How to Update Python on Mac

To perform a macOS update Python task, visit python.org, download the latest installer, and run it. Or, use Terminal with Homebrew: type brew update followed by brew install python. Then check the version using python3 --version.

Why you should update Python on Mac

Outdated versions of Python can break tools, block libraries, and expose your system to security threats. Here’s why it’s important to install Python on a Mac and keep it updated:

• New versions fix many known vulnerabilities, so using the latest available  protects your system from exploits that target older releases.
• Each Python update brings performance enhancements and modern syntax improvements, making coding more efficient and enjoyable.
• Popular libraries like Pandas or TensorFlow often drop support for outdated versions. Updating ensures continued access to critical tools.
• New versions include bug fixes that reduce crashes to make your development environment more reliable.
• Older Python versions may rely on abandoned packages, creating long-term maintenance headaches and blocking modern development tools.

Checking your current Mac Python version

To check your Mac’s Python version, open Terminal and type python3 --version. If installed, it will display the current version; otherwise, it shows a command not a found error.

A note from our experts: 

 

Manually upgrading Python often leaves behind outdated dependencies, cluttered environments, and duplicate files, especially if you’ve installed Python multiple times. This can slow down your system and cause version conflicts. Instead of hunting for leftover files yourself, use MacKeeper’s Update Tracker to cleanly uninstall older Python versions and any associated junk.

 

Here’s how to use MacKeeper to delete apps including leftover files:

1. Download MacKeeper, open the app, and select Update Tracker from the left sidebar.
2. Click Start Scan to check which apps have newer or outdated versions.
3. Find older Python versions or any related apps you want to update, then click Update.
4. MacKeeper will locate associated files, caches, and support data, then delete them.

Methods for updating Python on Mac

You can update Python on a Mac using the official installer, Homebrew, or Terminal commands. Each method is safe and effective, but Homebrew offers greater control, while the official installer is more manageable for beginners. You should choose the method based on your experience level.

1. Updating Python using Homebrew

If you prefer working in Terminal, updating Python using Homebrew is one of the easiest and most reliable methods. Our experts recommend this approach if you're comfortable using command-line tools and want to keep your packages organized. This method also makes it easy to install pip on your Mac automatically during the upgrade.

Here’s how you can update Python using Homebrew:

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities or by typing “Terminal” in the spotlight (Cmd + spacebar to open).
2. Type brew --version to check if Homebrew is already installed.
3. If you don’t have it, install Homebrew by running: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
4. Update Homebrew with the brew update to ensure you’re getting the latest version.
5. Type brew install python to install Python if it's not already installed.
6. If Python is already installed, update it by typing brew upgrade python.
7. Verify your update by running python3 --version.

2. Using official Python installer

Using the official Python installer is ideal if you want a quick, beginner-friendly way to update. Our team recommends this method if you prefer avoiding using Terminal. However, you should remember that the same approach won’t help you fully uninstall Python from Mac if older versions were installed using other methods.

Follow these steps to update Python with the official installer:

1. Go to python.org/downloads.
2. Click Download Python under the latest macOS version.
3. Once the installer is downloaded, double-click it from your Downloads folder.
4. Click Continue and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. After installation, open Terminal and type python3 --version to confirm success.
6. If needed, set the new version as default in your shell profile using: export PATH="/usr/local/bin/python3:$PATH"
7. Apply changes with source ~/.zshrc or source ~/.bashrc, depending on your shell.

3. Use Terminal to update Python

Using Terminal to update Python gives you full control over how the software is installed and configured. Our experts often guide advanced users through this method as it’s highly customizable but requires precision. It’s also how many developers install or compile custom Python builds.

Here’s how to update Python via Terminal:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Make sure Homebrew is installed (see previous section).
3. Run brew update to refresh package data.
4. Use brew upgrade python to install the latest version.
5. Check that the new version was installed with python3 --version.
6. Use which python3 to locate your Python path and verify it matches the update.
7. If you’re manually compiling, download the Python source from python.org and run: ./configure && make && sudo make install

Be cautious! Updating or replacing the system Python can lead to macOS issues. If unsure, avoid editing or removing system-level files. Terminal updates are powerful but should be used responsibly.

4. Managing multiple Python versions with pyenv

When you want flexibility and safe switching between Python versions, pyenv is your best option. Our team often uses this method to manage development environments without touching system files. It’s especially useful if you work on projects requiring different versions of Python.

Here’s how to set up and use pyenv:

1. Open Terminal and install Homebrew if it’s not already installed.
2. Run brew install pyenv to install the version manager.
3. Add pyenv to your shell by adding this to your .zshrc or .bashrc:
   • export PATH="$HOME/.pyenv/bin:$PATH"
   • eval "$(pyenv init --path)"
   • eval "$(pyenv init -)"
4. Apply the changes by typing source ~/.zshrc or source ~/.bashrc.
5. Run pyenv install 3.12.2 (or your desired version).
6. Set it as the default global with pyenv global 3.12.2.
7. Confirm the switch with python --version.

Conclusion

Keeping Python up to date on your Mac is essential for maintaining security, ensuring compatibility with libraries, and improving overall performance. You can install the latest version using Homebrew, the official installer, Terminal, or pyenv—all reliable options that help prevent problems linked to older builds. Pick the method that fits your comfort level and development needs.

To make sure your system stays clean and issue-free during the update process, use MacKeeper’s Update Tracker. It helps you remove old Python versions along with leftover files, keeping your Mac organized and optimized so that you can focus on coding, not the cleanup.