macOS Guide

macOS Installation Guide

Complete setup guide for macOS including Apple Silicon support

🍎 macOS Installation Guide

AntiMicroX fully supports macOS including the latest Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3). This guide covers installation, permissions setup, controller compatibility, and troubleshooting for all Mac systems.

📥 Installation Methods

Method 1: Direct Download (Recommended)

  1. Download the latest .dmg file from the downloads page
  2. Double-click the downloaded AntiMicroX-3.3.4.dmg file
  3. Drag AntiMicroX to your Applications folder
  4. Eject the disk image
  5. Launch AntiMicroX from Applications or Spotlight

Note: You may see a security warning on first launch. See the "Security & Permissions" section below for details.

Method 2: Homebrew

If you use Homebrew, you can install AntiMicroX from our tap:

# Add the AntiMicroX tap
brew tap antimicrox/antimicrox

# Install AntiMicroX
brew install --cask antimicrox

# Or install in one command
brew install --cask antimicrox/antimicrox/antimicrox

🔒 Security & Permissions

Gatekeeper and Notarization

First Launch Security Warning

macOS may show a warning like "AntiMicroX cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer."

To bypass this warning:

  1. Right-click on AntiMicroX in Applications
  2. Select "Open" from the context menu
  3. Click "Open" in the security dialog
  4. Or go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General
  5. Click "Open Anyway" next to the AntiMicroX warning

Accessibility Permissions

Required for Input Monitoring

AntiMicroX needs accessibility permissions to send keyboard and mouse events.

Setup Steps:

  1. Open System Preferences (or System Settings on macOS 13+)
  2. Go to Security & Privacy → Privacy
  3. Select "Accessibility" from the left sidebar
  4. Click the lock icon and enter your password
  5. Click the "+" button and add AntiMicroX
  6. Ensure the checkbox next to AntiMicroX is checked

Input Monitoring (macOS 10.15+)

On macOS Catalina and later, you may also need to grant Input Monitoring permissions:

  1. Go to Security & Privacy → Privacy
  2. Select "Input Monitoring" from the left sidebar
  3. Add AntiMicroX to the list
  4. Restart AntiMicroX for changes to take effect

🎮 Controller Support

Built-in macOS Support

Natively Supported Controllers

  • PlayStation Controllers: DualShock 4, DualSense (PS5)
  • Xbox Controllers: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S (with additional drivers)
  • MFi Controllers: SteelSeries Nimbus, Backbone One
  • Nintendo Controllers: Switch Pro Controller (limited)

Xbox Controller Setup

Additional Driver Required

Xbox controllers require a separate driver for full functionality:

  1. Download 360Controller driver
  2. Install the .dmg package
  3. Restart your Mac
  4. Connect your Xbox controller via USB or Bluetooth
  5. Launch AntiMicroX - controller should be detected

Bluetooth Pairing

Wireless Controller Setup

PlayStation Controllers:
  1. Hold PS + Share buttons until light bar flashes
  2. Go to System Preferences → Bluetooth
  3. Select "Wireless Controller" when it appears
  4. Click "Connect"
Xbox Controllers:
  1. Hold Xbox + Sync buttons until Xbox button flashes
  2. Go to System Preferences → Bluetooth
  3. Select "Xbox Wireless Controller"
  4. Click "Connect"

🚀 Apple Silicon Optimization

Native ARM64 Support

M1/M2/M3 Mac Performance

AntiMicroX v3.3.4+ includes native Apple Silicon support for optimal performance:

  • Native ARM64 Binary: No Rosetta translation required
  • Improved Battery Life: More efficient power usage
  • Better Performance: Lower CPU usage and faster response
  • Universal Binary: Works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs

Performance Tips for Apple Silicon

  • Use Native Version: Ensure you downloaded the Universal/ARM64 version
  • Background App Refresh: Disable for AntiMicroX in System Preferences
  • Low Power Mode: AntiMicroX works efficiently even in low power mode
  • Memory Optimization: Apple Silicon's unified memory improves performance

🔧 Configuration and Setup

Launch at Startup

  1. Open System Preferences → Users & Groups
  2. Click on your user account
  3. Select the "Login Items" tab
  4. Click the "+" button
  5. Navigate to Applications and select AntiMicroX
  6. Click "Add"

Alternatively, you can check "Start minimized" in AntiMicroX preferences.

Menu Bar Integration

AntiMicroX can run as a menu bar application for easy access:

  1. Launch AntiMicroX
  2. Go to Preferences (⌘,)
  3. Check "Show in menu bar"
  4. Check "Hide dock icon" if desired
  5. AntiMicroX icon will appear in the menu bar

🐛 Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: App won't launch

"AntiMicroX is damaged and can't be opened"

Solutions:

  1. Run in Terminal: xattr -cr /Applications/AntiMicroX.app
  2. Or try: sudo spctl --master-disable (temporarily)
  3. Re-download from official source
  4. Check if downloaded file is corrupted

Issue: Controller not detected

AntiMicroX doesn't recognize connected controller

Solutions:

  1. Check System Information → USB for controller detection
  2. Install appropriate drivers (Xbox controllers)
  3. Try different USB port or cable
  4. Restart AntiMicroX after connecting controller
  5. Check Activity Monitor for conflicting processes

Issue: Mappings not working

Controller detected but button mappings don't work

Solutions:

  1. Grant Accessibility permissions (see above)
  2. Grant Input Monitoring permissions
  3. Restart AntiMicroX after granting permissions
  4. Check if target application has focus
  5. Disable other controller software (Steam, etc.)

🎯 macOS-Specific Features

Integration with macOS Features

  • Mission Control: Map controller buttons to Mission Control gestures
  • Spotlight Search: Quick access via controller shortcuts
  • Notification Center: Controller-based notification management
  • Spaces: Navigate between desktop spaces with controller
  • Dock Navigation: Control dock with analog sticks

Gaming on Mac

Optimized for Mac Gaming

  • Steam Integration: Works alongside Steam's controller support
  • CrossOver/Wine: Enhanced Windows game compatibility
  • Native Mac Games: Perfect for Mac-native titles
  • Emulation: Ideal for retro gaming emulators
  • Apple Arcade: Enhanced controls for Apple Arcade games

🍎 Mac-Specific Support

Need help with macOS-specific issues? Our community has Mac experts ready to help: