If Typinator is running and the menu bar icon or app is visible, but no error appears and abbreviations still aren’t expanding, the issue can usually be resolved with a few simple steps.
Step 1: Make sure you are on the latest version
- Download and install the latest version from our download page.
- If your license does not cover the latest version, you can upgrade using your existing license key here for a special discounted price.
After updating, check if Typinator works again.
If it still doesn’t, continue with the next steps below.
Step 2: Restart your Mac
Sometimes a simple restart fixes temporary system issues.
- Restart your computer.
- After the restart, try launching Typinator again.
If it works — great!
If not, move on to checking your system settings.
Step 3: Check accessibility permissions
Typinator needs permissions in macOS to work correctly.
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Open Device Control and Data Access (macOS 27 and later) / Accessibility (macOS 26 and earlier).
- Make sure Typinator is enabled (checked) in the list.
If you see Typinator in the list but it’s not checked, click the box to turn it on.
If Typinator is enabled but still not working
It can happen that Typinator appears enabled in the list, but the permission is not working correctly. If this happens, remove and re-add Typinator to reset the permission:
- Uncheck Typinator.
- Select Typinator and click the – (minus) button to remove it from the list.
- Click the + (plus) button, go to your Applications folder, and add Typinator again.
- Make sure Typinator is enabled (checked).
- Restart your Mac.
This resets the permission and often resolves the issue.
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