What is odproxyd?

odproxyd is a process you might spot in Activity Monitor, particularly on Macs linked to workplace networks.

What is odproxyd?

odproxyd stands for "Open Directory proxy daemon". Open Directory is Apple's system for managing user accounts across a network, much like Microsoft's Active Directory. The proxy daemon handles the link between your Mac and a remote Open Directory server.

What are directory services?

Directory services let an organisation manage user accounts from one central place. Rather than each Mac holding its own accounts, a server stores them all. When you log into a Mac with a network account, directory services (and odproxyd) do the work.

When is it active?

odproxyd matters most when your Mac is:

• Bound to an Open Directory server (common in organisations running macOS Server)
• Connected to an Active Directory domain
• Using any central directory service for logins

On a personal Mac with no directory service, odproxyd sits idle.

Should you worry?

No. It is a standard macOS system process for workplace directory services. If your Mac is not managed by an organisation, this process does nothing of note.

Enjoyed this post?

Well, you could share the post with others, follow me with RSS Feeds and/or send me a comment via email.

Tags