# Retain App: Installation Guide

**Categories:** Getting started

**Published:** December 8, 2025

---

Get started using Retain by downloading for your device:



```markdown

| Platform | Architecture | Status |
|----------|--------------|--------|
| macOS | Apple Silicon (M1+) | Public |
| macOS | Intel (x86_64) | Not supported |
| Windows | x86_64 | Private beta |
| Windows | ARM | Not supported |
| iOS | — | Private beta |

```

## Installing Retain



This guide covers how to install, update, and remove Retain on your devices.



### macOS



#### System Requirements



* Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later)
* macOS 15 Sequoia or later

#### Installing Retain



Download the installer from [retainapp.ai/download](https://retainapp.ai/download)



Open the downloaded .dmg file



Drag the Retain app to your Applications folder



Eject the disk image by dragging it to the Trash or right-clicking and selecting **Eject**



Open Retain from your Applications folder or Launchpad



**Note:** The first time you open Retain, macOS may display a security prompt. Click **Open** to confirm you want to run the app.



#### Granting System Permissions



Retain needs two permissions to transcribe your meetings. You'll be prompted to grant these when you first use the app, or you can set them up in **System Settings > Privacy & Security**.



**Screen Recording:** Retain uses this permission to capture audio from your apps during meetings. Despite the name, Retain only records audio—not your screen. To enable, go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording** and toggle on Retain.



**Microphone:** This permission allows Retain to record your voice during meetings. To enable, go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone** and toggle on Retain.



#### Updating Retain



Retain checks for updates automatically. When an update is available, you'll see a prompt to download and install it. You can also check manually by selecting **Retain > Check for Updates** from the menu bar.



#### Reinstalling Retain



If you need to reinstall Retain, simply download a fresh copy from [retainapp.ai/download](https://retainapp.ai/download) and follow the installation steps above. Reinstalling the app does not delete your data—your transcripts, settings, and connected accounts remain intact.



#### Uninstalling Retain



Quit Retain if it's running



Open your Applications folder



Drag Retain to the Trash



Empty the Trash to complete the removal



Uninstalling removes the app but does not delete your cloud data. To delete your account and all associated data, see our Account Management guide.



### Windows



Retain for Windows is now available in beta testing. Both CPU and Nvidia GPU versions are available.



**System Requirements:** Windows 10 or later



To request access, please email us at contact@retainapp.ai.



### iPhone



Retain for iPhone is now available in beta testing.



**System Requirements:** iOS 16 or later



To request access, please email us at contact@retainapp.ai.



![Missing alt text](https://sanity-cdn.retainapp.ai/images/iwweo518/production/49579a9a0bed3d0542505e1ebe246f4a0897d5e7-2004x1472.png)