How to install Claude Code on Mac?
To install Claude Code on a Mac, open Terminal and run `curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash`, or use Homebrew: `brew install --cask claude-code`. Then `cd` into a project, type `claude`, and sign in with a paid Claude plan or API account. The native installer auto-updates in the background; Homebrew installs update with `brew upgrade`.
Why — the first-principles explanation
Claude Code on Mac is a command-line program. The installer's whole job is to drop the `claude` binary onto your system and add it to your PATH so the command works from any folder. macOS already ships with everything else Claude Code needs—a Unix shell (zsh) and standard tools—so there's no extra layer like Windows sometimes needs.
You get two clean choices. The native install script downloads the binary directly and, importantly, auto-updates in the background, so you stay current without thinking about it. Homebrew (the popular Mac package manager) installs it as a 'cask' and tracks the version for you, but it does not auto-update—you run `brew upgrade` yourself. Homebrew even offers two channels: `claude-code` (stable, about a week behind) and `claude-code@latest` (newest releases).
After install, the pattern is the same as every surface: open a project, run `claude`, and sign in. That sign-in is where billing attaches—either a subscription or a metered API account. Works on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
An example that makes it click
Installing on a Mac is like getting a new app that lives in your Terminal instead of the Dock. The install script is a delivery driver who drops the tool on your desk and tells the building where to find it (your PATH). Pick the native script and it quietly updates itself, like an app that patches overnight. Pick Homebrew and you're the one who says 'update now' with brew upgrade. Either way, you start it by calling its name—claude.
How to do it
- Open the Terminal app (Applications → Utilities → Terminal, or press Cmd+Space and type 'Terminal').
- Run the native installer: `curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash` — or with Homebrew: `brew install --cask claude-code`.
- Close and reopen Terminal so the new `claude` command is on your PATH.
- Move into a project: `cd your-project`.
- Type `claude` and sign in with your Claude plan (Pro/Max/Team) or Anthropic Console/API account.
- To update a Homebrew install later, run `brew upgrade claude-code` (native installs auto-update).
Key facts
- Native install command (Mac): `curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash`.
- Homebrew install command: `brew install --cask claude-code`.
- Native installations auto-update in the background; Homebrew installs require `brew upgrade`.
- Homebrew offers two casks: `claude-code` (stable) and `claude-code@latest` (newest releases).
- Works on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs; you start it by running `claude` in a project folder.
Anthropic's agentic coding tool that works in your terminal.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.▶ The 60-second explainer (script)
Installing Claude Code on a Mac takes about a minute. Open the Terminal app—Command-Space, type Terminal. You've got two easy options. The native installer: run curl, dash-f-s-S-L, the claude.ai install-dot-s-h URL, piped to bash. That drops the claude command onto your Mac and adds it to your PATH. The bonus? Native installs update themselves in the background, so you're always current. Prefer Homebrew? Run brew install, dash-dash-cask, claude-code. Just note Homebrew doesn't auto-update—you'll run brew upgrade yourself when you want the latest. Once it's installed, close and reopen Terminal, move into your project folder with cd, and type claude. It'll ask you to sign in with your Claude plan or an API account, and you're ready to code. This works on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs—no extra setup needed.
What authoritative sources say
People also ask
What's the fastest way to install Claude Code on Mac?
Open Terminal and run `curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash`. It also auto-updates in the background.
Can I install it with Homebrew?
Yes: `brew install --cask claude-code`. Note Homebrew installs don't auto-update—run `brew upgrade claude-code`.
Does it work on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. Claude Code runs on both Apple Silicon (M-series) and Intel Macs.
How do I start Claude Code after installing?
Open a project folder with `cd`, type `claude`, and sign in with your Claude plan or API account.