Support & FAQ
Find answers to common questions about DupScan below. For additional help, email contact@dupscan.dev.
How do I scan my entire Mac for duplicates?
Click the "Scan Entire Mac" button on the Start tab. macOS will ask for permission to access your files — grant it and DupScan will remember the permission for future scans. You can also select specific folders or disks to scan.
Is DupScan safe? Can it delete important files?
DupScan is designed for safety. All deletions go to macOS Trash (fully recoverable). System directories (/System, /Library, /usr, ~/Library) and app bundles are automatically protected and cannot be selected for deletion. DupScan also records every deletion in History for one-click restore.
How accurate is DupScan's duplicate detection?
DupScan uses SHA256 cryptographic hashing to compare file contents. Only files that are byte-for-byte identical are flagged as duplicates. The probability of a false positive (two different files producing the same SHA256 hash) is less than 1 in 10^77.
What macOS versions does DupScan support?
DupScan requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later. It runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs as a universal binary.
What's the difference between Free and Pro?
DupScan Free includes unlimited scanning, full duplicate detection, large file discovery, and all filtering features. Pro ($9.99 one-time) adds the ability to delete files, restore from History, and clean up large files. See our pricing page for the full comparison.
How do I restore a file I deleted with DupScan?
Open the History tab (Cmd+4). Find the file you want to restore and click the restore button. DupScan will move it back to its original location. This works as long as the file is still in macOS Trash (hasn't been emptied).
Does DupScan collect any data or require an account?
DupScan collects no data, makes no network calls, and requires no account. Everything runs 100% locally on your Mac. See our privacy policy for details.
Why does DupScan need file access permission?
DupScan runs in the macOS App Sandbox for security. To scan folders outside the app's sandbox, macOS requires explicit user permission. DupScan uses security-scoped bookmarks to remember this permission so you don't have to grant it again.
Can DupScan find similar (but not identical) photos?
DupScan currently finds exact duplicate files (byte-for-byte identical). Similar photo detection — finding photos that look alike but have different file data — is planned for version 1.1.
How do I get a refund?
DupScan is sold through the Mac App Store. Refunds are handled by Apple. To request a refund, visit Apple's Report a Problem page for App Store purchases.
Learn more about DupScan's features on our features page, or read our guide to finding duplicate files on Mac.