> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ondeckapps.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# macOS permissions Relay needs

> Review which macOS permissions Relay requires and why they matter.

Relay requests a small set of macOS permissions for audio monitoring, live transcription, and local network discovery.

## Review permissions inside Relay

Open `Relay > Settings`, then select <Icon icon="hand" /> **Access** to see the status of each permission. You can also review the same permissions directly in macOS under `System Settings > Privacy & Security`.

## Main permissions

### Microphone

Needed for SPL Meter and microphone-based transcription workflows.

### Speech Recognition

Needed for Live Transcription.

### Local Network

Needed for:

* device discovery
* LAN sharing
* ProPresenter discovery
* OSC and MIDI network workflows
* other network integrations

### Screen and system audio capture

May be required for system-audio transcription workflows depending on how audio is sourced. Unlike the permissions above, this one doesn't have its own row in <Icon icon="hand" /> **Access**, under `Relay > Settings` — check its status directly in macOS under `System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording`.

## After changing a permission

Quit and reopen Relay, then test again.

## Usage diagnostics and the Relay Account heartbeat

Separate from macOS permissions, `Relay > Settings` → <Icon icon="hand" /> **Access** also has a **Share Crash and Usage Diagnostics** toggle. The first time it comes up, Relay shows a one-time prompt so you can choose before anything is shared, and you can change your answer at any time from that same toggle.

When enabled, Relay shares app version, platform, a random installation ID, active time, and technical crash or hang details. It does **not** include dashboard content, connected-device data, location, audio, your account email, or Relay network addresses.

If you're signed in to Relay Account and diagnostics sharing is on, Relay also sends a lightweight heartbeat roughly every two minutes while the app is active, so your account can track which devices are currently in use. Settings shows a live status for this — for example, "Sign in to Relay Account to count this device as active" if you're signed out, or a normal running state once everything is connected.