> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.openclaw.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# macOS IPC

# OpenClaw macOS IPC architecture

**Current model:** a local Unix socket connects the **node host service** to the **macOS app** for exec approvals + `system.run`. A `openclaw-mac` debug CLI exists for discovery/connect checks; agent actions still flow through the Gateway WebSocket and `node.invoke`. UI automation uses PeekabooBridge.

## Goals

* Single GUI app instance that owns all TCC-facing work (notifications, screen recording, mic, speech, AppleScript).
* A small surface for automation: Gateway + node commands, plus PeekabooBridge for UI automation.
* Predictable permissions: always the same signed bundle ID, launched by launchd, so TCC grants stick.

## How it works

### Gateway + node transport

* The app runs the Gateway (local mode) and connects to it as a node.
* Agent actions are performed via `node.invoke` (e.g. `system.run`, `system.notify`, `canvas.*`).

### Node service + app IPC

* A headless node host service connects to the Gateway WebSocket.
* `system.run` requests are forwarded to the macOS app over a local Unix socket.
* The app performs the exec in UI context, prompts if needed, and returns output.

Diagram (SCI):

```
Agent -> Gateway -> Node Service (WS)
                      |  IPC (UDS + token + HMAC + TTL)
                      v
                  Mac App (UI + TCC + system.run)
```

### PeekabooBridge (UI automation)

* UI automation uses a separate UNIX socket named `bridge.sock` and the PeekabooBridge JSON protocol.
* Host preference order (client-side): Peekaboo.app → Claude.app → OpenClaw\.app → local execution.
* Security: bridge hosts require an allowed TeamID; DEBUG-only same-UID escape hatch is guarded by `PEEKABOO_ALLOW_UNSIGNED_SOCKET_CLIENTS=1` (Peekaboo convention).
* See: [PeekabooBridge usage](/platforms/mac/peekaboo) for details.

## Operational flows

* Restart/rebuild: `SIGN_IDENTITY="Apple Development: <Developer Name> (<TEAMID>)" scripts/restart-mac.sh`
  * Kills existing instances
  * Swift build + package
  * Writes/bootstraps/kickstarts the LaunchAgent
* Single instance: app exits early if another instance with the same bundle ID is running.

## Hardening notes

* Prefer requiring a TeamID match for all privileged surfaces.
* PeekabooBridge: `PEEKABOO_ALLOW_UNSIGNED_SOCKET_CLIENTS=1` (DEBUG-only) may allow same-UID callers for local development.
* All communication remains local-only; no network sockets are exposed.
* TCC prompts originate only from the GUI app bundle; keep the signed bundle ID stable across rebuilds.
* IPC hardening: socket mode `0600`, token, peer-UID checks, HMAC challenge/response, short TTL.

## Related

* [macOS app](/platforms/macos)
* [macOS IPC flow (Exec approvals)](/tools/exec-approvals-advanced#macos-ipc-flow)