Permissions
Which macOS permissions Tyll asks for, what it does with them, and how to change them later.
Tyll asks for four macOS permissions. None are required — but each one unlocks a specific feature. Here’s exactly what Tyll uses each one for, and what happens if you say no.
Microphone
What for: So Tyll can hear your voice in the first place — for both dictation and meeting recordings.
If you deny it: No recording is possible. Tyll shows a hint on the record button and takes you straight to the right spot in System Settings.
Change later: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → Tyll
Input Monitoring
What for: So the dictation shortcut (by default ⌥+Space) works even when you’re in another app. macOS requires this for any app that listens for a system-wide shortcut.
If you deny it: The dictation window won’t open. You can still use Tyll from inside its own window.
Change later: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring → Tyll
Accessibility
What for: So Tyll can drop dictated text straight into the app you’re using — that “speak, and the text appears” feeling.
If you deny it: Tyll falls back to the clipboard — your dictated text goes to the clipboard and you paste it yourself.
Change later: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → Tyll
Screen Recording
What for: Nothing today. It’s set aside for future features (for example, spotting which meeting app is open so the audio setup is even simpler).
If you deny it: You lose nothing in the current version. You can grant it later if it ever becomes useful.
What Tyll deliberately does not ask for
- Camera — Tyll doesn’t work with video.
- Contacts / Calendar / Reminders — Tyll never touches any of these.
- Full Disk Access — Tyll only reads and writes in its own space.
- Network access for transcription — Tyll makes no network calls to transcribe. The only time it reaches the internet is to check for an update.
Where your data goes, at a glance
| Type of data | Stays on your Mac? | Leaves your Mac? |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded audio | Yes | Never |
| Transcripts | Yes | Never |
| Saved voice profiles | Yes | Never |
| Glossary / settings | Yes | Never |
| Diagnostic logs | On your Mac | Only if you export them yourself |
| Update check | — | Yes, a single quick request |
| License activation | Saved on your Mac | One quick check the first time |