mumble-voip · nicholas-lonsinger · Feb 4, 2026
diff --git a/docs/GlobalShortcuts.md b/docs/GlobalShortcuts.md
@@ -53,6 +53,25 @@ regardless of the user they're running under!
 
 ## macOS
 
-Mumble needs to be granted accessibility permissions.
+Mumble needs permission to monitor keyboard and mouse input for global shortcuts
+(e.g. Push-to-Talk) to work. The required permission depends on your macOS version:
 
-![macOS screenshot](../screenshots/macOS_privacy_accessibility.png)
+### macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and later
+
+Grant **Input Monitoring** permission:
+
+1. Open **System Settings** > **Privacy & Security** > **Input Monitoring**
+2. Enable the checkbox next to **Mumble**
+
+![macOS Input Monitoring screenshot](../screenshots/macOS_privacy_input_monitoring.png)
+
+### macOS 10.9 - 10.14
+
+Grant **Accessibility** permission:
+
+1. Open **System Preferences** > **Security & Privacy** > **Privacy** > **Accessibility**
+2. Click the lock to make changes, then enable the checkbox next to **Mumble**
+
+![macOS Accessibility screenshot](../screenshots/macOS_privacy_accessibility.png)
+
+Mumble will automatically detect your macOS version and open the correct settings pane.
diff --git a/screenshots/macOS_privacy_input_monitoring.png b/screenshots/macOS_privacy_input_monitoring.png
diff --git a/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut.cpp b/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut.cpp
@@ -24,8 +24,7 @@
 #include <QtWidgets/QToolTip>
 
 #ifdef Q_OS_MAC
-#	include <ApplicationServices/ApplicationServices.h>
-#	include <QtCore/QOperatingSystemVersion>
+#	include "GlobalShortcut_macx.h"
 #endif
 
 #include <cassert>
@@ -639,25 +638,13 @@ GlobalShortcutConfig::GlobalShortcutConfig(Settings &st) : ConfigWidget(st) {
 #endif
 
 #ifdef Q_OS_MAC
-	// Help Mac users enable accessibility access for Mumble...
-	const QOperatingSystemVersion current = QOperatingSystemVersion::current();
-	if (current >= QOperatingSystemVersion::OSXMavericks) {
-		qpbOpenAccessibilityPrefs->setHidden(true);
-		label->setText(tr("<html><head/><body>"
-						  "<p>"
-						  "Mumble can currently only use mouse buttons and keyboard modifier keys (Alt, Ctrl, Cmd, "
-						  "etc.) for global shortcuts."
-						  "</p>"
-						  "<p>"
-						  "If you want more flexibility, you can add Mumble as a trusted accessibility program in the "
-						  "Security & Privacy section "
-						  "of your Mac's System Preferences."
-						  "</p>"
-						  "<p>"
-						  "In the Security & Privacy preference pane, change to the Privacy tab. Then choose "
-						  "Accessibility (near the bottom) in "
-						  "the list to the left. Finally, add Mumble to the list of trusted accessibility programs."
-						  "</body></html>"));
+	// Help Mac users enable the appropriate permission for Mumble.
+	// On macOS 10.15+, this is Input Monitoring; on older versions, it's Accessibility.
+	qpbOpenInputMonitoringSettings->setHidden(true);
+	if (!macOS_usesInputMonitoring()) {
+		// Update the label text for older macOS versions that use Accessibility
+		label->setText(tr("<html><head/><body><p>Mumble needs <b>Accessibility</b> permission to use global "
+						  "shortcuts such as Push-to-Talk.</p></body></html>"));
 	}
 #endif
 }
@@ -677,24 +664,16 @@ bool GlobalShortcutConfig::eventFilter(QObject * /*object*/, QEvent *e) {
 
 bool GlobalShortcutConfig::showWarning() const {
 #ifdef Q_OS_MAC
-#	if MAC_OS_X_VERSION_MAX_ALLOWED >= 1090
-	const QOperatingSystemVersion current = QOperatingSystemVersion::current();
-	if (current >= QOperatingSystemVersion::OSXMavericks) {
-		return !AXIsProcessTrustedWithOptions(nullptr);
-	} else
-#	endif
-	{
-		return !QFile::exists(QLatin1String("/private/var/db/.AccessibilityAPIEnabled"));
-	}
-#endif
+	return !macOS_hasGlobalShortcutPermission();
+#else
 	return false;
+#endif
 }
 
-void GlobalShortcutConfig::on_qpbOpenAccessibilityPrefs_clicked() {
-	QStringList args;
-	args << QLatin1String("/Applications/System Preferences.app");
-	args << QLatin1String("/System/Library/PreferencePanes/UniversalAccessPref.prefPane");
-	(void) QProcess::startDetached(QLatin1String("/usr/bin/open"), args);
+void GlobalShortcutConfig::on_qpbOpenInputMonitoringSettings_clicked() {
+#ifdef Q_OS_MAC
+	macOS_openPrivacySettings();
+#endif
 }
 
 void GlobalShortcutConfig::on_qpbSkipWarning_clicked() {
@@ -885,7 +864,11 @@ void GlobalShortcutConfig::reload() {
 	}
 #ifdef Q_OS_MAC
 	if (!Global::get().s.bSuppressMacEventTapWarning) {
-		qwWarningContainer->setVisible(showWarning());
+		bool warn = showWarning();
+		qwWarningContainer->setVisible(warn);
+		if (warn) {
+			qpbOpenInputMonitoringSettings->setHidden(false);
+		}
 	} else {
 		qwWarningContainer->setVisible(false);
 	}

diff --git a/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut.h b/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut.h
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ public slots:
 	void on_qpbRemove_clicked(bool);
 	void on_qtwShortcuts_currentItemChanged(QTreeWidgetItem *, QTreeWidgetItem *);
 	void on_qtwShortcuts_itemChanged(QTreeWidgetItem *, int);
-	void on_qpbOpenAccessibilityPrefs_clicked();
+	void on_qpbOpenInputMonitoringSettings_clicked();
 	void on_qpbSkipWarning_clicked();
 };
 

diff --git a/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut.ui b/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut.ui
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
          <item>
           <widget class="QLabel" name="label">
            <property name="text">
-            <string>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble can currently only use mouse buttons and keyboard modifier keys (Alt, Ctrl, Cmd, etc.) for global shortcuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want more flexibility, you can enable &lt;span style=&quot; font-style:italic;&quot;&gt;Access for assistive devices&lt;/span&gt; in the system's Accessibility preferences. However, please note that this change also potentially allows malicious programs to read what is typed on your keyboard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</string>
+            <string>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble needs &lt;b&gt;Input Monitoring&lt;/b&gt; permission to use global shortcuts such as Push-to-Talk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</string>
            </property>
            <property name="textFormat">
             <enum>Qt::RichText</enum>
@@ -58,9 +58,9 @@
             </spacer>
            </item>
            <item>
-            <widget class="QPushButton" name="qpbOpenAccessibilityPrefs">
+            <widget class="QPushButton" name="qpbOpenInputMonitoringSettings">
              <property name="text">
-              <string>Open Accessibility Preferences</string>
+              <string>Open Privacy Settings</string>
              </property>
             </widget>
            </item>

diff --git a/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut_macx.h b/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut_macx.h
@@ -14,6 +14,34 @@
 #include "Global.h"
 #include "GlobalShortcut.h"
 
+// Helper functions for runtime macOS version checking.
+// These allow C++ code to check and request the appropriate permission
+// (Input Monitoring on macOS 10.15+, Accessibility on older versions).
+#ifdef __cplusplus
+extern "C" {
+#endif
+
+/// Check if the app has the necessary permission for global shortcuts.
+/// On macOS 10.15+, checks Input Monitoring; on older versions, checks Accessibility.
+bool macOS_hasGlobalShortcutPermission();
+
+/// Request the necessary permission for global shortcuts.
+/// On macOS 10.15+, requests Input Monitoring; on older versions, this is a no-op
+/// (Accessibility permission is requested automatically when the event tap fails).
+void macOS_requestGlobalShortcutPermission();
+
+/// Open the appropriate Privacy settings pane in System Preferences.
+/// On macOS 10.15+, opens Input Monitoring; on older versions, opens Accessibility.
+void macOS_openPrivacySettings();
+
+/// Returns true if the current macOS version uses Input Monitoring (10.15+),
+/// false if it uses Accessibility (10.14 and earlier).
+bool macOS_usesInputMonitoring();
+
+#ifdef __cplusplus
+}
+#endif
+
 class GlobalShortcutMac : public GlobalShortcutEngine {
 private:
 	Q_OBJECT

diff --git a/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut_macx.mm b/src/mumble/GlobalShortcut_macx.mm
@@ -14,6 +14,50 @@
 #define MOD_OFFSET   0x10000
 #define MOUSE_OFFSET 0x20000
 
+// Helper functions for runtime macOS version checking.
+// These allow GlobalShortcut.cpp (C++) to use the appropriate permission API
+// based on the running macOS version.
+
+bool macOS_hasGlobalShortcutPermission() {
+	if (@available(macOS 10.15, *)) {
+		// macOS 10.15+ (Catalina): Use Input Monitoring API
+		return CGPreflightListenEventAccess();
+	} else {
+		// macOS 10.9 - 10.14: Use Accessibility API
+		return AXIsProcessTrustedWithOptions(nullptr);
+	}
+}
+
+void macOS_requestGlobalShortcutPermission() {
+	if (@available(macOS 10.15, *)) {
+		// macOS 10.15+ (Catalina): Request Input Monitoring permission
+		CGRequestListenEventAccess();
+	} else {
+		// macOS 10.9 - 10.14: Request Accessibility permission with system prompt
+		NSDictionary *options = @{(__bridge NSString *) kAXTrustedCheckOptionPrompt: @YES };
+		AXIsProcessTrustedWithOptions((__bridge CFDictionaryRef) options);
+	}
+}
+
+void macOS_openPrivacySettings() {
+	NSString *urlString;
+	if (@available(macOS 10.15, *)) {
+		// macOS 10.15+: Open Input Monitoring settings
+		urlString = @"x-apple.systempreferences:com.apple.preference.security?Privacy_ListenEvent";
+	} else {
+		// macOS 10.9 - 10.14: Open Accessibility settings
+		urlString = @"x-apple.systempreferences:com.apple.preference.security?Privacy_Accessibility";
+	}
+	[[NSWorkspace sharedWorkspace] openURL:[NSURL URLWithString:urlString]];
+}
+
+bool macOS_usesInputMonitoring() {
+	if (@available(macOS 10.15, *)) {
+		return true;
+	}
+	return false;
+}
+
 GlobalShortcutEngine *GlobalShortcutEngine::platformInit() {
 	return new GlobalShortcutMac();
 }
@@ -135,6 +179,11 @@
 	return;
 #endif
 
+	// Request the appropriate permission based on macOS version.
+	// On macOS 10.15+, this requests Input Monitoring permission.
+	// On older versions, permission is requested automatically when the event tap fails.
+	macOS_requestGlobalShortcutPermission();
+
 	CGEventMask evmask = CGEventMaskBit(kCGEventLeftMouseDown) |
 	                     CGEventMaskBit(kCGEventLeftMouseUp) |
 	                     CGEventMaskBit(kCGEventRightMouseDown) |
@@ -151,7 +200,7 @@
 	                     CGEventMaskBit(kCGEventScrollWheel);
 	port = CGEventTapCreate(kCGSessionEventTap,
 	                        kCGTailAppendEventTap,
-	                        kCGEventTapOptionDefault, // active filter (not only a listener)
+	                        kCGEventTapOptionListenOnly,
 	                        evmask,
 	                        GlobalShortcutMac::callback,
 	                        this);
@@ -478,7 +527,7 @@
 }
 
 bool GlobalShortcutMac::canSuppress() {
-	return true;
+	return false;
 }
 
 bool GlobalShortcutMac::canDisable() {

diff --git a/src/mumble/mumble.plist.in b/src/mumble/mumble.plist.in
@@ -36,6 +36,6 @@
 	<key>NSMicrophoneUsageDescription</key>
 	<string>Mumble uses your microphone to allow you to talk to other people</string>
 	<key>NSAccessibilityUsageDescription</key>
-	<string>Mumble needs accessibility permission for global shortcuts</string>
+	<string>Mumble needs accessibility permission for global shortcuts such as Push-to-Talk on older macOS versions</string>
 </dict>
 </plist>
diff --git a/src/mumble/mumble_ar.ts b/src/mumble/mumble_ar.ts
@@ -3700,14 +3700,6 @@ Label of the server. This is what the server will be named like in your server l
         <source>&amp;Remove</source>
         <translation type="unfinished">و حذف</translation>
     </message>
-    <message>
-        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble can currently only use mouse buttons and keyboard modifier keys (Alt, Ctrl, Cmd, etc.) for global shortcuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want more flexibility, you can enable &lt;span style=&quot; font-style:italic;&quot;&gt;Access for assistive devices&lt;/span&gt; in the system&apos;s Accessibility preferences. However, please note that this change also potentially allows malicious programs to read what is typed on your keyboard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
-        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
-    </message>
-    <message>
-        <source>Open Accessibility Preferences</source>
-        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
-    </message>
     <message>
         <source>Skip</source>
         <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
@@ -3774,6 +3766,14 @@ Without this option enabled, using Mumble&apos;s global shortcuts in privileged
         <source>This removes the selected entry from the &quot;Configured Shortcut&quot; tree above</source>
         <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
     </message>
+    <message>
+        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble needs &lt;b&gt;Input Monitoring&lt;/b&gt; permission to use global shortcuts such as Push-to-Talk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
+        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
+    </message>
+    <message>
+        <source>Open Privacy Settings</source>
+        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
+    </message>
 </context>
 <context>
     <name>GlobalShortcutButtons</name>
@@ -3816,10 +3816,6 @@ Without this option enabled, using Mumble&apos;s global shortcuts in privileged
 </context>
 <context>
     <name>GlobalShortcutConfig</name>
-    <message>
-        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble can currently only use mouse buttons and keyboard modifier keys (Alt, Ctrl, Cmd, etc.) for global shortcuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want more flexibility, you can add Mumble as a trusted accessibility program in the Security &amp; Privacy section of your Mac&apos;s System Preferences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the Security &amp; Privacy preference pane, change to the Privacy tab. Then choose Accessibility (near the bottom) in the list to the left. Finally, add Mumble to the list of trusted accessibility programs.&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
-        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
-    </message>
     <message>
         <source>Shortcuts</source>
         <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
@@ -3849,6 +3845,10 @@ Without this option enabled, using Mumble&apos;s global shortcuts in privileged
         <source>Shortcut input combinations</source>
         <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
     </message>
+    <message>
+        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble needs &lt;b&gt;Accessibility&lt;/b&gt; permission to use global shortcuts such as Push-to-Talk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
+        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
+    </message>
     <message>
         <source>Unassigned</source>
         <translation type="unfinished"></translation>

diff --git a/src/mumble/mumble_bg.ts b/src/mumble/mumble_bg.ts
@@ -3697,14 +3697,6 @@ Label of the server. This is what the server will be named like in your server l
         <source>&amp;Remove</source>
         <translation>&amp;Премахване</translation>
     </message>
-    <message>
-        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble can currently only use mouse buttons and keyboard modifier keys (Alt, Ctrl, Cmd, etc.) for global shortcuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want more flexibility, you can enable &lt;span style=&quot; font-style:italic;&quot;&gt;Access for assistive devices&lt;/span&gt; in the system&apos;s Accessibility preferences. However, please note that this change also potentially allows malicious programs to read what is typed on your keyboard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
-        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
-    </message>
-    <message>
-        <source>Open Accessibility Preferences</source>
-        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
-    </message>
     <message>
         <source>Skip</source>
         <translation>Пропускане</translation>
@@ -3771,6 +3763,14 @@ Without this option enabled, using Mumble&apos;s global shortcuts in privileged
         <source>This removes the selected entry from the &quot;Configured Shortcut&quot; tree above</source>
         <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
     </message>
+    <message>
+        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble needs &lt;b&gt;Input Monitoring&lt;/b&gt; permission to use global shortcuts such as Push-to-Talk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
+        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
+    </message>
+    <message>
+        <source>Open Privacy Settings</source>
+        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
+    </message>
 </context>
 <context>
     <name>GlobalShortcutButtons</name>
@@ -3813,10 +3813,6 @@ Without this option enabled, using Mumble&apos;s global shortcuts in privileged
 </context>
 <context>
     <name>GlobalShortcutConfig</name>
-    <message>
-        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble can currently only use mouse buttons and keyboard modifier keys (Alt, Ctrl, Cmd, etc.) for global shortcuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you want more flexibility, you can add Mumble as a trusted accessibility program in the Security &amp; Privacy section of your Mac&apos;s System Preferences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the Security &amp; Privacy preference pane, change to the Privacy tab. Then choose Accessibility (near the bottom) in the list to the left. Finally, add Mumble to the list of trusted accessibility programs.&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
-        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
-    </message>
     <message>
         <source>Shortcuts</source>
         <translation>Преки пътища</translation>
@@ -3846,6 +3842,10 @@ Without this option enabled, using Mumble&apos;s global shortcuts in privileged
         <source>Shortcut input combinations</source>
         <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
     </message>
+    <message>
+        <source>&lt;html&gt;&lt;head/&gt;&lt;body&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mumble needs &lt;b&gt;Accessibility&lt;/b&gt; permission to use global shortcuts such as Push-to-Talk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</source>
+        <translation type="unfinished"></translation>
+    </message>
     <message>
         <source>Unassigned</source>
         <translation type="unfinished">Необозначено</translation>