Real-Time Protection inactive on macOS device

If you cannot turn on Real-Time Protection after installing and activating the app, you need to allow the app full disk access to your macOS device. 

How this issue affects you

When the app is open, it says Inactive underneath the Real-Time Protection tile. If you click on the Real-Time Protection tile and try to toggle on Malware Protection or App Blocks, you are prompted to allow full disk access.

What caused this issue

Real-Time Protection requires advanced access to various disk locations and provides better protection. If you have not allowed full disk access, you cannot turn on Real-Time Protection.

How to resolve this issue

To use Real-Time Protection, you need to give the app full disk access. Depending on your operating system, the steps for allowing full disk access will differ.

Allow full disk access in macOS Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, and Ventura 13:

1. Click the apple icon in the menu bar, then click System Settings.
2. Click Privacy & Security in the side bar.
3. Click Full Disk Access, then scroll to find the Malwarebytes application.
4. Click the toggle next to the Malwarebytes application.
5. Enter your password or use Touch ID to enable changes.
6. Full Disk Access is now enabled.

Allow full disk access in macOS Monterey 12 and Big Sur 11:

1. Click on the apple icon in the menu bar, then click System Preferences.
2. Click Security and Privacy in your System Preferences.
3. Click Full Disk Access in the left-hand menu.
4. Click the lock on the bottom of the screen and input your Mac password to enable changes.
5. Check the box named Malwarebytes Protection.
6. Full Disk Access is now enabled.