How to Change Read Write Permissions in Mac Terminal

Whether you are a developer, a content creator, or a general user, encountering a "Read-Only" file or a locked folder is a common source of frustration. While the graphical "Get Info" window offers basic controls, advanced users often turn to the command line for more granular control. Learning how to change read write permissions using Mac terminal commands is an essential skill for managing your system effectively.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the precise commands needed to unlock your files using the Terminal. Furthermore, we will address the specific and common issue where users try to change read write permissions Mac external hard drive terminal commands fail—specifically when dealing with Windows-formatted NTFS drives—and provide a professional software solution to bridge that gap.

Overview of Read-Write Permissions on Mac

Before diving into the command line, it is crucial to understand what you are actually changing. Mac OS uses a Unix-based permission system that dictates who can read, write, or execute a file.

When you attempt to change read write permission Mac terminal, you are modifying three layers of access: the Owner (you), the Group (a set of users), and Everyone (the public). If permissions are set incorrectly, you might find yourself unable to save changes to a document or unable to copy files to a folder. While you can adjust some of these in Finder, the Terminal offers a forceful way to override errors and apply changes recursively to entire directories.

Why Can't I Change Read and Write Permissions on Mac?

If you find yourself locked out of a file or drive, it is usually due to one of the following roadblocks:

Incompatible NTFS File System: This is the most common reason for external drives. If you can view files on a USB drive or SSD but cannot copy, edit, or delete them, the drive is likely formatted with Windows NTFS. macOS allows read access, but blocks write access natively.

Restricted File Ownership: On Unix-based systems like macOS, every file has an "Owner." If you are not the creator of the file or part of the allowed user group, you will be denied editing permissions.

Insufficient User Privileges: You may be logged into a "Standard" user account. To modify system files or applications, you often need "Administrator" privileges.

File System Corruption: If a drive was ejected improperly, the file system may be damaged. Mac OS often mounts corrupted drives as "Read-Only" to prevent further data loss.

System Integrity Protection (SIP): To prevent malware or accidental damage, Apple uses SIP to lock core operating system files. Even an Administrator cannot modify these protected files without disabling SIP.

How to Change Read Write Permissions Commands in Mac Terminal

Using the Terminal provides a direct line to the operating system's backend. The primary command used to change read write permissions in the Mac terminal is chmod (change mode).

Step 1. Open Finder, navigate to Applications > Utilities, and open Terminal. Locate Your File. Type ls -l followed by a space, then drag the file or folder into the Terminal window. This will show the current permissions (e.g., -r--r--r-- means read-only).

Step 2. To grant read and write capabilities, use the chmod command.

• To give the User (Owner) read and write access, type:

chmod u+rw /path/to/your/file

• To give Everyone read and write access (use with caution), type:

chmod a+rw /path/to/your/file

Note: Replace /path/to/your/file by dragging the actual file into the Terminal window.

Step 3. Press Enter. The command executes immediately. You can verify the change by running ls -l again.

How to Change Read Write Permissions for External Hard Drives on Mac

A unique problem arises when users attempt to modify permissions on external storage. You might follow the steps above perfectly, yet when you try to change read write permissions on a Mac external hard drive terminal, the operation fails or reports "Read-only file system."

This usually happens because the external drive is formatted with NTFS (New Technology File System), the standard for Windows computers. Mac OS can natively read NTFS drives, but it cannot write to them. No amount of chmod commands in Terminal can fix this, because it is not a permission issue—it is a file system compatibility issue. To write files to these drives, you need a specialized driver.

If you are stuck with a read-only external drive, stop struggling with complex Terminal commands. The most authoritative and reliable solution is to use PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac. This software is designed to instantly enable read-write access for Windows-formatted drives on your Mac.

PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac is a newly released, powerful utility for Mac OS. It eliminates the compatibility barrier, allowing you to access your external storage seamlessly without reformatting.

Free Download

100% Secure

⭐Note: Don't forget to configure the Security Policy in iOS Recovery Mode. macOS can only read NTFS partitions by default, not write directly to them. To write data to an NTFS partition on macOS, you need to use a third-party NTFS driver. 

Step 1. Run PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac and connect your external hard drive. Then the connected, removable, and external drives will be mounted and listed.

Step 2. Now, click the three dots, and your NTFS drive will show "Enable Writable", click it, and your NTFS drive can be read-write on your Mac.

To sum up

Managing file access is a critical part of computer usage. For local files, knowing how to change read-write permissions in the Mac terminal using the chmod command gives you powerful control over your data security. However, when dealing with external drives, especially those formatted for Windows, Terminal commands often fall short.

In these cases, PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac is the superior solution. By providing full read-write access to NTFS drives on Mac OS 12+ and M1/M2 systems, it allows you to bypass complex command-line troubleshooting and manage your files effortlessly. Whether you use Terminal for system files or PartitionAssistant for external drives, having the right tools ensures you are never locked out of your own data.

FAQs

Q1: What is the command to give full permission to a folder in Mac Terminal?

A: The command to give full read, write, and execute permissions to everyone is chmod 777 /path/to/folder. However, be careful using this, as it removes all security restrictions. To change read-write permissions in the Mac terminal safely, chmod 755 is often preferred for folders.

Q2: Why can't I change permissions on my external hard drive using Terminal?

A: If you try to change read-write permissions on a Mac external hard drive terminal and it fails, the drive is likely formatted as NTFS. Mac OS has native read support, but cannot write to NTFS drives. You need third-party software like PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac to enable write capabilities.

Q3: Is it safe to use NTFS drives on Mac with third-party software?

A: Yes, provided you use reputable software. PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac uses stable drivers to ensure data integrity when writing files. It also includes a "Safe Eject" feature to prevent corruption when disconnecting the drive.