macOS App Guide
Installation
Download MinuteAI from the Mac App Store or from getminute.app.
Requirements: macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later, Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4+)
First Launch
On first launch, MinuteAI automatically downloads the WhisperKit AI model (~400MB). This takes 1-2 minutes depending on your internet speed. The app will notify you when it's ready.
Recording
-
1
Click the red Record button in the toolbar, or press
⌘R. -
2
Choose your input device from the dropdown (built-in mic, AirPods, external microphone).
-
3
See real-time waveform visualization while recording.
-
4
Click Stop when finished, or press
⌘Ragain.
Transcription
Transcription happens automatically after recording stops. You can also:
- Import existing audio/video files (drag & drop or File → Import)
- Watch progress indicator during transcription
- Transcribe in 99+ languages (WhisperKit, FluidAudio, Apple Speech, or OpenAI API)
AI Enhancement
After transcription, click the Enhance button to improve your transcript using on-device AI (MLX Swift).
✨ Fix Grammar
Corrects spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.
📝 Generate Summary
Creates concise summary of key points.
💡 Extract Key Ideas
Highlights main concepts and insights.
✅ Action Items
Identifies tasks and next steps.
100% Private: All AI processing happens locally via MLX Swift. No internet required.
Batch Processing (Pro)
- Batch Import: Go to File → Batch Import to process multiple files at once.
- Directory Monitoring: Enable in Preferences to auto-transcribe new files added to a watched folder.
Export
Share your transcripts in multiple formats:
- Markdown (.md) - with formatting preserved
- PDF (Pro) - professional formatted document
- Plain Text (.txt) - universal compatibility
- Copy with timestamps - to clipboard
- AirDrop / Share Sheet - send to any app
Chrome Extension Server
The macOS app runs a local server on localhost:8085 to receive recordings from the Chrome Extension.
Important: Keep the macOS app running when using the Chrome Extension. A green indicator in the menu bar shows server status.
iOS/iPadOS App Guide
Installation
Download from the App Store.
Requirements: iOS/iPadOS 17+, A12 Bionic chip or newer (iPhone XS+, iPad mini 5+, iPad Air 3+, iPad Pro 2018+)
Quick Recording
-
1
Tap the large Record button on the home screen.
-
2
Grant microphone permission if prompted (first time only).
-
3
Watch real-time waveform visualization during recording.
-
4
Tap Stop to finish. Recording continues in background even if you switch apps.
Home Screen Widget
Add MinuteAI widget for instant recording:
-
1
Long-press on Home Screen → tap + in top-left corner.
-
2
Search for "MinuteAI" and select it.
-
3
Choose widget size (Small/Medium/Large) and tap Add Widget.
-
4
Tap widget to start recording instantly!
Transcription
Transcription happens automatically after recording. You can view and edit transcripts inline. Tap any word to jump to that moment in the audio.
Sharing
- AirDrop to Mac - seamless transfer to macOS app
- Share via any app - Messages, Mail, Notes, etc.
- Copy with timestamps - for precise reference
iCloud Sync (Optional)
Enable in Settings → iCloud Sync to sync recordings across all your devices. All data is end-to-end encrypted using Apple's CloudKit.
Privacy: iCloud Sync uses Apple's end-to-end encryption. MinuteAI never has access to your synced data.
Chrome Extension Guide
Installation
Install from the Chrome Web Store or load unpacked from source.
After installation, the MinuteAI icon appears in your Chrome toolbar.
Supported Platforms
Recording Methods
Option 1: Manual Recording (Easiest)
-
1
Join a Google Meet or Microsoft Teams meeting.
-
2
Click the MinuteAI extension icon in toolbar → side panel opens.
-
3
Click the red "Start Recording Meeting" button.
-
4
Recording starts immediately. A red indicator appears at bottom-right showing duration.
Option 2: Auto-Recording
-
1
Open side panel (click extension icon).
-
2
Expand "Recording Settings" section.
-
3
Check "Auto-start recording when meeting begins".
-
4
Click "Save Settings".
-
5
Future meetings will auto-record when you join!
Option 3: Recording Prompt (Default)
-
1
Join a meeting.
-
2
A prompt overlay appears: "Record this meeting?"
-
3
Click "Start Recording" or check "Always record automatically" for future meetings.
Stopping Recording
- Click the red recording indicator → "Stop Recording"
- Leave the meeting (auto-stops)
- Close the tab (auto-saves and stops)
Recording Settings
| Setting | Options | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Low / Medium / High | Higher quality = larger files |
| Audio-only mode | On / Off | Smaller file sizes, faster upload |
| Upload to MinuteAI app | On / Off | Send to macOS app immediately |
| Delete after processing | On / Off | Auto-delete local recording |
Side Panel Features
📝 Live Transcript View
See transcription in real-time during meeting
💾 Save Transcript
Download transcript as text file
📋 Copy All Text
Copy full transcript to clipboard
⏱️ Recording Status
Shows current recording duration
Requirements
Critical: The MinuteAI macOS app MUST be running for the Chrome Extension to work.
- macOS app runs local server on
localhost:8085 - Extension uploads recordings to this server
- Check for green status indicator in Mac menu bar
Tips & Keyboard Shortcuts
macOS Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
⌘R |
Start/stop recording |
⌘T |
Transcribe selected file |
⌘E |
Enhance transcript |
⌘⇧E |
Export transcript |
Best Practices
🎙️ Recording Quality
- • Start recording early (before content begins)
- • Use external mic for best results
- • Minimize background noise
⚡ Efficiency
- • Enable auto-record for regular meetings
- • Use batch processing for archives
- • Keep macOS app running for Chrome ext
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Can't see Start Recording button" | Open side panel by clicking MinuteAI extension icon in Chrome toolbar |
| "Nothing happens when clicking Start" | Verify: Are you inside a meeting? Have you joined? Is extension enabled? |
| "Recording already in progress" | Stop current recording first, then start new one |
| "Server connection error" | Start MinuteAI macOS app - it must be running for extension to work |
| "Transcription quality is poor" | Use external microphone, reduce background noise, speak clearly |
| "Model download stuck" | Check internet connection, restart app, try downloading during off-peak hours |
| "Extension not visible in meeting" | Pin extension to toolbar: Click puzzle icon → pin MinuteAI |
| "Recording not uploading to Mac" | Check macOS app is running, verify server status (green in menu bar), check firewall settings |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MinuteAI free?
Yes, MinuteAI is free with generous limits. Pro tier available for power users with features like batch processing, PDF export, and unlimited recordings.
Does it work offline?
Yes! All core features (recording, transcription, AI enhancement) work completely offline. Internet only needed for initial model download and optional Pro features.
What languages are supported?
WhisperKit supports 99+ languages for transcription. UI available in English, Japanese, and Vietnamese.
Is my data private?
Absolutely. 100% local processing - no uploads to our servers. Optional iCloud Sync is end-to-end encrypted and managed by Apple, not us.
Can I record Zoom meetings?
Chrome Extension currently supports Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Zoom support is on the roadmap. For now, use the macOS/iOS app to record Zoom via system audio.
Why does Chrome Extension need the macOS app?
The macOS app provides multiple transcription engines (WhisperKit, FluidAudio, Apple Speech) and AI enhancement (MLX, Apple Intelligence, Claude Code, Gemini CLI, and more). The extension records meetings and sends audio to the Mac app for processing.
How accurate is the transcription?
MinuteAI uses WhisperKit (OpenAI's Whisper model) which is state-of-the-art for transcription. Accuracy depends on audio quality, accents, and background noise. Typically 90-95% accurate with clear audio.
Can I edit transcripts?
Yes! All transcripts are fully editable. Click any text to edit inline. Changes are auto-saved.
Need More Help?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help.