How to Install Python on Mac [2025 Guide for M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs]

Most modern versions of macOS (including macOS 12.3 and above) come with Python pre-installed, but it's usually an outdated Python 2.x version. Since Python 2 is no longer supported, it’s important to install the latest version (Python 3.x) to unlock its full power for programming, scripting, and development.

This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial to show all effective ways of installing and updating Python on macOS (MacBook Old Version and New Versions like M1, M2, M3 or M4), From checking your pre-installed version to downloading and updating the latest Python and setting up essential tools like IDEs and package managers, this guide will help you easily install Python on any MacBook Device.

Prerequisites

• A Running MacOS Laptop.
• Access to Macbook Administrative Privileges or Password.

How to Check the Pre-Installed Python Version on MacOS

Below are the quick and easy steps to Check the Pre-Installed Python Version on MacOS so that you can directly update the Python Latest version using Terminal and Homebrew.

Step 1: Open the Terminal.app

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Confirm Pre-Installed Python Version

Run the following command to check the installed Python 3 version:

python3 --version

Popup Appears: The xcode-select command requires the command line developer tools. Would you like to install the tools now?

When installing Homebrew (or sometimes Python directly), you might encounter a popup prompting you to install Command Line Developer Tools. These tools are required for many macOS development tasks, including Python installation.

Solution: When you see a popup asking you to install "Command Line Developer Tools" > Click on Install and wait for some time to Download the software. Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting Command Line Developer Tools Installation Fails Error

Manually install the tools by running

xcode-select --install

Step 3: Preview Output

• If you see something like Python 3.x.x (Like in the below Image it shows Python 3.9.6), this means Python 3 is already installed. Now, we will Ensure the version matches the latest installed version (e.g., Python 3.13.x) after following further steps mentioned below in this guide.
• If the command returns an error or no version is shown, Python 3 is not installed.

Troubleshooting:

• Command Not Found: If python3 doesn’t work, Python 3 is not installed. Continue with the installation.
• Outdated Version: If an old version of Python 3 is installed, upgrade it using Homebrew (see Step 3).

How to Install Homebrew on Mac

Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that makes the software installation easy, including Python. In order to install Python on Mac using Brew, you first need to Intsall Homebrew on your Mac device. Follow the below easy steps in order to install Homebrew on Mac even if you have the pre-installed Python in your Mac Device:

Step 1: Open Terminal

Use the Shortcut key Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Copy and Paste the Command in Terminal

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 3: Press Enter and Follow the On-Screen Instructions

• When checking for Sudo Access, you may be prompted to enter your Password.

IMPORTANT: What is "Checking for sudo access (which may request your password)"

Homebrew itself does not require sudo to function. However, the installer does use sudo during the initial setup to create the necessary installation directory at /opt/homebrew and configure its permissions. Additionally, sudo is used to install and configure the Xcode Command Line Tools if they are not already installed. Once Homebrew is installed and set up, it no longer requires sudo for any of its operations.

Next steps:
Run these commands in your terminal to add Homebrew to your PATH:
    echo >> /Users/userprofile/.zprofile
    echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> /Users/userprofile/.zprofile
    eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
In all the above given command Change "userprofile" with the actual username of your device.

Step 4: Verify Homebrew Latest Version or Update Homebrew

Once installation is complete, verify Homebrew by running:

brew --version

You should see a version number, confirming that Homebrew is installed.

Important: If you see the older Homebrew version installed, then run the following command to update Homebrew:

brew update

How to Install Python on Mac (Using Homebrew)

Now lets begin installing Python Latest version in your Mac Device, Using Homebrew is the simplest way to install Python 3 latest version, as it ensures you get the latest stable version.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Run the following command

This command will download and install Python 3 latest version along with pip, the Python package manager.

brew install python

Wait for the process to complete. You may see progress indicators as Homebrew downloads and installs dependencies.

Step 3: Verify the Python Installation

python3.13 --version

If installed correctly, you’ll see the version number (e.g., Python 3.13.1).

Step 4: Verify pip installation

pip3 --version

If pip3 is installed, it will display its version.

Common Issues and Fixes when Installing Python on MacOS

Below are the most common Issues that arises when installing Python in your Mac, all these errors and issues looks difficult but they are very easy to fix in some quick steps:

Error: Command Not Found: Ensure Homebrew is installed correctly by running

Now run the following command, in order to fix any issue related to Homebrew not running in your terminal.

brew doctor

Now after pressing the enter, it will show issues, If issues are reported, follow the suggested fixes.

Error: Incomplete Installation

Reinstall Python by copy and paste the following command in the terminal.

brew reinstall python

Test Your Python Installation on Macbook

Testing ensures that Python is set up correctly and ready for use.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Launch Python

python3

You’ll see a >>> prompt, indicating Python is ready.

Step 4: Run a test script

print("Hello, Python!")

If you see Hello, Python!, Python is working correctly.

Step 4: Exit Python

exit()

Adding Python to PATH (If Python Not Running)

If Python3 command doesn’t work after installation, you might need to add Python to your system PATH.

How to Add Python to PATH on Mac

Step 1: Open Terminal

Use the shortcut key Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Edit the Shell Configuration File

For macOS Catalina or later (default shell is Zsh):

nano ~/.zshrc

For older macOS versions (default shell is Bash):

nano ~/.bash_profile

Step 3: Add the Line in the File

Add the following line at the end of the file:

export PATH="/usr/local/opt/python/libexec/bin:$PATH"

Step 4: Save the changes:

Press Ctrl + O, then Enter, followed by Ctrl + X.

Step 5: Reload the Configuration

Now use the below command to reload the configuration to add Python to PATH on Mac

source ~/.zshrc

How to Verify PATH Changes on Mac

Now verify the above steps tp preview the PATH Changes on Mac for Python Intsllation, If the version appears, Python 3 is successfully added to PATH.

Run the following Command

python3 --version

How to Install Python on Mac from the Official Website (Alternate Method)

Step 1: Visit Python Website

Visit the official Python website and download the installer for macOS.

Step 2: Open .pkg File and Complete the Automatic Installation

Open the .pkg file and follow the installation steps.

Step 3: Open Terminal and Verify the Python installation

python3 --version

If you still faces difficulty in installing the Python on Mac from the Python.Org Click here

Install a Python IDE (Optional for Learning)

While you can write Python scripts in any text editor, using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) makes coding easier and more efficient.

Recommended IDEs for Beginners

IDLE

• Pre-installed with Python, perfect for beginners.

GeeksforGeeks IDE

• Most used by Coputer Science Users
• Lightweight, customizable, and supports Python extensions.

VS Code (Visual Studio Code)

• Lightweight, customizable, and supports Python extensions.
• Download from Visual Studio Code.

PyCharm

• Feature-rich IDE ideal for professional Python development.
• Download from PyCharm.

Install Essential Python Libraries (Optional)

To expand Python’s functionality, you can install libraries using pip3.

Popular Python Libraries:

• NumPy: For numerical computations.
• Pandas: For data analysis and manipulation.
• Flask: For web development.
• Matplotlib: For data visualization.

How to Install Python Libraries on Mac

Step 1: Open Terminal

Use Shortcut key to open Command + Space > Type Terminal > Hit Enter.

Step 2: Use the following command

Click here to know all Python Libraries to understand each usecase.

pip3 install library_name

Replace library_name with the library you want to install, e.g., numpy.

Conclusion

Installing Python on your Mac opens the door of opportunities in programming, data analysis, and automation tasks. By following this step-by-step guide, you can seamlessly set up Python, ensuring compatibility with the latest tools and frameworks.

From web development and machine learning to scripting automation, Python empowers you to tackle a wide range of tasks with ease. With its growing popularity in data science, artificial intelligence, and software development, getting Python up and running on your Mac is a crucial step toward enhancing your technical skills and productivity.