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Inspiring
May 20, 2025
Answered

Unable to access Lightroom Classic files after upgrade to Mac OS Sequoia 15.5

  • May 20, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 1219 views

There seems to be a serious incompatibility between Mac OS Sequoia version 15.5 and Lightroom Classic v13-3. I received a message telling me to go to Systems Settings-Privacy and Security - Full Disk Access to enable Full Disk Access for Adobe Lightroom Classic, which I have done but the problem remains.

 

This needs serious attention from Adobe and Apple. I have seen posts from professional users who are unable to work!

Correct answer johns490623

I apologise for not replying correctly when I stated that I had solved the problem, not realising that I had marked the answer as correct.

Frankly, I was embarrassed to state the solution, because it was simply that I had disconnected the external hard drive on which I keep my Lightroom work, so it was not surprising that I could not access my Lightroom files. When I reconnected the drive, I found the files.

But I would recommend anyone to follow the Adobe advice if you run Mac OS Sequoia, i.e. to go to Systems Settings<Privacy and Security<Full File Access and make sure that is activated for Adobe Lightroom Classic.

So I hope that my answer is now correct!

5 replies

crusnak
Participant
May 20, 2026

I am having trouble accessing about five years worth of digital catalog photographs through Adobe Lightroom. My problem started I think when either my macOS system software updated or adobe Lightroom updated its software.  Originally, I couldn’t find these photos anywhere on my hard drive so I had to retrieve them through Time Machine on my Mac. Once I located these catalogues I copied them over from Time Machine. I am unable to open them through Lightroom. I keep getting this warning.  Can you help me with the ability to open my Lightroom photo catalogs again?    And what does it mean when the LrC warning says “does not allow files to be created within it.”?

I have tried all suggestions I see here, but still unable to access my lrcat

Chris Rusnak
crusnak
Participant
May 20, 2026

I am having trouble accessing about five years worth of digital catalog photographs through Adobe Lightroom. My problem started I think when either my macOS system software updated or adobe Lightroom updated its software.  Originally, I couldn’t find these photos anywhere on my hard drive so I had to retrieve them through Time Machine on my Mac. Once I located these catalogues I copied them over from Time Machine. I am unable to open them through Lightroom. I keep getting this warning.  Can you help me with the ability to open my Lightroom photo catalogs again?    And what does it mean when the LrC warning says “does not allow files to be created within it.”?

I have tried all suggestions I see here, but still unable to access my lrcat

 

Chris Rusnak
Participating Frequently
August 20, 2025

not super related but i am currently on 15.2 sequoia and LRC and LR work fine and i DONT have full disk access on it. just the way i like it. is full disk access required in newer sequoia versions? because i'd rather not

do77709026
Known Participant
May 22, 2025

I have the same problem ! could anyone help? thanks

Inspiring
May 20, 2025

I am pleased to say that I have resolved the problem so you can disregard my previous post!

dj_paige
Legend
May 20, 2025

@johns490623 you marked your reply correct, but it is not correct in the sense that anyone else with the same problem cannot apply your solution. Please tell us what the solution was, and mark that answer correct.

do77709026
Known Participant
May 22, 2025

hello, do you knwo where I can find the solution that this person talk about?