Enabling Website Tracking on macOS

Not seeing websites in your reports on macOS?

If you’re using macOS and don’t see websites listed in your RescueTime reports (and you are only seeing generic browser time), it’s usually because the required permissions haven’t been enabled.

RescueTime needs Accessibility and Automation permissions to read window titles from your apps and browsers. This is what allows website details to appear in your reports.

Note: RescueTime never controls your computer. These permissions are used only to read window titles, not to take actions or interact with apps.

Enable Accessibility permissions

You’re usually prompted to enable this during installation, but you can update it at any time.

1. Click the Apple menu and open System Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security
3. Select Accessibility
4. Turn on RescueTime in the list

If RescueTime isn’t listed:

• Click the + button
• Select RescueTime from your Applications folder

Once enabled, RescueTime can read window titles to identify the websites you visit 

Enable Automation permissions

Automation permissions allow RescueTime to access supported browsers.

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security
3. Select Automation
4. Expand RescueTime
5. Enable the browsers you want RescueTime to track

Firefox on macOS

If you use Firefox, you’ll also need the RescueTime browser extension.

Make sure you’re signed into the same RescueTime account in both:

• The desktop app
• The Firefox extension

Troubleshooting

Still not seeing websites?

• Quit and reopen the RescueTime app
• Make sure your browser is enabled under Automation
• Double-check that Accessibility is still turned on

Just enabled permissions?
It may take a few minutes for new activity to appear in your reports.