Mac mini server: SMB not restricting folder visibility

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Mac mini server: SMB not restricting folder visibility

I was using the MaAC MINI M4 version, connected with external SSD create a central office server.

Those files are stored at the SSD, and I would like to set out the permission to different users login this server.

the first user can access all the those folders (read & write), the second users only can access 4 of the folders (read & write) and cannot not see the folder appear in second users finder.

but once the second users login to the smbd server, those 8 folders appears in second users MacBook finder, but I was completely set the permission at shared folder list, and also run the specific folder info.

any mistake I made ?

or anything I was made a wrong setting ?

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Apr 14, 2026 9:37 PM

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Answer 1

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WheelieNick

Level 9

51,853 points

Aug 14, 2026 12:43 AM in response to nebpiy

You have not made a mistake in your configuration; rather, macOS does not support hiding unauthorized sub-folders over SMB. Unlike Windows Server, macOS File Sharing does not feature built-in Access-Based Enumeration (ABE). When a user connects to an SMB share, macOS displays every sub-folder inside that shared directory, regardless of whether the user’s individual permissions are set to "No Access" or left off the Access Control List (ACL). While the second user will be blocked from opening or modifying the 4 folders they lack rights to, the folder names will still remain visible in their Finder.

Change permissions for files, folders, or disks on Mac - Apple Support

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