Downloaded Matlab R2021b, pop up saying "'MATLAB_R2018b' would like to access files in your Downloads folder." with buttons "don't allow" or "OK". keeps popping up

I recently downloaded MatLab R2018b a couple weeks ago. At first, when I downloaded it and first tried to open it, a pop up window showed up asking “MATLAB_R2018b” would like to access files in your Downloads folder" with buttons "Don't Allow" or "OK". At first I clicked "Don't Allow" by accident, then I couldn't open MatLab at all. It would pop up at my bottom row of apps, then disappear quickly so I couldn't use it. I tried opening it again today and it finally worked. However, after using it for a little, the same pop up window appeared. This time, I pressed "OK" and my downloads showed in the left panel folder. However, it continued to pop up no matter what button I pressed. Now, I can't use MatLab because the window won't go away. I have the R2018b version and that works perfectly. I'm not sure why the 2021 version is not. Thanks!

Answer 1

[Rishav]

Hi Peyton,

Please allow Full Disk Access for MATLAB, ensure that the 'userpath' in MATLAB is the Documents folder, and check that the 'userpath' is the top of the MATLAB 'path'.

To give MATLAB Full Disk Access, open macOS's System Settings app, select Privacy & Security, then Full Disk Access, then select the + button, and then select the MATLAB application in your Applications folder.

To assign a 'userpath' as a startup folder on macOS, please refer to the link below:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_env/assign-userpath-as-the-startup-folder-on-unix-or-macintosh.html

Moreover, in case you are using macOS (10.15 Catalina), it has some additional privacy settings that restrict applications from accessing files. The following link can guide you how to grant access to specific apps:

https://dev.iachieved.it/iachievedit/macos-10-15-catalina-adds-additional-filesystem-restrictions/

Try following the above guide and selecting MATLAB R2021b 'Documents Folder' to grant permission. Then, restart MATLAB and try to proceed with your work.