After installing or upgrading an Avast app, you need to allow the required permissions so that the app can fully protect your Mac. The Avast setup tutorial guides you through this process.

If any permissions are required, the Avast setup tutorial appears automatically when you open your Avast app. To allow the required permissions, refer to the relevant section below:

• Allow real-time protection
• Add DNS proxy configurations
• Allow Full Disk Access
• Add Avast certificates
• Allow Focus mode access
• Allow Location Services

Allow real-time protection

Allowing real-time protection enables your Avast app to detect malware and protect your Mac in real time.

Add DNS proxy configurations

Adding a DNS proxy configuration enables your Avast app to monitor websites for threats while you browse the internet.

1. On the setup screen that asks to keep you safe while browsing, click Open.
2. Click Allow.

The required DNS proxy configuration is now added.

Allow Full Disk Access

Allowing Full Disk Access enables your Avast app to scan your entire Mac for hidden threats.

1. On the setup screen that asks to scan your disk for malware, click Open.
2. Allow Full Disk Access for your Avast app using either option below:
   • Option A: Click the slider next to Avast so that it changes from gray (OFF) to blue (ON).
   • Option B: Click the + (plus) icon, select Avast in the Applications folder, then click Open.
3. When prompted, enter the password that you use when you start your Mac, then click Modify Settings.
4. When prompted, click Quit & Reopen.

Full Disk Access is now granted for your Avast app.

Add Avast certificates

Adding Avast certificates enables your Avast app to detect and block browser-based threats. If you are prompted to add Avast certificates to the Keychain, follow the steps below:

1. On the setup screen that asks you to update your certificate settings, click Open.
2. Enter the password that you use when you start your Mac, then click Update Settings.
3. Click Got it.

The Avast certificates are now added to the Keychain.

Allow Focus mode access

Allowing Focus mode access enables your Avast app to detect when notifications should be silenced.

1. On the setup screen that asks you to let Avast know when you do not want to be disturbed, click Open.
2. Click the slider next to Avast so that it changes from gray (OFF) to blue (ON).
3. When prompted, enter the password that you use when you start your Mac, then click Modify Settings.
4. When prompted, click Quit & Reopen.

Focus mode access is now granted for your Avast app.

Allow Location Services

Allowing Location Services enables your Avast app to identify the connected Wi-Fi network and analyze its security.

1. On the setup screen that asks to analyze your network security, click Open.
2. In System Settings, ensure Privacy & Security ▸ Location Services is open.
3. Ensure Location Services is enabled.
4. Click the slider next to Avast so that it changes to blue (ON).
5. If prompted, enter the password that you use when you start your Mac, then click Modify Settings.

Location Services permission is now granted for your Avast app.

Troubleshooting

If you cannot allow the permissions described in this article, refer to the following article:

• Troubleshooting issues when allowing protection permissions on macOS

Updated on: 18/09/2026