What is rapportd and why does it want incoming network connections?

After upgrading macOS, you might see a firewall prompt asking whether to allow incoming connections for rapportd. It looks odd, but it is a real Apple process.

What is rapportd?

rapportd stands for "Rapport daemon". It handles local network links between your Apple devices. Features like AirDrop, Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and Sidecar all use it.

When you copy text on your iPhone and paste it on your Mac, or when you AirDrop a file to someone nearby, rapportd is doing the work.

Why does it want incoming connections?

These features need your Mac to listen for other Apple devices on the local network. That is why the firewall asks about it. rapportd needs to accept connections from your iPhone, iPad, or other Macs nearby.

Should you allow it?

If you use AirDrop, Handoff, Universal Clipboard, or Sidecar, allow it. Blocking rapportd will break these features.

If you do not use any of them and want tighter security, you can deny it without affecting basic Mac use. You can always change this later in System Settings, then Network, then Firewall, then Options.

Should you worry?

No. It is a standard macOS system process signed by Apple. The firewall prompt appears because macOS is doing its job: asking before allowing incoming connections, even for its own processes.

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