How to Download and Install MySQL on macOS: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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Introduction

If you are using a MacOS operating system and want to start your journey of working with MySQL, then your first step is to download and install MySQL Server on your computer or laptop.

This guide helps you to walk through the complete process. From downloading the correct MySQL package to opening MySQL Workbench and checking that the server is working properly.

The steps must be kept simple so that even if you are installing MySQL for the first time, you can follow it step-by-step without confusion.

If you are new to MySQL? Before starting the installation process, you can also read our guide What Is MySQL? Complete Beginner's Guide Part 1 and Part 2 to understand the basic concept clearly.

Before You Install MySQL on MacOS

Before starting installation, make sure your MacOS must have:

  • A Mac running a supported version of MacOS
  • A stable internet connection
  • Enough free storage for installation
  • Permission to install software on the Mac
  • Your Mac's processor type must be identified

The last point is very important because MySQL provides different type of package for Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs. Therefore, it is important that we install the correct package for the correct version.

Step 1: Check Whether Your Mac Uses Apple Silicon or Intel

Before downloading the MySQL, it is important to check which processor is in use inside the system. For this purpose:

  1. Click on the Apple menu  in the top-left corner.
  2. Select About This Mac.
  3. Check for Chip or Processor  of Mac.

For example, if you see:

Apple M1, M2, M3, M4, etc.

It means your Mac is using Apple Silicon (ARM64).

But if you see: 

Intel

Then it is using an Intel processor (x86_64).

Why does it matter?

First, you should download the package that matches the architecture of your Mac. The official MySQL download page provides both ARM64 and x86_64 packages separately for macOS.

Check Mac Processor


Step 2: Open the Official MySQL Download Page

Before installing MySQL, open Safari or another browser on your laptop or computer, then go to the official MySQL Community Server download page.

MySQL Community Server Downloads

This page helps you to select the MySQL versions and operating systems. The official page presently provides you the MacOS DMG packages for different processor architectures.

MySQL Community Server Download Page

Click on Download icon  

 Then Scroll Down

 

Step 3: Select MacOS as Your Operating System

On the MySQL download page, first, you need to find the Select Operating System option.

Choose:

MacOS

Then choose the version and package that is suited to your Mac.

You will commonly see options such as:

  • ARM 64-bit for Apple Silicon Macs
  • x86 64-bit for Intel Macs

Choose the right package according to your computer.

Selecting the macOS Package

Step 4: Download the DMG File

For a direct graphical installation, choose the DMG Archive package.

Click the Download icon that is located next to the appropriate package.

The file will then begin downloading to your Mac.

MySQL's official download page offers you the DMG packages that are built specifically for macOS.

Important Tip:
Make sure that you are downloading MySQL from the official MySQL website rather than an untrusted or unofficial download site.

Downloading MySQL DMG

 

 

Click on the downloaded MySQL version

Step 5: Open the Downloaded DMG File

Once the download is done:

  1. Open the Downloads folder that is at the upper-right corner.
  2. Find the MySQL .dmg file.
  3. Double-click on the file.

MacOS will open the MySQL installation package on your display screen.

MySQL DMG Package

 Click on Allow Button

Step 6: Start the MySQL Installation

Inside the attached MySQL package, you need to double-click on the MySQL Installer package.

macOS will guide you throughout the installation process.

Read the information that is presented on the screen and click Continue.

MySQL Installation Wizard

Step 7: Accept the License Agreement

The installer will now display the MySQL license agreement.

Read the agreement and click:

Continue

You might then be asked to confirm that you agree with the license terms.

Choose:

Agree

MySQL License Agreement


Step 8: Choose the Installation Location

The installer will show you the installation location.

For most of the beginners, there is no need to change the default location.

Just continue with the default settings.

Click:

Install

Installation Location

Step 9: Enter Your Mac Password

macOS may ask you to enter your administrator password before allowing the installation process to continue.

Enter your Mac password and confirm the installation process.

The installer will then start copying the required MySQL files to your system.

macOS Administrator Password

 
Now Enter your password 

Step 10: Configure MySQL Server

After the installation, MySQL then provides you with the configuration options for the server.

Follow the recommended settings that is shown by the installer.

You will typically need to configure the root account password.

Choose a strong password and also save it somewhere secure.

Note that

Do not forget this password. You will always need it when connecting to your MySQL Server.

MySQL Server Configuration

Now Enter your MySQL user password

 It again ask the administrator password 


Step 11: Complete the Installation

Now continue through the remaining installation screens.

When the installer reports you that the installation was successful, click Close or Finish, which depends on the version of the installer.

MySQL Server is now successfully installed on your Mac.

Installation Completed

 
Now move it to the bin

Step 12: Install MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench provides a special graphical interface for working with MySQL databases.

If Workbench was not installed with your selected package, download it separately from the official MySQL website.

You can use it to:

  • Connect to MySQL Server
  • Write SQL queries
  • Create databases
  • Create tables in database
  • View data
  • Manage database connections

For newcomers, Workbench makes database work easier because you can work through a graphical interface instead of using only Terminal.

Step 13: Open MySQL Workbench

After installing Workbench:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Select Applications.
  3. Find MySQL Workbench.
  4. Double-click it.

The Workbench home screen should appear.

MySQL Workbench on macOS


Step 14: Connect to MySQL Server

On the MySQL Workbench home screen, select your local MySQL connection.

Enter the password you created during installation process.

If the password is correct and the server is running on your Mac then Workbench will open the SQL editor.

You are now connected to MySQL.

Successful MySQL Connection


Step 15: Check That MySQL Is Working

After making sure that everything is working correctly, you can run a simple SQL command in MySQL Workbench:

SELECT VERSION();

Click the Execute button.

MySQL should return the installed server version in the response.

If you receive a result instead of any error, your MySQL installation is working correctly and accurately.

Congratulation MySQL is now installed and ready to use on your Mac.

Common MySQL Installation Problems on macOS

MySQL Does Not Open

In this situation restart your Mac and try to opening MySQL Workbench again. Also check whether the MySQL Server is running or not.

Wrong Version Downloaded

If you have an Apple Silicon Mac, make sure you download the ARM64 package. If you have an Intel Mac, download the x86_64 package instead.

Can not Connect to MySQL Server

Check that the MySQL Server is running and that you are entering the correct root password or not.

Forgot the Root Password

You will need to follow MySQL's password-reset procedure rather than simply reinstalling the application.

What Should You Do Next?

Now that MySQL is installed and your connection is working, you're ready to start using databases.

Next, read our tutorial: How to Create Your First MySQL Database

In that tutorial, we will start from the beginning and show you how to:

  • Open MySQL Workbench
  • Create a database
  • Create your first table
  • Add records
  • Run your first SQL query

This is where the practical MySQL learning really starts.

Conclusion

Installing MySQL on macOS is straightforward and simpler when you choose the correct package for your Mac and follow the installation steps carefully and accurately.

Once MySQL Server and MySQL Workbench starts working then you have everything you need to start practicing SQL and building database projects.

If you followed all the steps above and successfully ran SELECT VERSION();on your workbench, your setup is ready for the next stage.

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