Frequently Asked Questions

AppSweep is a universal app updater for macOS that helps you keep all your applications up to date. It scans your Applications folder, detects installed apps, and checks multiple sources (Sparkle feeds, GitHub Releases, Electron update mechanisms, and the Mac App Store) for available updates.

With AppSweep, you can open official update links for all your apps with a single click instead of manually hunting for download pages.

AppSweep stands out in several ways:

• No Homebrew required: Unlike some alternatives, AppSweep works standalone without requiring command-line tools.
• Mac App Store compatible: AppSweep is fully sandboxed and available on the Mac App Store.
• Multiple update sources: We support Sparkle, GitHub, Electron, App Store, and our crowdsourced database.
• Privacy-focused: All scanning happens locally, and we don't track your usage.
• One-time purchase: No subscription fees — pay once, use forever.

AppSweep requires macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later. It's a universal app that runs natively on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and Intel Macs.

Yes! AppSweep is designed with security in mind:

• Sandboxed: Runs in Apple's App Sandbox with limited system access.
• Code-signed & notarized: Verified by Apple for malware-free distribution.
• No admin access required: AppSweep opens official update links; you install manually.
• Official sources only: Update links point to official developer sources.

AppSweep detects updates from multiple sources:

• Sparkle: The most common update framework for macOS apps (used by thousands of indie apps).
• GitHub Releases: Apps distributed via GitHub get automatic release detection.
• Electron: Popular for cross-platform apps like VS Code, Slack, Discord, etc.
• Mac App Store: See pending updates alongside your other apps.
• Crowdsourced Database: Community-maintained entries for apps without automatic update mechanisms.

No. The Mac App Store edition opens official update links so you can download and install updates manually. This keeps you in control:

• You decide when to download and install
• You can review release notes before updating
• You can skip versions you don’t want

For Mac App Store apps, AppSweep opens the App Store to the app’s page.

AppSweep can detect pending updates for Mac App Store apps and show them in your app list. However, the actual update must be performed through the Mac App Store app, as Apple doesn't allow third-party apps to update App Store purchases.

When you click "Update" on an App Store app, AppSweep will open the App Store to the app's page.

The Ignore feature lets you exclude apps or specific versions from update notifications:

• Ignore App: Permanently hide an app from the update list (useful for apps you don't want to update).
• Ignore Version: Skip a specific version but get notified of future updates (useful when a new version has bugs).

You can manage ignored apps in Settings → Ignored Apps.

Yes! AppSweep lets you export a complete inventory of your installed apps including:

• App name and bundle identifier
• Current version number
• Update source
• Architecture (Apple Silicon/Intel/Universal)

Export formats include CSV and JSON. This is great for documentation, IT compliance, or migrating to a new Mac.

AppSweep can detect and track beta versions for apps that provide beta channels through Sparkle or GitHub. You can configure update channel preferences in Settings:

• Stable only: Only show production releases
• Include betas: Show beta releases when available

Note that not all apps provide beta channels.

AppSweep is designed with privacy as a core principle. Here's what we do and don't collect:

We DO NOT collect:

• Personal information (name, email, etc.)
• Device identifiers
• Usage analytics or behavior tracking
• Your app list or installed software

Local data only:

• All app scanning happens locally on your computer
• Your app inventory is stored only on your device
• Network requests are limited to checking update feeds

See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

AppSweep runs in Apple's App Sandbox, which means it can't access any files without your explicit permission. We need access to your Applications folder to:

• Scan installed apps and read their version information
• Detect update mechanisms (Sparkle feeds, etc.)
• Check code signing and notarization status

This permission is stored as a "security-scoped bookmark" and remembered across app launches. You can revoke access at any time in Settings.

AppSweep shows security information for each update:

• Code Signing: Whether the app is signed by a verified developer
• Notarization: Whether Apple has verified the app is free of malware
• Source: Where the update link points

Update links point to official sources (developer websites, GitHub, App Store) — never to AppSweep servers.

AppSweep is a one-time purchase of $17.99 (or €19.99). This includes:

• Full app scanning capabilities
• Unlimited update detection
• Batch open update links
• Smart update notifications
• Detailed release notes
• App inventory export
• All future updates included

No subscription fees — pay once, use forever.

No! AppSweep is a one-time purchase. Pay once, use forever. You'll also receive free updates for the lifetime of the product. No recurring fees, no annual renewals.

If you've purchased AppSweep and need to restore your purchase (new Mac, reinstall, etc.):

1. Make sure you're signed into the Mac App Store with the same Apple ID
2. Open AppSweep
3. Go to Settings → Purchase
4. Click "Restore Purchase"

Your purchase is tied to your Apple ID and can be used on all your personal Macs.

Refunds for Mac App Store purchases are handled by Apple. To request a refund:

1. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Find AppSweep in your purchase history
4. Request a refund

Apple typically processes refund requests within a few days.

If apps aren't being detected, try these steps:

1. Check folder access: Go to Settings → Folder Access and make sure your Applications folder is listed.
2. Re-grant permission: Remove and re-add the Applications folder.
3. Force refresh: Press ⌘R or click the refresh button to rescan.
4. Check app location: AppSweep only scans /Applications, not other locations.

If an app still isn't detected, it might not have a supported update mechanism. You can report missing apps to us.

This can happen in a few situations:

• Version number format: Some apps use non-standard version numbering that can confuse version comparison.
• Regional versions: Some apps have different versions for different regions.
• Cache issue: Try refreshing the app list.

You can use the "Ignore Version" feature to hide the update if it's not relevant. Please also report these cases to us so we can improve detection.

If an update link won’t open or a download fails:

• Try the link again: Re-open the update link from AppSweep.
• Check your connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
• Server issues: The developer's server might be temporarily unavailable. Try again later.
• Firewall/VPN: Check if a firewall or VPN is blocking the download.

If the problem persists, download directly from the app’s website.

AppSweep is designed to be lightweight, but during scans it may use more resources:

• During initial scan: The first scan may take longer as AppSweep analyzes all your apps.
• Background scanning: You can adjust the scan frequency in Settings or disable it entirely.
• Many apps: If you have hundreds of apps, scans naturally take longer.

If AppSweep seems to be consuming excessive resources continuously, please contact support with details.

You can customize notification behavior in Settings → Notifications:

• Disable all notifications: Turn off the main notification toggle.
• Adjust frequency: Change how often AppSweep checks for updates.
• Critical updates only: Only get notified for important security updates.
• Ignore apps: Ignore specific apps you don't care about updating.

Sparkle is an open-source software update framework for macOS applications. It's the most popular way for indie Mac developers to provide automatic updates to their users.

Apps using Sparkle publish an "appcast" (RSS feed) containing version information. AppSweep reads these feeds to detect available updates.

A Universal Binary is an app that contains native code for both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and Intel processors. This means the same app runs natively on both types of Macs.

AppSweep shows the architecture type for each app:

• Universal: Runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel
• Apple Silicon: Native on M1/M2/M3, runs via Rosetta on Intel
• Intel: Runs via Rosetta 2 on Apple Silicon Macs

AppSweep runs in Apple's App Sandbox, which restricts direct modification of files in /Applications. This is a security feature that protects your system.

Instead, AppSweep:

• Opens official update links for manual installation
• Opens the Mac App Store for App Store apps
• Lets you stay in control of when updates are installed

This approach maintains security while still making updates convenient.

Yes! Your Mac App Store purchase is tied to your Apple ID, not a specific device. You can install and use AppSweep on all Macs where you're signed in with the same Apple ID.

Apple's Family Sharing also allows family members to use apps you've purchased.