---
title: "Install MacWall on Mac"
description: "Download the MacWall DMG, install it, grant the one permission macOS asks for, and get a live wallpaper running in under two minutes."
canonical: "https://macwall.app/docs/install-macwall"
published: "2026-08-02"
updated: "2026-08-02"
keywords:
  - "install macwall"
  - "macwall setup"
  - "macwall dmg"
  - "live wallpaper mac install"
---

# Install MacWall on your Mac

Download the MacWall DMG, install it, grant the one permission macOS asks for, and get a live wallpaper running in under two minutes.

MacWall is a native macOS app distributed as a signed and notarised DMG. There is no App Store build, no account, and no installer bundle of extras. Requirements: Minimum macOS 14.0 or later. Live Lock Screen and Screen Saver playback additionally needs macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later.

## Install steps

1. Download the latest build from [macwall.app/download](https://macwall.app/download). The link always serves the current release.
2. Open the downloaded `.dmg` and drag **MacWall** into your Applications folder.
3. Eject the disk image, then launch MacWall from Applications or Spotlight.
4. On first launch macOS asks to confirm an app downloaded from the internet — click **Open**. The build is Developer ID signed and notarised by Apple.
5. MacWall installs itself as a menu bar app. Look for the icon in the right side of your menu bar; it does not sit in the Dock.

## First wallpaper

1. Click the MacWall menu bar icon, then **Open MacWall**.
2. Pick any wallpaper from Featured, Newest, or a category.
3. Click **Set wallpaper**. MacWall downloads the loop, then starts hardware-decoded playback behind your windows.

## Permissions MacWall asks for

- **Screen wallpaper access** — required to replace the desktop picture. macOS grants this through the standard wallpaper APIs.
- **Notifications (optional)** — used only for download-complete and update prompts. Declining changes nothing else.
- **No Full Disk Access, no Accessibility, no Screen Recording.** If any app asks for those to set a wallpaper, it is not MacWall.

## Updates

Auto-update is on by default. MacWall checks a signed updater feed and installs releases in place — the same feed that drives [the changelog](https://macwall.app/changelog). You can also re-download the current build at any time from [/download](https://macwall.app/download); installing over an existing copy keeps your library, favourites, and license.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does MacWall work on Intel Macs?

Yes. MacWall ships a universal binary for Apple silicon and Intel, and requires Minimum macOS 14.0 or later. Hardware video decode is used on both architectures.

### Do I need an account to use MacWall?

No. The free tier works immediately after install with no sign-up. A Pro license is a key you activate — still no account, no password, no email wall.

### Where does MacWall store downloaded wallpapers?

In MacWall's application support folder inside your user Library. Removing the app and that folder removes every cached video — see [Uninstall MacWall](https://macwall.app/docs/uninstall-macwall).

---

Source: https://macwall.app/docs/install-macwall