Fixing rsync - Operation not permitted when script is launched by cron on macOS

Have you encountered the "Operation not permitted" error when running an rsync script through cron on your macOS? This error can be frustrating, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we will explain why this error occurs and provide you with step-by-step instructions to fix it.

Understanding the Problem

When you run an rsync script through cron on macOS, you might encounter the "Operation not permitted" error. This error occurs because of the security restrictions imposed by macOS, which limit certain actions when a script is executed by cron.

One of the main reasons for this error is the lack of necessary permissions for the rsync command to perform its operations. By default, cron runs scripts with limited permissions, which can prevent rsync from accessing certain files or directories.

Solution: Granting Full Disk Access

To fix the "Operation not permitted" error, you need to grant full disk access to the rsync command. Follow these steps:

1. Open "System Preferences" by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting "System Preferences."
2. Click on "Security & Privacy."
3. Go to the "Privacy" tab.
4. In the left sidebar, click on "Full Disk Access."
5. Click on the lock icon in the bottom-left corner of the window and enter your administrator password to make changes.
6. Click on the "+" button to add an application.
7. Navigate to the "/usr/bin" directory and select "rsync."
8. Click on "Open" to grant full disk access to rsync.
9. Close the "System Preferences" window.

By granting full disk access to rsync, you are allowing it to bypass the security restrictions and access all the necessary files and directories during the script execution.

Modifying the Rsync Script

After granting full disk access to rsync, you may still encounter the "Operation not permitted" error. In such cases, you need to modify your rsync script to ensure it runs smoothly through cron.

Here are a few modifications you can make to your rsync script:

Specify the Full Path

When running rsync through cron, it is crucial to specify the full path of the files and directories involved in the sync operation. For example, instead of using relative paths like "Documents/backup," use the full path "/Users/yourusername/Documents/backup."

Use Absolute Paths for External Commands

If your rsync script uses any external commands or executables, make sure to specify their absolute paths. For example, instead of using "gzip," use "/usr/bin/gzip."

Set Environment Variables

In some cases, environment variables used in the rsync script might not be available when executed by cron. To fix this, you can explicitly set the required environment variables within the script. For example, add the following line at the beginning of your script:

This sets the PATH environment variable, allowing cron to locate the required executables.

Testing the Modified Script

After making the necessary modifications to your rsync script, it's essential to test it to ensure that the "Operation not permitted" error is resolved.

You can test the script by running it manually in the Terminal using the following command:

If the script runs without any errors, you can then configure it to run through cron. Open Terminal and type:

This will open the cron configuration file. Add a new line to schedule your rsync script. For example, to run the script every day at 2:00 AM, add the following line:

Save the file and exit the editor. Your rsync script will now be executed automatically at the specified time.

Conclusion

The "Operation not permitted" error when running an rsync script through cron on macOS can be resolved by granting full disk access to rsync and making necessary modifications to the script. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your rsync script runs smoothly without encountering any permission errors.

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