Why NotchStar asks to control Music and Spotify

Home and Now Playing Published 4 November 2026

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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.

See Spotify not showing, Apple Music behaviour and the music controls guide. The tool is on the Now Playing page.

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.

Link to this answer

Keep reading.

Now playing, with real album art: 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: 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: 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: Check the player, missing track information and Music or Spotify permissions before reinstalling a notch app. Learn which missing controls are expected.

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