Why Choose Keith Thomas
• 20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.
• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.
• Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.
• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.
On‑site Apple Mac Support in London and the South East UK
What this page covers
This guide explains the real reasons Mac permission problems occur, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:
• MacBook Air
• MacBook Pro
• iMac
• Mac mini
• Mac Studio
If your Mac won’t let you open files, save documents, install apps, or access folders, this page is for you.
The most common Mac permission problems
These are the issues that Keith Thomas identifies most often during on‑site visits:
• Incorrect folder permissions
• Damaged user account permissions
• iCloud Drive permission conflicts
• App not allowed in Privacy & Security
• External drive permission errors
• macOS update issues
• Damaged system files
• Corrupted user account
Quick checks you can do yourself
These steps solve around 60% of permission issues.
Check 1 – Restart the Mac
A restart resets permission services and background processes.
Check 2 – Try saving to the Desktop
If that works, the issue is folder‑specific permissions.
Check 3 – Check Privacy & Security settings
System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders.
Check 4 – Check iCloud Drive
iCloud syncing delays can cause temporary permission errors.
If you cannot open or save files
This usually means:
• Folder permissions incorrect
• App not allowed access
• iCloud Drive conflict
Try:
• Saving to Desktop
• System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders
• Restarting the Mac
If apps cannot access folders
This usually means:
• App blocked by macOS privacy settings
• Damaged app permissions
• App sandboxing issue
Try:
• System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access
• Restarting the Mac
• Updating the app
If external drives show permission errors
This usually means:
• Drive formatted incorrectly
• Damaged drive permissions
• Read‑only file system
Try:
• Copying files to Desktop
• Checking drive format in Disk Utility
• Restarting the Mac
If permission issues started after a macOS update
This usually means:
• Privacy settings reset
• Spotlight reindexing
• iCloud Drive re‑syncing
Try:
• Re‑granting app permissions
• Restarting the Mac
• Leaving the Mac plugged in for a few hours
If permission problems affect only one user account
This usually means:
• Corrupted user account
• Damaged preferences
• Broken home folder permissions
Try:
• Testing permissions on another user account
• Restarting the Mac
• Reinstalling macOS without erasing data
When DIY stops working
You should get on‑site help if:
• Permission errors appear constantly
• Apps cannot access required folders
• macOS reinstall does not fix the issue
• iCloud Drive shows repeated permission conflicts
• You need your data preserved
These issues usually require:
• Permission and system configuration repair
• macOS recovery
• Data‑safe macOS reinstall
• User account repair
• Folder and system file diagnostics
On‑Site Apple Mac Support – London & South East UK
If you have Mac permission problems, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:
• Central London
• West, North, South and East London
• Surrey
• Berkshire
• Hampshire
• Wiltshire
Keith Thomas is a Mac Support Specialist in:
• Permission and access issues
• macOS configuration repair
• Data‑safe macOS recovery
• macOS reinstall and repair
• iCloud and Apple Account issues
• New Mac setup and migration
• User account and permissions diagnostics
Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK
If you have Mac permission problems, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get you working again.
Keith Thomas – Apple Mac Support Specialist
Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days
Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7