---
title: "RewriteBar Troubleshooting Guide"
description: "Fix common RewriteBar issues with installation, permissions, AI providers, keyboard shortcuts, and text replacement on macOS."
url: "https://rewritebar.com/docs/troubleshooting"
---

# Troubleshooting

Common issues and their solutions for RewriteBar.

## Installation Issues

### App Won't Install

**Problem**: RewriteBar fails to install or shows security warnings.

**Solutions**:

1. **Allow from Unknown Developers**: Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General → Allow apps downloaded from "App Store and identified developers"
2. **Right-click Install**: Right-click the downloaded file and select "Open"
3. **Check System Requirements**: Ensure you're running macOS 10.15 or later

### Installation Stuck

**Problem**: Installation process hangs or takes too long.

**Solutions**:

1. **Restart Download**: Delete the partial download and try again
2. **Check Internet Connection**: Ensure stable internet connection
3. **Clear Download Cache**: Clear your browser's download cache

## API Connection Issues

### API Key Not Working

**Problem**: Getting "Invalid API Key" or "Authentication Failed" errors.

**Solutions**:

1. **Verify API Key**: Double-check the key is correct and active
2. **Check Permissions**: Ensure the key has the required permissions
3. **Test in Browser**: Try using the API key in a web browser first
4. **Contact Provider**: Reach out to your AI provider's support

### Connection Timeouts

**Problem**: Requests timeout or fail to complete.

**Solutions**:

1. **Check Internet**: Ensure stable internet connection
2. **Increase Timeout**: Go to Settings → Advanced → Increase timeout value
3. **Try Different Provider**: Switch to a different AI provider
4. **Check Firewall**: Ensure RewriteBar can access the internet

## Local AI Issues

### Ollama Not Working

**Problem**: Ollama integration fails or doesn't respond.

**Solutions**:

1. **Check Ollama Status**: Ensure Ollama is running (`ollama list`)
2. **Verify Model**: Make sure the model is downloaded and loaded
3. **Check Port**: Verify Ollama is running on the correct port (default: 11434)
4. **Restart Ollama**: Stop and restart the Ollama service

### LM Studio Connection Failed

**Problem**: Can't connect to LM Studio server.

**Solutions**:

1. **Start Server**: Ensure LM Studio server is running
2. **Check URL**: Verify the server URL is correct
3. **Check Port**: Ensure the port is accessible
4. **Firewall**: Check that the port isn't blocked by firewall

### oMLX Connection or Authentication Failed

1. Start oMLX and confirm the server address and port shown in its settings.
2. In RewriteBar, select the **oMLX** provider. The default base URL is `http://127.0.0.1:8000/v1`.
3. If you see **API key required** or an authentication error, enter the server API key configured in oMLX.
4. Refresh the model list, select a downloaded text-generation model, and click **Verify and Enable**.
5. If the first response takes longer, allow time for the model to load. Try a smaller model if memory is limited.

See the [oMLX setup guide](https://rewritebar.com/docs/ai-providers/omlx) for the complete configuration.

## Performance Issues

### Slow Responses

**Problem**: AI responses are very slow.

**Solutions**:

1. **Check Internet Speed**: Test your internet connection
2. **Try Different Model**: Switch to a faster model
3. **Reduce Text Length**: Break long text into smaller chunks
4. **Check System Resources**: Ensure sufficient RAM and CPU

### App Crashes

**Problem**: RewriteBar crashes or freezes.

**Solutions**:

1. **Restart App**: Force quit and restart RewriteBar
2. **Check System Resources**: Ensure sufficient RAM and CPU
3. **Update macOS**: Make sure you're running the latest macOS
4. **Reinstall**: Delete and reinstall RewriteBar

## UI Issues

### Menu Not Appearing

**Problem**: RewriteBar menu doesn't appear in the menu bar.

**Solutions**:

1. **Check Menu Bar**: Ensure the menu bar isn't hidden
2. **Restart App**: Force quit and restart RewriteBar
3. **Check Permissions**: Ensure RewriteBar has necessary permissions
4. **Reinstall**: Delete and reinstall the application

### Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working

**Problem**: Keyboard shortcuts don't trigger RewriteBar.

**Solutions**:

1. **Check Conflicts**: Ensure no other app is using the same shortcut
2. **Restart App**: Restart RewriteBar after changing shortcuts
3. **Check Permissions**: Ensure RewriteBar has accessibility permissions
4. **Reset Shortcuts**: Reset to default shortcuts and try again

## Getting Help

### Still Having Issues?

If you're still experiencing problems:

1. **Check Logs**: Go to Settings → Advanced → View Logs
2. **Contact Support**: Email us at [support@rewritebar.com](mailto:support@rewritebar.com)
3. **Join Discord**: Get help from the community
4. **GitHub Issues**: Report bugs on our GitHub repository

### Providing Support Information

When contacting support, please include:

- **macOS Version**: System Information → Software
- **RewriteBar Version**: About RewriteBar
- **Error Messages**: Exact error text
- **Steps to Reproduce**: What you were doing when the issue occurred
- **Log Files**: Attach relevant log files if possible