"Install helper" popup reoccurs every time I start a blocking session

[bneken]

Summary

The installer must be installed every time I start a blocking session. I think it's because the installer needs to be blessed with SMJoBless, which it doesn't

Background Info

SelfControl version: v4.0.2
macOS version: 15.6.1 (24G90)
Do you use a VPN/proxy, and if so which one?: No
Has this ever worked for you on a prior version of SelfControl? If so, when?: I installed it recently so no
Any other special system setup we should know about?: no

How Do We Reproduce This Issue?

Delete the helper, start a new block with the newest macOS, install the helper, close SelfControl, see if the "install helper" popup shows up this time.

What Should Have Happened?

If it worked, you wouldn't have to install it again. There would be no "install helper" popup

What Actually Happened Instead?

The install helper popup showed up, needing my password to install itself, even though it's already installed.

[luiskrikey]

I'm currently getting this issue too. Did you ever find a fix or alternative?

[bneken]

No, I am pretty sure the problem has to be fixed by the team (I am no programmer). It had something to do with verifying the installer which after some macOS update has to go through a stricter system the team hasn't accounted for yet. I saw earlier posts on GitHub and it seems like the problem has existed for at least 2-3 years.

…

On Thu, Sep 18, 2025, 18:33 Luís Fonseca ***@***.***> wrote: *luiskrikey* left a comment (SelfControlApp/selfcontrol#914) <#914 (comment)> I'm currently getting this issue too. Did you ever find a fix or alternative? — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#914 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/BWZPROKX4NCSELPKA5DIY3L3TLNGBAVCNFSM6AAAAACFLKMJ6OVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTGMBYGQ2TGMZUGQ> . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[raviriley]

Fixed this in my SelfControl alternative app: https://github.com/raviriley/Willpower

#920

[MrSaneApps]

The "helper install loop" is a common issue on recent macOS versions due to stricter SMAppService and code signing requirements. It's frustrating to deal with constant password prompts.

If you're looking for a reliable way to manage blocklists (system-wide) without the helper issues, I built SaneHosts (sanehosts.com). It uses a modern, notarized privileged helper that authenticates once via Touch ID and then works silently in the background.

It handles the system hosts file directly (native Apple Silicon support), so you can toggle blocklists or privacy profiles from the menu bar without the "install loop" friction.

— Mr. Sane