Installation Guide

Setup guide · Saltpath Music 1.1 · updated 19 September 2026

Saltpath Music uses two companion apps. Saltpath Music Host runs on your Mac and keeps your library available at home. Saltpath Music on iPhone or iPad finds that Mac and gives you the library, queue, playback controls, and offline downloads.

What you need

• Mac macOS 12 Monterey or later, Apple silicon or Intel, with your music on the Mac or an attached drive.
• iPhone or iPad iOS or iPadOS 15 or later.
• One home network The Mac and Controller must be on the same LAN; avoid a guest network.
• Your own music files FLAC, M4A/ALAC, and MP3 libraries are supported.

1. Install and set up the Mac Host

1. Install Saltpath Music Host from the Mac App Store.

   Open the app after installation. Set up the Mac before installing the Controller.

2. Allow Local Network access.

   Choose Allow when macOS asks. Saltpath uses this only to advertise the Host and find speakers and network players in your home.

3. Leave the Saltpath Music background item enabled.

   This keeps the library available when the app window is closed. If macOS shows a background-item notification, no action is required. You can verify it in macOS System Settings → General → Login Items.

4. Choose your music folders.

   On the first-run screen, choose Choose folders and select one or more folders containing your music. Select the actual music folder rather than the whole disk when possible. To add or revisit folders later, open Saltpath Music Host → Settings → Catalog.

5. Let the first scan run.

   Albums begin appearing while Saltpath builds the catalog. A large library can take time, but the Host remains available during the scan.

2. Install and connect the iPhone or iPad app

1. Install Saltpath Music from the App Store.

   Make sure the Mac Host is awake and running before opening the Controller for the first time.

2. Join the same home network as the Mac.

   The first connection is local. Guest Wi-Fi networks commonly block devices from seeing one another.

3. Allow Local Network access.

   Choose Allow when iOS or iPadOS asks so the Controller can find the Mac Host.

4. Choose your Mac.

   On Find Your Saltpath Music Host, choose your Mac. Saltpath connects over your local network; ordinary home setup does not use a pairing code. To reconnect or change the Host later, open Saltpath Music → Settings → Devices.

5. Choose where to listen.

   Use This Device for the iPhone or iPad, or select an available AirPlay or UPnP/DLNA player. Wake a receiver or TV, then use Saltpath Music → Settings → Devices → Scan Network if it does not appear.

3. Confirm the setup

• The Mac library shows albums from the folders you selected.
• The iPhone or iPad opens the same library without a manual address.
• This Device and your supported network players appear as playback choices.
• A track starts and the queue and Now Playing screen update on both devices.
• Closing the Mac app window does not stop playback or disconnect the Controller.

Trial and purchase

Saltpath includes a 14-day trial of the complete app — every shipping feature, not a reduced set. After that, a one-time Core Unlock keeps it going. You can buy or restore it in Settings in either app; the other one picks it up over your home network, so you only pay once. There is no subscription.

If the Controller cannot find the Mac

• Wake the Mac and open Saltpath Music Host once.
• Confirm Local Network access is enabled for Saltpath Music in macOS System Settings and the iPhone/iPad Settings app.
• Confirm both devices are on the same non-guest home network.
• Temporarily disconnect a VPN if it blocks access to local devices.
• Open Saltpath Music → Settings → Devices on the Controller and choose Search again.

Still stuck? Read the support and troubleshooting guide or email support@saltpath.app.