The questions people ask before they buy Wormhole, and a few they ask afterwards. Answered in terms of what the app does and does not do, not in reassurance.
What do I need?
Two Macs on macOS 14 Sonoma or later, on the same network or reachable by address (over Tailscale, for example), with Wormhole on both. The same app shares windows, shows them, or both.
Does it work over Tailscale, or between networks?
Yes. In the pairing window, type the other Mac's IP address or hostname under Add by address, then pair as usual. The Mac that shares lists its addresses, Tailscale's included, in its menu bar panel. The Mac that shares listens on TCP port 47473, so a firewall between the two must allow it. Your frames stay end-to-end encrypted between your two Macs whichever network carries them.
How is it different from Screen Sharing?
Screen Sharing shows the whole remote desktop as one scaled picture inside a window. This opens the one window you want as a window of its own, at your display's full resolution.
Can I click and type in a remote window?
Yes. Clicks, scrolling, typing and ⌘ shortcuts go to the real window on the other Mac, and resizing your copy resizes it. The Mac that shares needs Accessibility turned on for this. Both Macs should use the same keyboard layout for now. Everything that does not work yet, or works differently on purpose, is on the known-issues page.
Does it work with a Mac mini that has no display?
It has not been tested yet. A headless mini is the main case this is built for, and this answer will say exactly what works once it has been tested on one. Until then: if the picker says the mini has no display attached, an HDMI dummy plug (a small adapter that tells the Mac a display is connected) gives macOS a screen to draw its windows on.
Is the connection encrypted?
Yes. Every frame between your Macs is end-to-end encrypted (AES-GCM, with fresh keys for every connection), and they connect directly, with no server in between.
Can anyone else see my windows?
Only Macs you have paired, once, by confirming the same six-digit code on both screens. Pairing needs someone at each Mac. A Mac you have not paired cannot list or open anything.
Is Wormhole a subscription?
No. You pay once and own it, including future updates.
What does it send over the internet?
Only two things: a license check about once a week, and a check for updates. The windows you share go straight to your other Mac, over your local network or one you run such as Tailscale, and never to us. Wormhole never uploads your files or anything about what you do with it.
Could I share my password manager by mistake?
No. Password managers, hidden windows and windows without a title are filtered out on the Mac that shares, before the list of windows leaves it.
Which Macs does it work on?
Any Mac on macOS 14 Sonoma or later, Apple silicon or Intel.
How do I get the app after buying?
Your license key is shown on the page you return to after checkout, with a button that opens the app and activates it, and it is emailed to the address you paid with.
What happens if I am offline?
It keeps working. The app checks your license about once a week, and if it cannot reach the server it carries on regardless, asking you to reconnect only after two weeks without a successful check. It never locks while you are using it.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. 14 days from the day you buy, no questions asked. Email hello@wormhole.buildmac.app and you get a full refund.
I lost my license key. How do I get it back?
Enter the email address you paid with on the recovery page and every key bought with it is emailed to you.
How do I move my license to a new Mac?
Open Wormhole on the old Mac, choose Settings, then License, then Deactivate this Mac. That frees the seat, and you can activate the same key on the new one.
Is Wormhole on the Mac App Store?
No. The App Store's sandbox does not allow sending your clicks and keystrokes to another app, which a remote window needs. It is a signed, notarized download from this site instead, and macOS checks that signature every time it opens. Updates arrive inside the app.
Who takes the payment?
Creem, the merchant of record. They charge the card, handle sales tax, and are the name on your statement.
Not answered here? Email hello@wormhole.buildmac.app. A person answers.