# Why NotchStar asks to control Music and Spotify

> macOS may ask if NotchStar may control Music or Spotify when the AppleScript fallback runs. Allow it for Now Playing; the main route needs no prompt.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-automation-permission-music-spotify/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

macOS may ask whether NotchStar can control Music or Spotify when NotchStar sends AppleScript to that app. This is Automation permission. The reason NotchStar gives macOS reads: "NotchStar controls Music and Spotify playback from the notch."

## When it is used

NotchStar reads Now Playing through the system route first. AppleScript is the fallback, used if that route is silent or exits, and for the buttons while in fallback mode. The prompt is tied to those AppleScript calls, and only for Music and Spotify, and only if the app is running.

## What allowing does

It lets NotchStar read the current track and send play or pause, next and previous to that one app. The permission is per app, so allowing Music does not allow Spotify. Read the app name in the prompt and allow only what you want.

## If you said no

- Open System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then **Automation**. Apple describes this list as the apps that have requested access to control other apps.
- Find NotchStar and turn on Music or Spotify. The layout can differ between macOS versions.
- Reopen the notch on Home.

If the system route works, the card keeps working without this permission.

## Related

See [Spotify not showing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-spotify-not-showing/), [Apple Music behaviour](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-apple-music-now-playing/) and the [music controls guide](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/mac-notch-music-controls-not-working/). The tool is on the [Now Playing page](https://www.notchstar.com/features/now-playing/).

## Quick answers.

### What happens if I click Don't Allow?

The fallback cannot read or control that player. Now Playing may still work through the system route.

## Keep reading.

- [Now playing, with real album art](https://www.notchstar.com/features/now-playing/): See the song playing on your Mac with album artwork and controls in the notch. Live updates, and a progress bar when the player provides one.
- [Spotify is not showing in NotchStar Now Playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-spotify-not-showing/): If Spotify does not appear in the NotchStar Home tab, start a track, reopen the notch, and allow Automation for Spotify if macOS asks. Steps and the fallback.
- [How NotchStar Now Playing works with Apple Music](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-apple-music-now-playing/): Apple Music tracks show with artwork and controls through the system Now Playing service. Radio style items have no duration, so there is no progress bar.
- [Mac notch music controls not working: what to check first](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/mac-notch-music-controls-not-working/): Check the player, missing track information and Music or Spotify permissions before reinstalling a notch app. Learn which missing controls are expected.

## More in Home and Now Playing.

- [Which apps show up in NotchStar Now Playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-now-playing-sources/): NotchStar shows any app that reports to the macOS Now Playing service. Music and Spotify also work through an AppleScript fallback. Other apps may not appear.
- [Spotify is not showing in NotchStar Now Playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-spotify-not-showing/): If Spotify does not appear in the NotchStar Home tab, start a track, reopen the notch, and allow Automation for Spotify if macOS asks. Steps and the fallback.
- [How NotchStar Now Playing works with Apple Music](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-apple-music-now-playing/): Apple Music tracks show with artwork and controls through the system Now Playing service. Radio style items have no duration, so there is no progress bar.
- [Why album artwork is missing in NotchStar Now Playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-album-artwork-missing/): NotchStar shows a music note instead of a cover when the player gives no artwork, a new track has not sent its art yet, or in the AppleScript fallback.
- [Why there is no progress bar in NotchStar Now Playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-now-playing-no-progress-bar/): NotchStar draws the progress bar only when the player gives a real duration and elapsed time. Radio style Apple Music items and some streams give neither.
- [The perl process NotchStar starts for Now Playing](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-now-playing-helper-process/): NotchStar starts one Apple signed perl process to read Now Playing while the Home card is open. It ends when you leave Home or quit.