Installation

Download and Install

1. Open the Mac App Store or search for Camera Bridge
2. Click Get or Install
3. Authenticate with your Apple ID (you may have already done this)
4. Launch Camera Bridge from the Applications folder, Launchpad, or Spotlight

The app is free to download and use for one camera in Apple Home.

System Requirements

• macOS 13 or later
• Intel or Apple Silicon Mac
• Local network access to your cameras

Initial Setup

When you open Camera Bridge for the first time:

1. Permissions: Camera Bridge will ask for Local Network access. Click Allow — the app needs this to find and communicate with your cameras on your network

2. Welcome guide: You'll see an overview of Camera Bridge's features and where to go next

3. Menu bar (optional): By default, Camera Bridge also appears in the menu bar. You can turn this off in Settings › General

Keep Camera Bridge Running

For cameras to be available in Apple Home, Camera Bridge must be running on your Mac. To keep it running while you're not using the app:

1. Open System Settings › Energy Saver (or Battery › Options on a laptop)
2. Enable Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off
3. Camera Bridge can also start automatically at login: Settings › General › Launch at Login

A Mac mini works well as a dedicated bridge since it can stay plugged in all the time.

Next: Add Your First Camera

Once Camera Bridge is installed and running, you're ready to add your first camera.