Terms of Service
Last updated October 5, 2026
These terms cover the Tether app for macOS and the website at tether.cosmics.me, both made by Cosmics ("we", "us"). By downloading or using Tether you agree to them. If you don't agree, please don't use it.
Using Tether
Tether is free. You may download it and use it, for personal or work purposes, on any Mac you own or control. Please don't sell it, bundle it, or host copies elsewhere; link to this site instead, so people always get the notarized build from us. Don't use Tether to access a phone you aren't authorized to access.
What Tether does on your Mac
- It adds your connected Android phone to Finder through a macOS File Provider extension, and runs a small menu bar app that talks to the phone over USB.
- To reach a phone in file transfer (MTP) mode, Tether briefly stops macOS's Image Capture background helper (ptpcamerad), which otherwise claims every connected phone. macOS restarts it automatically. While Tether is using the phone, apps like Photos or Image Capture can't import from it.
- If you launch Tether from the disk image, it offers to move itself into your Applications folder. It only does so if you agree.
Your files
Tether reads, copies, renames, moves and deletes files on your phone when you ask it to, in the app or in Finder. Deleting a file on the phone is permanent; it doesn't go to a trash. You are responsible for your data, so keep backups of anything important, especially before large moves or deletions.
No warranty
Tether is an early release, provided "as is" and "as available", without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. We don't promise it will work with every phone, cable or version of macOS or Android, or that it will be free of bugs.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent the law allows, we are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or for any loss of data, files or profits, arising from your use of Tether or this website. Our total liability for any claim is limited to the amount you paid us for Tether, which is zero. Nothing in these terms limits liability that can't be limited by law.
Feedback
If you send us bug reports, ideas or other feedback, you allow us to use them to improve Tether, without any obligation to you. How we handle the information in a report is described in our Privacy Policy.
Trademarks
Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Mac, macOS and Finder are trademarks of Apple Inc. Tether is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google or Apple.
Changes
We may update these terms as Tether evolves. When we do, we'll post the new version here and change the date at the top. Using Tether after a change means you accept the updated terms.
Contact
Questions about these terms: [email protected].