Files
openclaw/docs/platforms/macos.md
Peter Steinberger 6a7b62889e feat(macos): install and run the local Gateway automatically (#99767)
* feat(macos): automate local gateway setup

* fix(macos): auto-approve the local Mac node

* chore(macos): refresh generated setup metadata

* chore(macos): refresh generated setup metadata

* chore(macos): refresh generated setup metadata

* chore(macos): refresh generated setup metadata

* chore(macos): refresh generated setup metadata
2026-07-03 22:09:56 -07:00

5.3 KiB

summary, read_when, title
summary read_when title
Install and use the OpenClaw macOS menu bar app
Installing the macOS app
Deciding between local and remote Gateway mode on macOS
Looking for macOS app release downloads
macOS app

The macOS app is the OpenClaw menu bar companion. Use it when you want a native tray UI, macOS permission prompts, notifications, WebChat, voice input, Canvas, or Mac-hosted node tools such as system.run.

If you only need the CLI and Gateway, start with Getting started.

Download

Download macOS app builds from the OpenClaw GitHub releases. When a release includes macOS app assets, look for:

  • OpenClaw-<version>.dmg (preferred)
  • OpenClaw-<version>.zip

Some releases only include CLI, evidence, or Windows assets. If the newest release has no macOS app asset, use the newest release that does, or build the app from source with macOS dev setup.

First run

  1. Install and launch OpenClaw.app.
  2. Pick This Mac for a local Gateway, or connect to a remote Gateway.
  3. For local mode, wait while the app installs its user-space runtime and Gateway.
  4. Complete provider setup and the macOS permission checklist.
  5. Send the onboarding test message.

For the CLI/Gateway setup path, use Getting started. For permission recovery, use macOS permissions.

Choose a Gateway mode

Mode Use it when Detail page
Local This Mac should run the Gateway and keep it alive with launchd. Gateway on macOS
Remote Another host runs the Gateway and this Mac should control it over SSH, LAN, or Tailnet. Remote control

Local mode requires an installed openclaw CLI. On a fresh Mac, the app installs the matching CLI and runtime automatically before starting the Gateway wizard. See Gateway on macOS for manual recovery.

What the app owns

  • Menu bar status, notifications, health, and WebChat.
  • macOS permission prompts for screen, microphone, speech, automation, and accessibility.
  • Local node tools such as Canvas, camera/screen capture, notifications, and system.run.
  • Exec approval prompts for Mac-hosted commands.
  • Remote-mode SSH tunnels or direct Gateway connections.

The app does not replace the OpenClaw Gateway or general CLI docs. Core Gateway configuration, providers, plugins, channels, tools, and security live in their own docs.

macOS detail pages

Task Read
Install or debug the CLI/Gateway service Gateway on macOS
Keep state out of cloud-synced folders Gateway on macOS
Debug app discovery and connectivity Gateway on macOS
Understand launchd behavior Gateway lifecycle
Fix permissions or signing/TCC issues macOS permissions
Connect to a remote Gateway Remote control
Read menu bar status and health checks Menu bar, Health checks
Use the embedded chat UI WebChat
Use voice wake or push-to-talk Voice wake
Use Canvas and Canvas deep links Canvas
Host PeekabooBridge for UI automation Peekaboo bridge
Configure command approvals Exec approvals, advanced details
Inspect Mac node commands and app IPC macOS IPC
Capture logs macOS logging
Build from source macOS dev setup