Inspiring

Answered

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

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
May 20, 2025
6 replies
1232 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!

macOS

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!

lexieleee

Participant

This sounds more like a macOS permission issue than a Lightroom or drive failure issue.

After a macOS upgrade, I would first check System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Full Disk Access. Make sure Lightroom Classic has permission there. I would also check Files and Folders permissions if it appears in the list.

I work with DigiEra, so I spend a lot of time around external SSD and photo storage workflows. When Lightroom catalogs or photo folders are on an external drive, macOS permission changes after an update can make it look like Lightroom suddenly cannot access files, even when the drive itself is fine.

I would also make sure the external drive is mounted properly before opening Lightroom, then check whether the catalog file and original photo folders are still in the same path. If Lightroom opens but photos show as missing, it may just need the folder location relinked.

I would not format or move anything until you confirm whether the files are still visible in Finder.

crusnak

Participant

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

nik.m

Community Manager

Hi @crusnak, we’re sorry about the trouble!

Go to System Settings on your Mac, then Privacy and Security and check if Lightroom Classic is added Full Disk Access and Files and Folders. If not, add Lightroom Classic to both and restart your machine.

Also, are the catalogs on an external drive right now? If yes, try moving them to the computer’s local storage and open it from there.

Let us know if it makes a difference!

Thanks,

Nikunj

crusnak

Participant

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

L

Lanther13

Participating Frequently

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

I have the same problem ! could anyone help? thanks

J

johns490623Author

Inspiring

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

dj_paige

Legend

@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

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

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