How do I install XMRig on macOS?

You can install XMRig on macOS by downloading a compatible release or building it from the official source code. XMRig is a standalone mining program, not a browser extension, and it can mine Monero using your Mac’s processor.

Check your Mac and download safely

Open Apple menu → About This Mac. A listing such as “Apple M1” or “Apple M4” means you have Apple silicon. A listing that says “Intel” means you need an Intel-compatible build.

Get XMRig only from its official website or the xmrig/xmrig repository on GitHub. A repository is where a project keeps its code and releases.

If an official macOS download matches your processor and macOS version, you can extract it and run the included xmrig file from Terminal. Otherwise, build it yourself using the steps below.

Avoid downloads promoted as “cracked,” “boosted,” or guaranteed to earn a fixed amount. XMRig is free, although its standard build includes a default developer donation.

Build XMRig on macOS

Building means turning the program’s source code into an app your Mac can run. You do not need to write any code.

First, open Terminal, which is in Applications → Utilities, and install Apple’s command-line tools:

xcode-select --install

Follow the installation prompt. If macOS says the tools are already installed, continue.

Next, install Homebrew, a tool for installing developer software, using the instructions on its official website. Complete its “Next steps” instructions so the brew command works.

Install the tools and libraries XMRig needs:

brew install cmake libuv hwloc openssl

From the official XMRig GitHub repository, download the source-code archive for the latest stable release. Extract it, rename the extracted folder xmrig-source, and put it in your Downloads folder.

Then run:

cd ~/Downloads/xmrig-source
cmake -S . -B build \
  -DOPENSSL_ROOT_DIR="$(brew --prefix openssl)"
cmake --build build --parallel 2
./build/xmrig --version

The final command should display XMRig’s version. On Apple silicon, use a native Terminal session and native Homebrew installation rather than mixing Intel and Apple silicon tools.

Connect to a Monero mining pool

A mining pool combines your work with other miners and shares rewards. Choose one that supports XMRig, then copy its server address, port, and setup instructions.

From the same source folder, a typical start command is:

./build/xmrig \
  -o POOL_HOST:PORT \
  -u YOUR_MONERO_WALLET_ADDRESS \
  -p mac \
  --threads=2

Replace the capitalized placeholders with your pool details and public Monero receiving address. Never enter your wallet’s recovery phrase or private keys.

If the pool specifies an encrypted connection, add --tls and use its matching port. Watch for accepted shares, which indicate the pool is accepting your work. Press Control-C to stop mining.

Keep your Mac usable and secure

Monero’s RandomX mining method favors processors, but mining still produces heat and uses electricity.

Start with two mining threads, as above.
Keep your Mac on a hard, ventilated surface.
Avoid sustained mining on battery power.
Expect fanless MacBooks to slow down as they heat up.

Do not disable macOS security globally or run XMRig as administrator just to silence warnings. Check earnings with a live calculator, including electricity costs and pool payout limits.

The bottom line

Use an official download or build XMRig locally, then connect it to a pool with your public wallet address. Start gently and monitor heat; successful installation does not guarantee profitable mining.

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