---
title: Install on macOS
description: Install the xRay macOS app via Homebrew or a direct DMG download.
---
> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.xrayinspector.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

The xRay macOS app connects to Flutter apps that run `xray_inspector` on your local network. It is distributed as a signed and notarized `.dmg` on GitHub Releases, and as a Homebrew Cask.

## Requirements

- macOS 12 (Monterey) or later
- Apple Silicon (Intel not tested)
- An impaktfull account with approved xRay alpha access (see [Account and access](/app/account-and-access))
- A running Flutter app with `xray_inspector` configured (see [Quick Start](/getting-started))

## Option 1 — Homebrew (recommended)

Install with Homebrew Cask:

```bash
brew install --cask impaktfull/tap/xray
```

If you haven't added the tap before, Homebrew will add it automatically. You can also add it explicitly:

```bash
brew tap impaktfull/tap
brew install --cask xray
```

Upgrade to the latest release:

```bash
brew update
brew upgrade --cask xray
```

Uninstall:

```bash
brew uninstall --cask xray
```

## Option 2 — Direct DMG download

1. Open the [xRay GitHub Releases page](https://github.com/impaktfull/xray/releases).
2. Download the latest `xRay-<version>.dmg` asset.
3. Open the DMG and drag **xRay.app** into your **Applications** folder.
4. Eject the DMG and launch xRay from Applications or Spotlight.

The DMG is signed with a Developer ID certificate and notarized by Apple, so Gatekeeper will open it without additional prompts.

## Allow xRay on your network

xRay finds your Flutter apps by listening on your local network. The first time xRay looks for apps, macOS asks whether xRay may find devices on your local network: allow it. If you declined, turn xRay on under **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network**.

## Sign in and get access

1. Click **Continue with impaktfull**. Your browser opens to finish signing in with your impaktfull account.
2. xRay is in alpha and open to approved testers. The first time, click **Request access**. You get an email once your request is approved; then click **Check again** to start using xRay.

See [Account and access](/app/account-and-access) for what happens to your data and how the free alpha license works.

## Connect to your app

1. Run your Flutter app with `xray_inspector` set up (see [Quick Start](/getting-started)).
2. In xRay, open **Add Connection**. Your app appears under **Discovered on your network**.
3. Click it and enter the pairing code your app printed in its console, on the line that starts with `[xray_inspector] Pairing code:`. xRay remembers it for this app on this device. If the app uses a password or [trusted desktops](/guides/protected-connections#trusted-desktops) instead, enter the password, or connect without a prompt.

If your app does not appear, see [Troubleshooting discovery](/guides/how-it-works#troubleshooting-discovery).

## Next steps

- [Quick Start](/getting-started): set up `xray_inspector` in your Flutter app
- [Using the desktop app](/app/desktop-app)
- [Network Inspection](/guides/network-inspection)
- [Protected connections](/guides/protected-connections)