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macOS Installation

Dappnode can be installed on macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) using the installation script. The installer automatically detects your Mac model and adjusts the installation accordingly:

  • Server-class Macs (Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro): Full installation with all services, suitable for 24/7 operation.
  • Desktop/Laptop Macs (MacBook, iMac): Minimal installation optimized for personal use alongside your day-to-day work.

Prerequisites​

Before installing Dappnode, you need:

Docker Desktop

Make sure Docker Desktop is running before starting the installation. You can verify it by running docker ps in your terminal.

Installation​

Desktop / Personal Mac (MacBook, iMac)​

If you are running Dappnode on a Mac that you also use as your personal computer, use the --lite flag. This installs a reduced package set (BIND, VPN, WIREGUARD, DAPPMANAGER, NOTIFICATIONS, PREMIUM), keeping your system lightweight while enabling VPN access:

curl -fsSL https://installer.dappnode.io | bash -s -- --lite

Server Mac (Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro)​

For always-on Macs intended to run as dedicated servers, use the full installation:

curl -fsSL https://installer.dappnode.io | bash

The installer automatically detects server-class Mac models and installs the full package set including WIFI, IPFS, VPN, WIREGUARD, and HTTPS.

tip

If you have a Mac mini that you use as a personal desktop rather than a server, you can force the lite installation by passing --lite.

Connecting to Dappnode​

After installation, the script will display your VPN credentials. How you connect depends on your installation type:

Desktop / Personal Mac​

Since Dappnode is running locally on the same machine, connect using:

  • Wireguard VPN (recommended): Import the Wireguard credentials displayed after installation into the Wireguard app. Use dappnode_wireguard --localhost to get credentials optimized for local connections.
  • OpenVPN: Import the OpenVPN credentials into your preferred OpenVPN client. Use dappnode_openvpn --localhost to retrieve them.

Once connected via VPN, access the Dappnode UI at http://my.dappnode.

tip

In order to access .dappnode domains from same macOS machine you need to connect to VPN with --localhost flag to ensure the correct routing of requests.

Server Mac​

For a server Mac on your local network, you have additional connectivity options:

  • WiFi: Scan for DAppNodeWIFI and connect. Get WiFi credentials with dappnode_wifi.
  • Wireguard VPN (recommended): Import credentials from dappnode_wireguard into the Wireguard app.
  • OpenVPN: Import credentials from dappnode_openvpn into your OpenVPN client.

Once connected, access the Dappnode UI at http://my.dappnode.

macOS-Specific Notes​

  • Docker Desktop: Dappnode runs inside Docker Desktop on macOS. Make sure Docker Desktop is configured to start at login if you want Dappnode to be available after a reboot.
  • File paths: On macOS, Dappnode files are stored under ~/dappnode/ instead of /usr/src/dappnode/.
  • Host scripts: Some Linux-specific host operations are automatically disabled on macOS (DISABLE_HOST_SCRIPTS=true).
  • Sleep/Suspend: If your Mac goes to sleep, Docker containers will be paused. Disable sleep in System Settings for server usage.

Restore to the Latest Version​

To update Dappnode to the latest version without erasing any data:

curl -fsSL https://installer.dappnode.io | UPDATE=true bash

Uninstall​

To uninstall Dappnode components:

curl -fsSL https://uninstaller.dappnode.io | bash
info

For advanced installation options (custom packages, IPFS endpoints, etc.), see the Advanced Script Options page.