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Granting Full Disk Access (Mac)
Brief needs Full Disk Access to read your Messages database. It's a one-time step:
- Open the Brief menu-bar app — on first run it offers an Open Full Disk Access settings button.
- Or go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access.
- Turn on the toggle next to Brief. If it isn't listed, click + and add it.
- Quit and reopen Brief.
This permission stays on your Mac — it's the only way any app can read Messages, and Brief uses it only to find action items locally.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need both a Mac and an iPhone?
The Mac does the reading (that's where Messages lives and where scanning stays private). The iPhone is where you review items and route them to Reminders or Calendar.
Brief isn't finding any items.
Check that (1) Full Disk Access is granted to the Brief Mac app, (2) you're signed in on both devices with the same email, and (3) you have recent messages within your lookback window (Settings → Sources). Brief intentionally ignores casual chat and only surfaces genuine action items.
It's surfacing too much / too little.
Brief only inserts items it's confident are actionable. If something's missing, widen the lookback window in Settings → Sources. If you see noise, let us know the example — the on-device filter keeps improving.
How do I add to Reminders or Calendar?
Tap a card to open a pre-filled draft, adjust the title/date/notes, and confirm — or swipe right for the quick action. You can change the default swipe actions in Settings → Review Queue.
What's in the morning brief?
Weather, what's on your plate, news for your topics, your teams' scores, and your overnight message catch-up. Premium adds a live web brief and custom topics using your own AI key.
How do I manage or cancel my subscription?
On your iPhone: Settings → tap your name → Subscriptions → Brief. Changes take effect at the end of the billing period.
How do I delete my data?
Email [email protected] and we'll delete your account and all synced data. You can also remove Full Disk Access or delete the apps at any time.
Privacy
Your full message text never leaves your Mac. See our Privacy Policy for the details.