Set up a Mac as a Host

To use a Mac as a Host, turn on Remote Login so Waycar can reach it over SSH, install herdr or tmux 3.2 or later, and run the Waycar install command. Then scan the Pairing Code it shows.

Set up your Mac

1. Install herdr or tmux. Get herdr at herdr.dev, or use tmux 3.2 or later.

2. Install Node.js 20 or later. The Waycar host tools run on it. The install command finds Node from Homebrew, nvm, fnm, Volta, asdf or mise.

3. Turn on Remote Login. This is macOS’s SSH server. Waycar links to Apple’s Remote Login help from the Turn on SSH step in the app.

4. Install mosh (optional). For steadier terminals on spotty networks, install mosh-server and let UDP traffic reach it. See mosh.org.

5. Run the install command in a terminal on the Mac:

   curl -fsSL https://waycar.dev/install.sh | sh

6. Pair. Say yes when it offers a pairing QR code, then tap Scan to Pair in Waycar. See Pair with a Pairing Code.

Copy the Pairing Code on a Mac

If you can’t scan the QR, press c on the Mac. The code goes to the clipboard. Get it to your iPhone or iPad and tap Paste Pairing Code in Waycar.

herdr and tmux

With herdr installed, the install command links the Waycar plugin into herdr, and the Pairing Code opens in a herdr popup. With tmux only, the code shows in the terminal. With tmux 3.2 or later, the command also links ~/.local/bin/waycar. See herdr vs tmux.

Troubleshooting

• “Could not reach the Host over SSH.” Check that Remote Login is on and that you’re using the Mac’s address and your macOS user name.
• The herdr checks say herdr isn’t running. Start herdr on the Mac, then tap Reconnect on the Host’s page.
• waycar isn’t found. Add ~/.local/bin to your PATH. The install command tells you when it isn’t.