If you've seen a purple dot and a notification that "AquaAppearanceHelper is recording your screen" on your Mac, especially after updating to macOS Sequoia, you're not alone. This article explains what's happening and offers some reassurance.
What is AquaAppearanceHelper?
AquaAppearanceHelper is a core macOS system process responsible for managing user interface elements, including Light and Dark Mode and Night Shift transitions. It's a normal part of the operating system, not malware.
Why the "Screen Recording" Notification?
The purple dot indicates an active screen recording process. While usually a security feature, in this case, it's a bug triggered by how AquaAppearanceHelper interacts with the display, likely related to visual mode changes. The notification often appears briefly after waking the Mac or switching modes.
Is Your Mac Safe?
Yes, your Mac is safe. Apple Support confirms this is a known bug in macOS Sequoia. While running a malware scan won't hurt, this issue is not caused by malicious software.
Can You Fix It?
Currently, there's no permanent fix. Disabling Night Shift or avoiding fullscreen mode in some apps like Chrome might reduce the frequency of the notification. Apple is expected to address this in a future update. Keep your system updated by going to System Settings > General > Software Update.
The issue appears to be resolved in macOS 15.2, so updating to the latest stable release should fix the problem.
The AquaAppearanceHelper notification is a harmless glitch. Don't worry – it's not spyware. Stay updated with macOS updates for a permanent fix.
