Turn off File Sharing on Mac when you do not need it

Turn off File Sharing when no other computer needs network access to folders on your Mac. If you do use it, keep the service enabled but restrict the shared folders, users, guest access, and permissions to what is actually required.

Current macOS file sharing uses SMB. Turning the service on makes the selected folders available over the network to accounts and guests that you authorize.

macOS 13 and later

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Click General > Sharing.
  3. Below Content & Media, turn off File Sharing.
macOS Sharing settings with File Sharing turned off

macOS 10.11 through 12

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences > Sharing.
  2. Deselect File Sharing.
Legacy Sharing preferences with File Sharing deselected

If you need File Sharing

Click the information button beside File Sharing and review:

  • every entry under Shared Folders;
  • each user’s access level, including Everyone and guest access;
  • whether administrators should have full-disk access;
  • SMB options and Windows File Sharing accounts; and
  • whether a folder can require encrypted SMB connections in its advanced options.

Apple recommends deselecting Windows File Sharing accounts before turning SMB sharing off because their stored password can otherwise remain active.

Security and functional limits

  • The macOS application firewall does not replace File Sharing permissions, and turning File Sharing off does not configure the firewall.
  • This setting does not turn off Screen Sharing, Remote Login, AirDrop, iCloud collaboration, Media Sharing, or other sharing services.
  • Turning off local login for the Guest User does not necessarily turn off guest access to shared folders; check both settings.

Primary sources

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