Installation guide

1. Install the paid MiniBridge app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Download the signed and notarized Mac companion from this website and move it to Applications.
3. For first setup, connect the iPhone or iPad by USB, unlock it, and tap “Trust” when asked.
4. Open MiniBridge on Mac and grant Screen Recording and Accessibility in System Settings.
5. Open MiniBridge on iPhone or iPad. Keep it in the foreground while connecting.

Headless Mac mini

Borrow a monitor for initial macOS setup, FileVault login, app installation, trust, and permissions. Enable “Start MiniBridge at Login” only after verifying the first connection. A login item can launch MiniBridge only after a user logs in. MiniBridge cannot display or control the FileVault pre-boot unlock screen.

On a compatible macOS version MiniBridge creates a virtual display when no physical display exists. If the isolated virtual-display adapter is unavailable, the app reports that limitation and falls back to mirroring an attached monitor; a headless Mac then requires a temporary monitor or compatible HDMI display adapter.

One-cable Internet

Turn on Personal Hotspot yourself in iPhone Settings and allow the Mac to use the iPhone USB network service. MiniBridge reports USB control, trust, tethering-interface, default-route, DNS, Internet, and network-cost states separately. It can open Network Settings, but it does not enable the hotspot or change the Mac’s default route.