Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about what XenoHost needs, how it compares with MAMP PRO, testing on your iPhone, and the beta and licensing.
Basics
What XenoHost is and what it needs.
What is XenoHost?
A native Mac control panel for a local Apache, PHP and MySQL stack. It gives every site a .local hostname, HTTPS and its own PHP version, and applies every change as a transaction that rolls back if a health check fails.
Which Macs does XenoHost run on?
Macs with Apple silicon, running macOS 15 or later.
Do I need Homebrew?
No. XenoHost installs its own Apache and PHP, which we build, sign and notarize, and Oracle’s official MySQL 8.0.45, checked against its published checksum. Nothing comes from Homebrew.
Why does XenoHost ask for administrator approval?
Once, for a small helper that edits XenoHost’s own marked block in /etc/hosts, so your .local names work on your Mac. It changes nothing else. The command line goes through the same helper and never runs sudo.
Can I read the config XenoHost writes?
Yes. Every config file is plain text in the engine’s usual place, and keeps working even if XenoHost is removed. Save shows you each file’s diff before anything changes.
Switching from MAMP PRO
Importing, and running both at once.
Can XenoHost import my MAMP PRO sites?
Yes: sites with their exact PHP version, and your whole MySQL server as an APFS clone that leaves MAMP’s data untouched. See Import your sites from MAMP PRO.
Can I keep MAMP PRO running while I try XenoHost?
Yes. Choose the “alongside MAMP” ports (8080, 8443 and 3307) in XenoHost, then switch to the standard ports when you’re ready.
Does XenoHost catch outgoing mail like MAMP PRO?
Not yet. Mail catching with Mailpit is planned.
iPhone and HTTPS
Testing on a phone, and certificates.
How do I open my sites on an iPhone?
Put the iPhone on the same Wi-Fi as your Mac and type the site’s .local name in Safari, subdomains included. For HTTPS, trust your local CA once. See Test your sites on an iPhone.
The name doesn’t open on my phone.
Check both devices are on the same network, and that XenoHost is running. Guest and some office Wi-Fi block Bonjour, which the names rely on. Settings › Phone in XenoHost shows each name’s status.
Does XenoHost create a certificate authority?
No. It issues site certificates from the mkcert CA you already have, and never changes what your Mac trusts. Certificates renew automatically before they expire.
Beta and licensing
The beta, pricing and how our licenses work.
How do I join the beta?
Leave your email with Join the beta and we’ll email you when a beta build is ready for you.
How much will XenoHost cost?
Pricing will be announced at launch. Like our other paid Mac apps, you’ll buy a major version once, get every update to it, and use it on 2 Macs. It will also be part of the XenoTools bundle. See Licensing.
Does XenoHost collect any data?
No. There’s no account, no analytics and no crash upload. It goes online only to download MySQL from Oracle, and it announces your site names on your local network so your iPhone can find them.
Didn’t find your answer?
Browse the XenoHost help articles, or open a ticket and we’ll reply by email.
XenoHost is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Apple Inc. iPhone, Safari, AirDrop, Bonjour, Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
MAMP PRO is a trademark of its respective owner. XenoHost is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by its owner.