How to Fix 'Security Policy Would Not Allow Process' Error

The "security policy would not allow process" error typically appears on systems like SELinux or Android.  If you see this error on your Mac, it generally means that the system has blocked a potentially unauthorized action for security reasons.

So, how can you fix it? This guide will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.  Keep reading to find the solution.

Why does "security policy would not allow process" appear on your Mac

macOS features multiple layers of security, including Gatekeeper, System Integrity Protection (SIP), App Sandbox, and the TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) system. These mechanisms work together to prevent unauthorized or potentially harmful software from running on your system.

When you attempt to run certain unverified apps, scripts, or command-line operations, macOS automatically enforces these security protocols to inspect the origin, permissions, and behavior of the process. If any potential threat or violation is detected, the system will immediately block the process from executing to maintain system integrity and protect your data.

Here are the most common causes of this error:

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How to fix the "security policy would not allow process" error

When the “security policy would not allow process” error appears on your Mac, leaving it unresolved can disrupt critical tasks like backups, file synchronization, and other processes. But don't worry, below you'll find several effective solutions.

Allow the blocked app manually 

macOS blocks unverified apps by default. This method lets you manually approve a specific app without changing system-wide settings.

You can go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down and look for any message about a blocked app, and click “Allow Anyway” or “Open Anyway”.
 

Check the SIP (System Integrity Protection) status

SIP is one of the core security mechanisms in macOS, designed to prevent system files and critical processes from being tampered with. When you try to run certain processes that need access to protected system areas, such as /System or /usr (excluding /usr/local), SIP may block the operation.

This type of restriction is commonly encountered when using certain third-party tools, installation scripts, or command-line programs. If you're confident the operation is safe but it's still being denied, it's worth checking whether SIP is the reason.

How to Check SIP Status:

If you need to disable SIP temporarily, click here to learn how to disable SIP on Mac.

Grant Full Disk Access to Terminal

macOS's TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) system restricts apps from accessing sensitive files or directories. If your terminal or script tool doesn't have Full Disk Access, the system may block its operations, causing errors.

You can grant access by going to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, then click the “+” button to add Terminal, iTerm2, or the app you use to run scripts (such as VS Code or Automator). After adding, exit the settings and restart the app for the changes to take effect.
 

Use spctl command to manually approve the app

You can use the spctl command in Terminal to manually add an app to the trusted list, bypassing Gatekeeper's default restrictions. This method is suitable when you're sure the software is safe but don't want to disable the entire security system.

Check for MDM restrictions

Company devices often enforce strict security policies via MDM. These may override personal settings and block scripts or apps.

So, go to System Settings > General > About > Management. If your Mac is managed, you can contact your IT department for help.

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