Docker uses OS-level virtualization to deliver software in packages called containers and helps the developers build and deploy the projects faster. The software that hosts the containers is called Docker Engine. The Apple Macbooks are very popular among the developer’s community and if you are now to macOS in this article I will show you how to install Docker on Mac step by step.
How to Install Docker on macOS
Docker runs on both Mac with intel chip as well as Mac with Apple M1 Chip (Apple silicon). The Docker runs natively on Mac and is easy to install follow the steps carefully:
Requirements
- 2010 or newer, with Intel’s hardware Memory Management Unit (MMU) or Apple M1 Chip
- macOS 10.15 or newer (Catalina, Big Sur, or Monterey)
- At least 4 GB of RAM
- You must not have a VirtualBox installation earlier than version 4.3.30 on your system. If you do, you’ll need to uninstall it.
Docker Desktop macOS Installation
1. Download Docker. (Mac with Intel chip, Mac with Apple silicon)
2. Open Terminal and run the command softwareupdate –install-rosetta (Only for Mac with Apple silicon)
3. once you have downloaded the docker desktop double-click the DMG file, and drag-and-drop Docker into your Applications folder.
4. Now you need to authorize the installation with your macOS password
5. Double-click Docker.app to start Docker on macOS.
6. The whale in your status bar indicates Docker is running

Also See: How to Install Docker on Linux
Verification
Once followed all the steps above it’s time to check whether the docker has been installed successfully or not, this you can verify the versions of Docker Engine, Compose, and Machine.
1. Open Terminal
2. Run the following command:
- docker –version
- docker-compose –version
- docker-machine –version
3. docker run -d -p 80:80 –name webserver nginx (This command will run a dockerized web server)
4. Visit http://localhost
If you see a new homepage like this then congratulation you have successfully installed docker on Mac:
