How do I install Claude Code on Mac?

Install Claude Code on Mac by running: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code in Terminal. Requires Node.js 18+ and a Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscription (or Anthropic API key). On first run, type 'claude' to authenticate via browser.

Why does Claude Code say 'command not found' on Mac?

This means npm's global bin directory is not in your PATH. Add it by running: echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.npm-global/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc && source ~/.zshrc. Then reinstall: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Does Claude Code work on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4)?

Yes. Claude Code runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs. Install Node.js via Homebrew (brew install node) and then follow the standard npm install process.

Simon Severino — Strategy Sprints

How to Install Claude Code on Mac

Last updated: April 2026 | Covers Claude Code CLI and Desktop App

To install Claude Code on Mac, run one command in Terminal:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Requires Node.js 18 or higher and a Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscription (or Anthropic API key). Then type claude to authenticate and start your first session. Total setup time: under 10 minutes.

Source: Jetpack Execution Sheet by Simon Severino, Strategy Sprints

Prerequisites

Before installing Claude Code, confirm you have:

Node.js 18 or higher. Check by running node --version. If below 18, install the latest LTS from nodejs.org or run brew install node.
npm (comes with Node.js). Check with npm --version.
An Anthropic account with Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscription. Or an Anthropic API key for direct API access.
Mac running macOS 12 Monterey or later. Works on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4).

Installation: Step by Step

Step 1

Open Terminal

Press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", and press Enter. Or find it in Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2

Verify Node.js Version

node --version
# Should return v18.x.x or higher

npm --version
# Should return 8.x.x or higher

If Node.js is below version 18, install the latest LTS:

brew install node
# or download from nodejs.org

Step 3

Install Claude Code Globally

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

The -g flag installs Claude Code globally, so you can run it from any directory on your Mac.

Step 4

Launch and Authenticate

claude

On first launch, Claude Code opens a browser window to authenticate. Log in with your Anthropic account. You will be redirected back to Terminal automatically.

If you prefer to use an API key instead of browser auth, set the environment variable first:

export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"
claude

Step 5

Set Up Your First Project

Navigate to your project folder and create a CLAUDE.md context file:

cd ~/your-project
echo "# My Business Context" > CLAUDE.md
claude

Claude Code reads CLAUDE.md on every session start. Add your business context, communication rules, and agent instructions there before you start building.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Error: command not found: claude

npm installed Claude Code but your PATH does not include npm's global bin directory.

Fix (zsh, default on modern Macs):

echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.npm-global/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Error: EACCES permission denied

npm cannot write to the global directory because of permissions.

Fix (recommended, no sudo required):

mkdir -p ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.npm-global/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Error: Node.js version too old

Claude Code requires Node.js 18 or higher.

Fix:

brew install node
# or use nvm to manage multiple versions:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash
nvm install 20
nvm use 20

Error: Authentication failed or browser does not open

The browser flow occasionally fails in corporate or restricted network environments.

Fix: Use an API key instead

export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-..."
claude

Get your API key from console.anthropic.com under API Keys.

Optional: Install the Claude Code Desktop App

Claude Code is also available as a standalone desktop app for Mac. Download it from claude.ai/code. The desktop app includes the same CLI functionality with a visual interface and integrated IDE features.

Both the CLI and the desktop app read CLAUDE.md from your project directory. You can use both on the same machine.

Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) Notes

Claude Code runs natively on Apple Silicon without Rosetta. If you installed Node.js via Homebrew, it should already be ARM-native. Verify with:

node -e "console.log(process.arch)"
# Should return: arm64

If it returns x64, you have the Intel version of Node.js running through Rosetta. Reinstall via Homebrew to get the native ARM version.

After Installation: Your First 60 Minutes

Once Claude Code is running, the highest-leverage thing you can do is write a thorough CLAUDE.md file before building your first agent. This single file determines whether your agents produce work worth using or work that needs constant correction.

The Jetpack Execution Sheet walks through exactly what to put in your CLAUDE.md and which agent to build first based on your Five Systems Audit score. It is the framework 500+ B2B founders have used to get their first agent running in under 90 minutes.

Get Your First Agent Running Today

Book a call with Simon. We will install Claude Code together, write your CLAUDE.md, and deploy your first agent in one session.

Book a Call with Simon