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macos-settings\n\nMy recommendations for the ultimate macOS Configuration :)\n\n**NOTE:** This project can be found on both [Codeberg](https://codeberg.org/celenity/macos-settings), which will act as the main \u0026 preferred way to contribute, and [GitHub](https://github.com/celenityy/macos-settings).\n\n# Apple ID\n\nPersonal Information -\u003e Communication Preferences -\u003e **Announcements** -\u003e ❌\n\nPersonal Information -\u003e Communication Preferences -\u003e **Apps, music, TV and more** -\u003e ❌\n\nSign-In \u0026 Security -\u003e **Two-Factor Authentication** -\u003e ✅ *(Use security keys if possible)*\n\nMedia \u0026 Purchases -\u003e **Free Downloads** -\u003e `Never require`\n\nMedia \u0026 Purchases -\u003e **Purchases and In-App Purchases** -\u003e `Always require`\n\n# Wi-Fi\n\n**Wi-Fi** -\u003e ❌ *when not using*\n\n**Ask to join hotspots** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Bluetooth\n\n**Bluetooth** -\u003e ❌ *when not using*\n\n# Network\n\n**Firewall** -\u003e ✅\n\nFirewall -\u003e Options -\u003e **Block all incoming connections** -\u003e ✅\n\nFirewall -\u003e Options -\u003e **Enable stealth mode** -\u003e ✅\n\n# Notifications\n\n**Show previews** -\u003e `When Unlocked`\n\n**Allow notifications when the display is sleeping** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Allow notifications when the screen is locked** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Allow notifications when mirroring or sharing the display** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Application Notifications** -\u003e Go through and disable notifications for any apps that don't need it\n\n# Focus\n\n**Share across devices** -\u003e ❌\n\nFocus status -\u003e **Share Focus status** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Screen Time\n\n**Content \u0026 Privacy** -\u003e ✅\n\nContent \u0026 Privacy:\n\nStore, Web, Siri \u0026 Game Center Content:\n\n* **Allow Web Search Content in Siri** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow Music \u0026 TV Shared Libraries** -\u003e ❌ \n\n* **Allow Adding Friends** -\u003e ❌ \n\n* **Allow Connect with Friends** -\u003e ❌ \n\n* **Allow Private Messaging** -\u003e ❌ \n\n* **Allow Multiplayer Games With** -\u003e `No one` *(if you don't play any games online through Game Center)*\n\n* **Allow Nearby Multiplayer** -\u003e ❌ \n\nApp \u0026 Feature Restrictions:\n\n* **Allow Book Store** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow Siri \u0026 Dictation** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow SharePlay** -\u003e ❌\n\nThe following appear to only impact iOS, but I would still recommend setting them for defense in depth, just don't disable anything you actually use or need...\n\n* **Allow Mail** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow Safari** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow FaceTime** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow Wallet** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow CarPlay** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow iTunes Store** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow Podcasts** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow AirDrop** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow Health** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow Activity** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow App Clips** -\u003e ❌\n\n# General\n\nAbout -\u003e **Name** -\u003e Keep this generic, I recommend setting it to `Device`\n\nSoftware Update -\u003e Automatic Updates:\n\n* **Check for updates** -\u003e ✅\n\n* **Download new updates when available** -\u003e ✅\n\n* **Install macOS updates** -\u003e ✅\n\n* **Install application updates from the App Store** -\u003e ✅\n\n* **Install Security Responses and system files** -\u003e ✅\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\nAirDrop \u0026 Handoff:\n\n* **Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **AirDrop** -\u003e `No One`\n\n* **AirPlay Receiver** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Allow AirPlay for** -\u003e `Current User`\n\n* **Login Items** -\u003e Go through and remove/disable anything from here you don't need\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\nLanguage \u0026 Region -\u003e Translation Languages... -\u003e **On-Device Mode** -\u003e ✅\n\nDate \u0026 Time -\u003e **Set date and time automatically** -\u003e ✅ *(Very important for security)*\n\nDate \u0026 Time -\u003e Source -\u003e **Set...** -\u003e I would recommend setting this to the time server ran by [GrapheneOS](https://grapheneos.org/): `time.grapheneos.org`\n\nDate \u0026 Time -\u003e **24-hour time** -\u003e ❌\n\nDate \u0026 Time -\u003e **Show 24-hour time on Lock Screen** -\u003e ❌\n\nSharing:\n\n* **File Sharing** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Media Sharing** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Screen Sharing** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Content Caching** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Bluetooth Sharing** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Printer Sharing** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Internet Sharing** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Remote Management** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Remote Login** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Remote Application Scripting** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Appearance\n\n**Appearance** -\u003e `Dark`\n\n# Accessibility\n\nThe 3 options below are optional but recommended for lower-end or older devices to improve performance and battery:\n\nDisplay -\u003e **Reduce motion** -\u003e ✅\n\nDisplay -\u003e **Reduce transparency** -\u003e ✅\n\nDisplay -\u003e **Auto-play animated images** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Voice Control** -\u003e ❌ *(if you don't use/need it)*\n\nKeyboard -\u003e **Sticky Keys** -\u003e ❌ *(Important for gaming)*\n\nKeyboard -\u003e **Slow Keys** -\u003e ❌ *(Important for gaming)*\n\nPointer Control -\u003e **Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present** -\u003e ✅\n\nPointer Control -\u003e Trackpad Options... -\u003e **Scroll speed** -\u003e Make sure it's set so that it's 4 spaces away from the turtle on the left \u0026 3 spaces away from the rabbit on the right *(Should be default, important for gaming)*\n\nPointer Control -\u003e Mouse Options... -\u003e **Scroll speed** -\u003e Make sure it's set so that it's 4 spaces away from the turtle on the left \u0026 3 spaces away from the rabbit on the right *(Should be default, important for gaming)*\n\nPersonal Voice -\u003e **Share across devices** -\u003e ❌\n\nPersonal Voice -\u003e **Allow applications to use your Personal Voice** -\u003e ❌\n\nSiri -\u003e **Type to Siri** -\u003e ✅\n\n# Control Center\n\n**Wi-Fi** -\u003e `Show in Menu Bar`\n\n**Bluetooth** -\u003e `Show in Menu Bar`\n\n**AirDrop** -\u003e `Don't Show in Menu Bar`\n\n**Focus** -\u003e `Show when active`\n\n**Screen Mirroring** -\u003e `Show when active`\n\nAccessibility shortcuts -\u003e **Show in Menu Bar** -\u003e ❌ *(Unless you need/use this)*\n\nAccessibility shortcuts -\u003e **Show in Control Center** -\u003e ❌ *(Unless you need/use this)*\n\nBattery -\u003e **Show in Menu Bar** -\u003e ✅\n\nBattery -\u003e **Show in Control Center** -\u003e ✅\n\nBattery -\u003e **Show Percentage** -\u003e ✅\n\nFast User Switching -\u003e **Show in Menu Bar** -\u003e Your choice, this is a great setting to take advantage of if you use multiple users, otherwise don't bother\n\nFast User Switching -\u003e **Show in Control Center** -\u003e ✅ *(only if you use multiple users)*\n\nMenu Bar Only -\u003e Clock Options... -\u003e Date -\u003e **Show date** -\u003e `When space allows`\n\nMenu Bar Only -\u003e Clock Options... -\u003e Date -\u003e **Show the day of the week** -\u003e ✅\n\nMenu Bar Only -\u003e Clock Options... -\u003e Time -\u003e **Style** -\u003e `Digital`\n\nMenu Bar Only -\u003e Clock Options... -\u003e Time -\u003e **Show AM/PM** -\u003e ✅\n\nMenu Bar Only -\u003e Clock Options... -\u003e Time -\u003e **Display the time with seconds** -\u003e ✅\n\nMenu Bar Only -\u003e Clock Options... -\u003e Time -\u003e **Announce the time** -\u003e ❌ *(Should be default, lol)*\n\n**Siri** -\u003e `Don't Show in Menu Bar`\n\n# Siri \u0026 Spotlight\n\n**Ask Siri** -\u003e ❌\n\nSpotlight:\n\n* **Contacts** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Siri Suggestions** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Tips** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Websites** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Privacy \u0026 Security\n\n**Location Services** -\u003e ❌ *(if you don't use/need it)*\n\nDisable location access for any apps that don't need it here\n\nSystem Services -\u003e Details...:\n\n* **Suggestions \u0026 Search** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **System customization** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Significant locations** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Find My Mac** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **HomeKit** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Mac Analytics** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Show location icon in Control Center when System Services request your location** -\u003e ✅\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\nGo through all permissions under privacy and remove permissions for any apps that don't need them\n\n**Sensitive Content Warning** -\u003e ❌\n\nAnalytics \u0026 Improvements -\u003e **Share Mac Analytics** -\u003e ❌\n\nAnalytics \u0026 Improvements -\u003e **Improve Siri \u0026 Dictation** -\u003e ❌\n\nAnalytics \u0026 Improvements -\u003e **Share with app developers** -\u003e ❌\n\nApple Advertising -\u003e **Personalized Ads** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Allow applications downloaded from** -\u003e `App Store and identified developers`\n\n**Allow accesories to connect** -\u003e `Ask Every Time`\n\n**FileVault** -\u003e `On` ✅ (Don't save the recovery key to your iCloud account...)\n\n**Lockdown Mode** -\u003e `On` ✅\n\nExtensions -\u003e **Added extensions** -\u003e Remove any extensions you don't need/use\n\nExtensions -\u003e Sharing:\n\n* **Contact Suggestions** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **AirDrop** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Mail** -\u003e ❌ *(if you don't use/need it)*\n\n* **Messages** -\u003e ❌ *(if you don't use/need it)*\n\n* **Save to Books** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Freeform** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Instruments** -\u003e ❌\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\n**Profiles** -\u003e Remove any profiles you don't need/use\n\nAdvanced... -\u003e **Require an administrator password to access system-wide settings** -\u003e ✅\n\nAdvanced... -\u003e **Log out automatically after inactivity** -\u003e ✅\n\nAdvanced... -\u003e **Log out after...** -\u003e Your choice, the lower the better, I leave mine at `60 minutes` due to other options we set (Should investigate this further)\n\n# Desktop \u0026 Dock\n\n**Show suggested and recent apps in Dock** -\u003e ❌\n\nShow Widgets -\u003e **On Desktop** -\u003e ❌\n\nShow Widgets -\u003e **In Stage Manager** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Use iPhone widgets** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Default web browser** -\u003e Set to your browser of choice, I generally recommend [Firefox](https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/) with my [Phoenix](https://phoenix.celenity.dev).\n\n**Prefer tabs when opening documents** -\u003e `Always`\n\n**Ask to keep changes when closing documents** -\u003e ✅\n\n**Close windows when quitting an application** -\u003e ✅\n\n**Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Displays\n\n**Automatically adjust brightness** -\u003e ❌ *(Annoying and better for battery)*\n\n**True Tone** -\u003e ✅\n\n**Preset** -\u003e Choose `Apple XDR Display` if you have the option, otherwise `Apple Display` *(Should be default)*\n\n**Refresh rate** -\u003e `ProMotion` if you have the option\n\nAdvanced...:\n\n**Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Push through the edge of a display to connect a nearby Mac or iPad** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad** -\u003e ❌\n\nNight Shift:\n\nSchedule -\u003e **Custom:** -\u003e I usually set to `From 9:00PM to 6:00AM`\n\n**Color Temperature** -\u003e Set to the middle *(Should be default)*\n\n# Battery\n\nBattery Health -\u003e **Optimized Battery Charging** -\u003e ✅ *(Should be default)*\n\nEnergy Mode -\u003e **On battery** -\u003e `Automatic` *(Should be default)* - You can also set this to `Low Power` if you need to conserve battery life\n\nEnergy Mode -\u003e **On power adapter** -\u003e `Automatic` *(Should be default)* - It might also be desirable to set this to `High Power` depending on your use case\n\nOptions...:\n\n* **Slightly dim the display on battery** -\u003e ✅\n\n* **Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off** -\u003e ❌\n\n* **Wake for network access** -\u003e `Only on Power Adapter`\n\n* **Optimize video streaming while on battery** -\u003e ❌ *(Should be default)* - You can enable if you need to conserve battery life\n\n# Lock Screen\n\n**Start Screen Saver when inactive** -\u003e Your choice, the lower the better, I usually set to `For 2 minutes`\n\n**Turn display off on battery when inactive** -\u003e Your choice, the lower the better, I usually set to `For 2 minutes`\n\n**Turn display off on power adapter when inactive** -\u003e Your choice, the lower the better, I usually set to `For 5 minutes`\n\n**Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off** -\u003e Your choice, the lower the better, I usually set to `After 5 seconds`\n\nWhen switching users -\u003e **Show the Sleep, Restart, and Shut Down buttons** -\u003e ✅\n\nAccessibility Options...:\n\n* **VoiceOver** -\u003e ❌ *(if you don't use/need it)*\n\n* **Sticky Keys** -\u003e ❌ *(Important for gaming)*\n\n* **Slow Keys** -\u003e ❌ *(Important for gaming)*\n\n# Touch ID \u0026 Password\n\nMake sure you set a strong password, I would recommend avoiding Touch ID and using it as little as possible:\n\n**Use Touch ID to unlock your Mac** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Use Touch ID for Apple Pay** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Use Touch ID for purchases in iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Use Touch ID for autofilling passwords** -\u003e ❌\n\n**Use Touch ID for fast user switching** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Users \u0026 Groups\n\nDelete any groups you don't need/use\n\n**Automatically log in as** -\u003e `Off` ❌\n\n# Passwords\n\nSecurity Recommendations -\u003e **Detect leaked passwords** -\u003e ✅ *(This is done locally on device through a list of passwords, Apple doesn't get sent your passwords)*\n\nPassword Options -\u003e **Autofill Passwords and Passkeys** -\u003e ❌\n\nPassword Options -\u003e Verification Codes -\u003e **Delete After Use** -\u003e ✅\n\n# Internet Accounts\n\nRemove any accounts in here you don't need/use\n\n# Wallet \u0026 Apple Pay\n\n**Shipping Address** -\u003e `No Shipping Address`\n\n**Email** -\u003e `No Email`\n\n**Phone** -\u003e `No Phone`\n\n**Compatible cards** -\u003e ❌ \n\n**Add Orders to Wallet** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Keyboard\n\n**Key repeat rate** -\u003e `Fast` *(Drag all the way to the right, important for gaming)*\n\n**Delay until repeat** -\u003e `Short` *(Drag all the way to the right, important for gaming)*\n\n**Press Globe key to** -\u003e `Show Emoji \u0026 Symbols`\n\n**Dictation** -\u003e ❌\n\n# Trackpad\n\n**Tracking speed** -\u003e Make sure it's set so that it's 4 spaces away from the left \u0026 5 spaces away from the right *(important for gaming)*\n","project_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/projects/github.com%2Fcelenityy%2Fmacos-settings","html_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/projects/github.com%2Fcelenityy%2Fmacos-settings","lists_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/projects/github.com%2Fcelenityy%2Fmacos-settings/lists"}