac users.

They will be worried and wonder why it keeps popping up whenever they try to save files. This post will provide detailed methods for fixing the problem and allowing you to save files smoothly.

[Overview] You Don't Have Permission Save Files to This Location Mac

You have tried to save a new file, such as Excel or Word, on a Mac, but you can't stop receiving a message saying you don't have permission to save files in this location. 

Why Can't you save a file on a Mac?

• 📃Permission issues: This message error indicates a problem with your Mac permissions and the user's access rights to folder files. 
• 👁️‍🗨️Read-only file: The location where you want to save your file might have been saved as read-only, leading to the pop-up message.
• 💼Damaged or corrupt file: You could also receive this message because the files you want to save on your Mac are damaged or corrupted.

The good news for Mac users is that all those problems are easy to fix using several methods we will discuss. 

How to Recover Lost/Unsaved Files on macOS

Recover your lost or unsaved files on macOS using the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. This secure professional software allows you to restore data regardless of the loss scenario, such as a file-saving error or file corruption.

The good news is that this handy software is straightforward and has advanced recovery features that don't require expertise. 

Step 1. Search for lost files

Select the disk location to search for lost files (it can be an internal HDD/SSD or an external hard drive) where you lost data and files. Click the "Search for lost files" button.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your HDD/SSD to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from your disk backup, and you can use the HDD or SSD again.

Step 2. Go through the scanning results

This software will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display pictures, documents, audio, videos, and emails on the left pane.

Step 3. Select the file(s) and recover

Click the data to preview, and click the "Recover" button to have them back.

If you find this information helpful, please share it with others on social media to assist them in overcoming this common challenge.

Fix the "You Don't Have Permission to Save in This Location" Error

Having identified the possible problems leading to the pop-up error message, you will need the solution.

These fixes don't guarantee that your data will be safe, so ensure that you have safeguarded it before proceeding with the fixes below.

1. Method 1. Allow Read/Write Access
2. Method 2. Update the Operating System
3. Method 3. Disable Gatekeeper
4. Method 4. Deactivate the System Integrity Protection (SIP)

Method 1. Allow Read/Write Access

Most files have read/write permissions that are automatically activated. However, some files have restrictions that require your attention to guarantee their access, especially if you are using a third-party app.

Here is how to fix permission being denied on a Mac.

Step 1. Go to the "Terminal" app.

Step 2. Type sudo chmod -R 755 (replace with an entire file path of your target app.)

Step 3. Click "Enter." If you are unsure, enter the command without that file path. You will see the app and drag it to the Terminal for it to appear there.

Step 4. Close the "Terminal" and open the app that had opening issues.

Method 2. Update the Operating System

Updating the operating system is not an option, but it is a general rule every Mac user should follow. An outdated OS version can lower your Mac's performance, making you receive errors like you don't have permission to save files in this location, among other security vulnerabilities.

Let me show you how to update it to the latest macOS version!

Step 1. Open your "Apple menu."

Step 2. At the top left corner, select "About This Mac."

Step 3. Click "Software Update" in the pop-up window and allow the Mac to check for available updates.

Step 4. If your Mac finds any update, click "Update Now," and your operating system will update to the latest version.

Method 3. Disable Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is an active built-in tool on Mac. This tool permits you to install any app from a recognized developer.  In other words, it protects your Mac from any possible threat. Sometimes, this could be why you receive error messages when trying to save files.

Step 1. Open "Terminal."

Step 2. Enter the command sudo spctl -master-disable and click "Enter."

Step 3. Type spctl -status and click "Enter."

Method 4. Deactivate the System Integrity Protection (SIP)

Every macOS has this security feature to protect the system apps and files from malware attacks. You can deactivate the SIP to solve the problem and activate it later.

This is how to go about it, but first, you must check whether it's activated.

Step 1. Go to the "App menu."

Step 2. Select "About This Mac" > "System Report" > "Software" > "System Integrity Protection" and check if it's enabled.

Step 3. Close the "System Preference."

If enabled, you need to turn it off using the following steps.

Step 1. Open the "App menu."

Step 2. Select "Restart" at the top left corner while holding the "Command + R" keys.

Step 3. After confirming the action, allow your Mac to start up. Please don't stop holding the keys until the Apple logo shows on your screen.

Step 4. In this "Recovery Mode," the Examination Volume window may appear on the Recovery Assistant screen. Just be patient until it disappears.

Step 5. Select "Utilities" > "Terminal."

Step 6. Type csrutil disable and click "Enter."

Step 7. In the Recovery Assistant, click "Apple menu" > "Restart."

The Bottom Line 

Experiencing performance issues in Mac and other macOS devices is common. A specific application or file you are trying to open has failed due to several issues. But the most important thing is that you can fix the problems.

But don't rely much on the fixes since not all are secure. Try using a safe and trustworthy recovery software - EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to restore lost data regardless of the scenario.

You Don't Have Permission to Save in This Location FAQs

Get more information from these frequently asked questions!

1. Why does my Mac say you do not have permission to save files to this location?

It indicates that your Mac has an issue with permissions and user access rights. Also, the location where you want to save your files is saved as read-only.

2. How do I get permission to save a file on a Mac?

Changing the settings will allow you to get permission to save files on Mac, and this is how to do it:

Step 1. Go to your Mac and select "disk" or "folder."

Step 2. Choose "File" > "Get Info."

Step 3. Click on the "Arrow  Next" if the information in the Sharing &Permission is not visible.

Step 4. Click "Action."

Step 5. Select "Apply" to the enclosed apps.

3. How do I fix the lack of permission to save in this location?

Modifying the folder permission to access the location will fix the problem. Check these steps to alter the folder:

Step 1. Right on the folder you need to save and choose "Properties" > "Security tab."

Step 2. Pick a username from the list and click "Edit" to modify folder permissions.

Step 3. Tick the "Allow" checkbox and click "Apply."

4. How do I fix my Mac when it says I don't have permission?

Do the following to fix the issue of no permission to save in this location:

• Change the app's permission settings.
• Update your Mac's operating system.
• Deactivate the Gatekeeper.
• Allow read/write permission.