(System Integrity Protection)
You may encounter a 3rd party hardware that requires a software install but is unable to proceed without SID being disabled. (like kernel extensions, virtualization tools, or custom system tweaks).
You’re a developer testing apps that interact with protected system files.
You’re troubleshooting and need full access to macOS system directories.
But disabling SIP reduces your Mac’s security, so you should only do it temporarily and turn it back on when finished.
Steps to turn off SIP
- Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode by restarting your computer and immediately holding down the Command (⌘) + R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
- Open Terminal from the Utilities menu at the top of the screen.
- Enter the command
csrutil disableand press the Enter key. - Restart your Mac by selecting the Apple logo in the menu bar and choosing Restart.
Important Considerations
- Re-enable SIPas soon as you are finished with your task. Disabling SIP leaves your Mac vulnerable to malicious software.
- Use the command
csrutil enablein Recovery Mode to re-enable it.
- SIP protectscritical system files and folders like
/System,/usr,/bin,/sbin, and apps pre-installed with the OS.
- Check Status of SIP csrutil status