Use a notch app on a Mac without a notch

Check your Mac’s software, not just its shape

Momo supports macOS 14 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. A Mac mini, iMac or older MacBook can use the virtual island if it meets that operating-system requirement. Not every older Mac can run macOS 14, so check your installed version before purchasing.

An external monitor does not need a notch either. The island is part of Momo’s on-screen interface; it does not change the display hardware or add a camera.

Choose which display gets the island

1. Open Momo Settings and find the Display section.
2. Set Show Momo on to Main display to use the display with the menu bar.
3. Choose Display with the cursor if you want Momo to move between displays as you work.
4. Use Built-in display (the notch) to prefer a screen with a physical notch; if none is available, Momo falls back to an available screen.

For a MacBook connected to a monitor, Main display is a useful choice when the monitor is your primary workspace. You do not need separate copies of Momo for the built-in display and the external screen.

Understand what changes without a physical notch

The companion and tools use the same app on both kinds of display. You can still open Focus, Notes, Clipboard and the file shelf from the panel. The difference is the black island Momo draws at the top of a screen that has no cutout.

Because the island is visible screen content, check whether its location suits your menu bar and desktop setup. If you prefer an entirely clear screen for a task, presentation mode hides it and pauses background tools.

If Momo seems to have disappeared

Check Show Momo on first, especially after changing monitors or selecting Display with the cursor. Then check whether presentation mode is enabled.

The Hide while the front app is full screen option can also explain why the island disappears while you use a full-screen app. Review that setting before assuming your display is unsupported. If the panel still does not appear, use the support page and include your macOS version and display arrangement.

Common questions