# What permissions the NotchStar shelf and AirDrop need

> The shelf needs no account and no special file permission of its own. AirDrop needs WiFi and Bluetooth on, and a receiver who allows your Mac.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-permissions-the-notchstar-shelf-needs/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

The shelf itself needs no account and no permission you grant ahead of time. You drag a file in, which is you handing it over. AirDrop needs what AirDrop always needs: WiFi and Bluetooth on, and a receiving device that allows your Mac.

## On the NotchStar side

- NotchStar runs on macOS 14 or later.
- The app's entitlements cover the camera (for Mirror), calendars (for Calendar and Reminders) and Apple Events. None of them is for files, and the shelf does not use them.
- The shelf stores locations only, in memory.

## On the AirDrop side

These come from Apple (page checked 4 November 2026):

1. WiFi and Bluetooth are on for both devices.
2. The devices are within about 10 metres.
3. The receiver has AirDrop set to Contacts Only or Everyone. For Contacts Only, you must be in their contacts.
4. With macOS 26.2 or later, someone not in the contacts needs an AirDrop code that appears on the receiving device.

## If a folder prompts you

macOS can ask before an app reads certain protected folders. The prompt comes from macOS, and it is where you decide.

For how the shelf treats your data, read the [privacy summary](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-shelf-privacy/) and the [File Shelf page](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/).

## Quick answers.

### Does NotchStar need an account for the shelf?

No. NotchStar needs no account for any tool.

## Keep reading.

- [A shelf and an AirDrop zone in the notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/): Park files in the notch while you work, then drag them out or AirDrop them. Drag a file toward the notch and the shelf opens by itself.
- [How to AirDrop from your Mac notch to an iPhone](https://www.notchstar.com/help/airdrop-from-the-notch-to-an-iphone/): Drop a file on the NotchStar AirDrop zone, then tap your iPhone in the picker. The iPhone must be nearby with AirDrop receiving turned on.
- [Is the NotchStar file shelf private](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-shelf-privacy/): The shelf remembers where files are, not their contents, and is cleared when you quit. NotchStar has no account and sends no files anywhere.
- [Is NotchStar safe? Signing, permissions and what it sends](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/is-notchstar-safe/): NotchStar is signed and notarized by Apple, needs no account and sends nothing unless you opt in. See every permission it asks for and how to check it yourself.

## More in Shelf and AirDrop.

- [How to drop a file on the NotchStar shelf](https://www.notchstar.com/help/drop-a-file-on-the-notch-shelf/): Drag a file toward the notch and the Shelf tab opens. Drop it in the dashed zone and it waits there until you drag it out or send it.
- [How to open the NotchStar shelf by dragging a file](https://www.notchstar.com/help/open-the-shelf-by-dragging-toward-the-notch/): Drag a file toward the top of the screen near the notch and NotchStar opens the Shelf by itself. Let go elsewhere and it closes again.
- [Why the NotchStar shelf does not open for text or images](https://www.notchstar.com/help/why-the-shelf-does-not-open-for-text-or-images/): Drag to open reacts to files only. Text and images dragged from a web page do not open the shelf. Save the image as a file first, then drag it.
- [How to AirDrop a file from your Mac notch](https://www.notchstar.com/help/airdrop-a-file-from-the-notch/): Drag a file toward the notch and drop it on the AirDrop zone. The macOS AirDrop picker opens with the file attached. Pick a device to send.
- [What the AirDrop zone in the NotchStar shelf does](https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-the-airdrop-zone-does/): The AirDrop zone does not keep files. Whatever you drop on it opens the macOS AirDrop picker with those files attached, and nothing is stored.
- [How to AirDrop from your Mac notch to an iPhone](https://www.notchstar.com/help/airdrop-from-the-notch-to-an-iphone/): Drop a file on the NotchStar AirDrop zone, then tap your iPhone in the picker. The iPhone must be nearby with AirDrop receiving turned on.