Overview
Minima on macOS uses OpenWebStart to run. OpenWebStart is a free tool that lets your Mac run Java applications like Minima. This guide will walk you through installing everything you need.
What You'll Need
- Mac computer running macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
- About 500MB of free disk space
- Internet connection for download and initial sync
Step 1: Download OpenWebStart
OpenWebStart is a free application that allows your Mac to run Java programs like Minima.
- Open your web browser and go to openwebstart.com
- Click the big Download button
- Save the file to your Downloads folder
Step 2: Install OpenWebStart
- Open your Downloads folder
- Double-click the OpenWebStart DMG file you downloaded
- A window will open showing the OpenWebStart icon
- Drag the OpenWebStart icon to your Applications folder
- Wait for it to finish copying, then eject the DMG
The first time you open OpenWebStart, macOS may block it. You'll see a message saying OpenWebStart can't be opened. To fix this:
- Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security
- Scroll down until you see a message about OpenWebStart being blocked
- Click Open Anyway
Step 3: Download Minima JNLP from SpartacusRex.com
The Minima application is downloaded as a JNLP file from SpartacusRex.com. This file tells OpenWebStart what to download.
Right-click and "Save Link As..." to save the file
- Right-click the button above
- Select "Save Link As..." or "Download Linked File As..."
- Save the file as
minima.jnlpto your Downloads folder
Step 4: Launch Minima
Now let's start Minima for the first time:
- Open your Downloads folder
- Find the minima.jnlp file
- Double-click it
- If asked to choose an app, select OpenWebStart
- OpenWebStart will download and install Minima
- This may take a few minutes - be patient!
Once Minima launches, go to the Settings tab to set your MDS password. You'll need this password to access your node. Write it down and keep it safe.
Step 5: Your Wallet
The Minima node IS your wallet. There's a built-in Wallet MiniDapp for managing your tokens.
- Look for the Wallet MiniDapp in your MiniDapp Hub
- Open it to see your addresses and balance
- Your 24-word recovery phrase is stored securely - back it up if you haven't already
Step 6: Connect to Network
On first run, Minima connects to the network - this takes about 10 seconds.
- When prompted, click to connect to the network
- Wait a few seconds for the connection
- You're ready to go!
Step 7: Keep Minima Running
Minima needs to be running to stay synced with the network:
- Right-click the Minima icon in your Dock
- Select Options
- Click Keep in Dock
Now Minima will appear in your Dock. To start it in the future:
- Click the Minima icon in your Dock
- If you see "Downloading Minima", just wait
- Enter your MDS password to log in
- Your wallet and sync will load
Step 8: Set Up OpenWebStart Settings
Before launching the macOS version of Minima, you need to copy your MDS password from OpenWebStart:
- In the OpenWebStart window, click the Settings tab
- Find and copy your MDS password
- Go back to the main OpenWebStart window
- Click to launch the Mac OS version of Minima
- When prompted, enter the MDS password you copied
Updating Minima
When a new version of Minima is released:
- Close Minima completely
- Double-click minima.jnlp again
- OpenWebStart will download and install the new version
- Your wallet and history are preserved
Troubleshooting
OpenWebStart doesn't open JNLP files
- Right-click minima.jnlp → Open With → OpenWebStart
- Or drag minima.jnlp onto the OpenWebStart icon in Applications
macOS won't let me open OpenWebStart
- Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security
- Look for the blocked app message
- Click Open Anyway
Sync is stuck
- Check your internet connection
- Close Minima and restart it
- Make sure your Mac isn't sleeping - adjust Energy settings if needed
Need help?
- Join the Minima Discord
- Visit docs.minima.global
Next Steps
Now that you have Minima installed: