Mac: get started in three steps
- Download the free release, open the DMG, drag AetherRoute into Applications, and launch it from there.
- Add your own subscription, nodes, or local configuration in Profiles. Routing resources are bundled with the app; no separate database download is needed.
- Click Connect in Overview, approve the macOS Network Extension using the steps below, then return to the app to continue.
The free edition needs no account or paid activation. The app does not provide subscriptions or proxy nodes.
Mac: enable the Network Extension
Transparent Proxy and TUN can route network traffic, so macOS 15 or later requires your approval. AetherRoute takes you to the correct System Settings page but never bypasses, auto-clicks, or simulates this security authorization.
- Move AetherRoute to Applications, open it, import or select a valid profile, then click Connect.
- When the “Approve Network Extension” card appears, click “Open System Settings.”
- In General → Login Items & Extensions, scroll to the Extensions section at the bottom. Do not use the Open at Login list.
- Next to Network Extensions, click the info button, turn on AetherRoute, then click Done.
- Return to AetherRoute and click “Approved — Check Again.” The app resumes the pending connection.
No reduced security required. AetherRoute uses Apple's user-space Network Extension. It does not require disabling SIP or enabling kernel extensions in Recovery. If this Mac is managed by an organization and the switch is unavailable, ask your administrator to approve the Network Extension.
Connected, but websites do not load
A connected status does not guarantee that every node or website is reachable. Check a real webpage, then try these steps:
- Check the active profile and selected node. Use a proxy node for sites that require one, and check that DIRECT was not selected by mistake.
- If another proxy or VPN is connected, disconnect it and reconnect AetherRoute once.
- Try another known-working node and two different websites. Note whether all sites fail or only one is affected.
- If it still fails, note whether you use TUN or Transparent Proxy and the error shown by the page or app, then export the diagnostics described below.
To restore your previous network, click Disconnect first. Do not disable System Integrity Protection or delete system network files while troubleshooting.
Still cannot find AetherRoute?
- Confirm the app is in Applications rather than running from the DMG or Downloads.
- Quit AetherRoute completely, reopen it, and click Connect once to submit the installation request again.
- If macOS asks for a restart, save your work and restart as instructed; then return and click “Approved — Check Again.”
- If it still fails, export the privacy-safe report from Settings → Diagnostics and include the exact error text. Never send subscriptions, node passwords, or private keys.
Mac and multiple iPhones: encrypted iCloud profile sync
For example, organize subscriptions on your Mac, then sync profiles to your everyday and spare iPhones. Devices share profiles but retain independent connection controls; connecting or disconnecting one does not require the others to follow.
- Install versions of AetherRoute that support iCloud sync and sign in to the same Apple Account on every device.
- Enable iCloud Passwords & Keychain in system settings, then enable iCloud sync in each app.
- Upload from the device with your existing profiles, then pull on your other Macs or iPhones. Cloud and local profiles are merged, while each device keeps its own connection controls.
Feature preview: iPhone sync is still being tested and refined; the setup above is subject to the final release. Profiles are encrypted with AES-256-GCM before being stored in iCloud. If the key is unavailable, check the Apple Account and iCloud Keychain settings on the affected devices, allow time for system sync, and retry.
iPhone: requirements and availability
The iPhone app requires iOS 26 or later. Earlier iOS versions are not supported. Supported devices are the iPhone 12 family and later, and must be updated to a supported iOS version before installation. The app is coming soon. Some features are still being tested and refined, and public downloads are not yet available. Release timing and download details will be announced on this website.
Before reporting
- Record the AetherRoute version, build, and macOS version.
- Export the privacy-safe report from Settings → Diagnostics.
- State whether you use Transparent Proxy or TUN, whether it reproduces, and whether another proxy app is running.
- For a node-specific failure, note whether the same node connects successfully in your previous client.
Contact
- GitHub Issues: for reproducible bugs, compatibility issues, and feature requests.
- Security: for vulnerabilities, follow the private reporting process in SECURITY.md instead of opening a public issue.