> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hermesvoice.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Permissions

> Understanding and granting the macOS permissions Hermes needs to work.

## Why Hermes needs permissions

macOS protects your privacy by requiring apps to ask for permission before accessing sensitive features. Hermes needs a few permissions to function—here's what each one does and how to grant it.

## Required permissions

### Microphone

**What it does:** Lets Hermes hear your voice for dictation.

**Without it:** Hermes can't capture audio. Dictation won't work at all.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open System Settings">
    Click the Apple menu () → System Settings
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Microphone">
    Go to **Privacy & Security → Microphone**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Hermes">
    Find Hermes in the list and toggle it **on**
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

### Accessibility

**What it does:** Lets Hermes type text into applications on your behalf.

**Without it:** Hermes can transcribe your speech, but it can't insert the text into apps.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open System Settings">
    Click the Apple menu () → System Settings
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Accessibility">
    Go to **Privacy & Security → Accessibility**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Hermes">
    Click the **+** button, navigate to Applications, and select **Hermes**. Toggle it **on**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  If Hermes is already in the list but not working, try removing it and adding it again. Sometimes macOS needs a fresh permission grant.
</Warning>

***

### Input Monitoring

**What it does:** Lets Hermes detect when you press your dictation hotkey, even when other apps are in focus.

**Without it:** Your hotkey will only work when Hermes is the active app.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open System Settings">
    Click the Apple menu () → System Settings
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Input Monitoring">
    Go to **Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Hermes">
    Find Hermes and toggle it **on**
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Troubleshooting permissions

### Permission isn't sticking

If you grant a permission but it doesn't seem to work:

1. **Quit Hermes completely** (right-click the dock icon → Quit, or use ⌘Q)
2. **Remove Hermes from the permission list** in System Settings
3. **Re-add Hermes** to the permission list
4. **Restart Hermes**

### I don't see Hermes in the list

1. Make sure Hermes is installed in your Applications folder
2. Launch Hermes at least once
3. Check that you're looking at the correct permission section

### Permissions were denied by my organization

If you're on a work computer, your IT department may restrict certain permissions. Contact them to allow Hermes access, or try using Hermes on a personal device.

### Still having trouble?

<Card title="Troubleshooting guide" icon="wrench" href="/troubleshooting/permissions">
  More detailed solutions for permission issues.
</Card>

***

***

### Reminders

**What it does:** Lets Hermes schedule macOS notifications for note reminders.

**Without it:** You can still create notes, but reminders won't trigger notifications.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Grant when prompted">
    Hermes asks for Reminders access the first time you set a reminder on a note. Click **Allow**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Quick reference

| Permission       | Required? | What it enables             |
| ---------------- | --------- | --------------------------- |
| Microphone       | Yes       | Voice capture               |
| Accessibility    | Yes       | Text insertion              |
| Input Monitoring | Yes       | Global hotkey               |
| Reminders        | Optional  | Note reminder notifications |