try_or_bye

// troubleshooting guide · alfred

Alfred Clipboard History Not Working

Status
Workaround available
platforms:
macOS
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
3
Method
how we research
Share

RUNBOOK · alfred/clipboard-history-not-working5 FIXES

// quick answer

Alfred clipboard history needs the Powerpack, must be switched on in Features > Clipboard, and needs Accessibility permission. If it's on and still not saving, re-add Alfred in Accessibility, check the Ignore Apps list, then type clear to reset the clipboard database.

Most likely fix: Turn clipboard history on

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Turn clipboard history on

    1. 01Open Alfred Preferences > Features > Clipboard History
    2. 02Tick Persist for on each type you want (text, images, file lists) and choose a retention period
    Did this fix it?

  2. FIX 2Re-grant Accessibility

    1. 01Alfred Preferences > General > Request Permissions...
    2. 02In System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility remove Alfred with the minus button, add it back and enable it
    Did this fix it?

  3. FIX 3Check ignored apps and concealed data

    1. 01In Clipboard History settings review the Ignore Apps list and remove the app you copy from
    2. 02Under Advanced, review Ignore clipboard data marked as Concealed
    Did this fix it?

  4. FIX 4Remove conflicting clipboard tools

    1. 01Quit other clipboard managers and test again
    2. 02Expect Java apps and apps inside Parallels not to be captured
    Did this fix it?

  5. FIX 5Reset the clipboard database

    1. 01Open Alfred, type clear
    2. 02Choose Clear Alfred's entire clipboard history (snippets are not affected)
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Copied text or images don't appear in Alfred's clipboard viewer (Cmd+Alt+C), only some apps' clips are saved, or history stopped saving suddenly.

Why it happens

  • C-01Clipboard history is off by default
  • C-02Accessibility permission missing or lost after a macOS update
  • C-03Source app is on the Ignore Apps list (1Password, Keychain Access)
  • C-04Data is marked concealed by a password manager
  • C-05Incompatible app (Java apps, Parallels VMs) or another clipboard manager
  • C-06Corrupted clipboard database

// this guide also covers

  • alfred clipboard history not working
  • alfred clipboard not saving
  • alfred clipboard history missing
  • alfred cmd alt c not working

Still not working?

If Alfred keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Alfred problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

Have an app idea? Our small team builds any software: web and mobile apps, games, desktop, AI tools. Price agreed together.

Talk to us

Watch Alfred Get an email when its price changes, it has an outage, or we publish a new fix. No spam.

Fixed it? Share this guide

Other Alfred errors

All 10 Alfred errors and fixes →