macOS FAQ
[](/)
OS / Platform Notes
macOS
macOS FAQ
On this page
The ZeroTier menubar app is a separate process from the system service that makes ZeroTier work. You can quit the menubar app from it's menu and the system service will continue to run.
To stop/start the ZeroTier system service, open Terminal.app and paste these commands:
Stop
Start
If you're already up and running, here's how to share files from your Mac to other members on your ZeroTier network.
Apple's normal instructions apply.
Joining a ZeroTier network is like connecting the same WiFi or plugging in to the same Ethernet switch as your other devices, so things mostly "Just Work". Many virtual network products do not have this convenient property. ZeroTier works at Layer 2.
It seems to take a while for Macs to notice each other the first time. Then they start showing up in the Network tab of the Finder.
That's pretty much it. Screen Sharing and Media Sharing should work over ZeroTier too.
You can share files from your Mac to Windows computers too.
tip
If you're still having trouble, see: Router Configuration Tips
On newer macOS versions the user must explicitly authorize new extensions. PORT_ERROR on Mac is typically caused by the ZeroTier tun/tap driver failing to load.
If you are having this problem (especially on High Sierra and newer) try visiting the "General" tab of the "Security & Privacy" system preferences dialog. There you will be able to approve new extensions. Approve any ZeroTier extensions and then try restarting the ZeroTier service by opening a terminal and typing:
Followed by:
Restarting the system will also accomplish this.
NOTE that authorization of kernel extensions will NOT work in remote desktop sessions. Apple requires it to be done directly on the system console. Via a remote session you can click the button but it will have no effect. We are not aware of any known work-around for this.
ALSO if the mouse/track-pad is emulated by a 3rd party application (MagicPrefs, BetterTouchTool, Synergy, etc.), it won't work. If it's still not working
Via wanjochan on github:
Here my steps for your fellows reference:
sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
open "Security and Privacy" and try click Allow ZeroTier /_maybe no effects....never mind, just continue_/
REBOOT the OSX /_VERY IMPORTANT_/
open "Security and Privacy" and try click Allow ZeroTier AGAIN /_if it still there_/
sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
zerotier-cli listnetworks /_now the PORT_ERROR should be gone_/
ping your nodes on the network should now being OK
Open Terminal.app and paste the below and press return
This will cleanly uninstall ZeroTier One, preserving only your secret identity.
tip
See community threads about ZeroTier on macOS
OS / Platform Notes
macOS
macOS FAQ
On this page
Start and Stop ZeroTier on your Mac[​](#start-and-stop-zerotier-on-your-mac "Direct link to Start and Stop ZeroTier on your Mac")
The ZeroTier menubar app is a separate process from the system service that makes ZeroTier work. You can quit the menubar app from it's menu and the system service will continue to run.
To stop/start the ZeroTier system service, open Terminal.app and paste these commands:
Stop
sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plistStart
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plistFile Sharing on a Mac[​](#file-sharing-on-a-mac "Direct link to File Sharing on a Mac")
If you're already up and running, here's how to share files from your Mac to other members on your ZeroTier network.
Setup File Sharing[​](#setup-file-sharing "Direct link to Setup File Sharing")
Apple's normal instructions apply.
Joining a ZeroTier network is like connecting the same WiFi or plugging in to the same Ethernet switch as your other devices, so things mostly "Just Work". Many virtual network products do not have this convenient property. ZeroTier works at Layer 2.
Look at the Network section of Finder's sidebar[​](#look-at-the-network-section-of-finders-sidebar "Direct link to Look at the Network section of Finder's sidebar")
It seems to take a while for Macs to notice each other the first time. Then they start showing up in the Network tab of the Finder.
That's it[​](#thats-it "Direct link to That's it")
That's pretty much it. Screen Sharing and Media Sharing should work over ZeroTier too.
You can share files from your Mac to Windows computers too.
tip
If you're still having trouble, see: Router Configuration Tips
Port Error[​](#port-error "Direct link to Port Error")
On newer macOS versions the user must explicitly authorize new extensions. PORT_ERROR on Mac is typically caused by the ZeroTier tun/tap driver failing to load.
If you are having this problem (especially on High Sierra and newer) try visiting the "General" tab of the "Security & Privacy" system preferences dialog. There you will be able to approve new extensions. Approve any ZeroTier extensions and then try restarting the ZeroTier service by opening a terminal and typing:
sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plistFollowed by:
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plistRestarting the system will also accomplish this.
NOTE that authorization of kernel extensions will NOT work in remote desktop sessions. Apple requires it to be done directly on the system console. Via a remote session you can click the button but it will have no effect. We are not aware of any known work-around for this.
ALSO if the mouse/track-pad is emulated by a 3rd party application (MagicPrefs, BetterTouchTool, Synergy, etc.), it won't work. If it's still not working
Via wanjochan on github:
Here my steps for your fellows reference:
sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
open "Security and Privacy" and try click Allow ZeroTier /_maybe no effects....never mind, just continue_/
REBOOT the OSX /_VERY IMPORTANT_/
open "Security and Privacy" and try click Allow ZeroTier AGAIN /_if it still there_/
sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.zerotier.one.plist
zerotier-cli listnetworks /_now the PORT_ERROR should be gone_/
ping your nodes on the network should now being OK
Uninstall ZeroTier from your Mac[​](#uninstall "Direct link to Uninstall ZeroTier from your Mac")
Open Terminal.app and paste the below and press return
sudo "/Library/Application Support/ZeroTier/One/uninstall.sh"This will cleanly uninstall ZeroTier One, preserving only your secret identity.
tip
See community threads about ZeroTier on macOS
Updated on: 12/07/2024
Thank you!