Install a .pkg Package Silently with installer

Deploy macOS installer packages from the command line with no GUI, using the built-in installer tool.

macOSdeploymentinstallerpkgMedium risk

Run `sudo installer -pkg <path-to-package>.pkg -target /` to install a package from the Terminal.

01Command

Command

$ sudo installer -pkg ~/Downloads/Tool.pkg -target /

02What it does

The installer command drives the same package engine as the GUI Installer app, so it honors package scripts, receipts, and signing checks. `-target /` installs to the boot volume, which is what nearly every package expects. Add `-verbose` to watch progress, and `pkgutil --pkg-info <id>` afterwards to confirm the receipt was recorded.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk

!Warning: Package scripts run as root; never install a .pkg whose origin you cannot verify.

04Undo

Undo

$ pkgutil --forget com.vendor.tool

05Sources

INSTALLER Command: Install software packages in macOS
SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents installer -pkg <path> -target / for command-line package installation and -dominfo/-verbose output flags.
PackageMaker User Guide (Legacy)
Apple Developer · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Apple's legacy documentation on macOS installer packages, the format the installer command consumes.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings

06Related solutions

Verify a .pkg Installer's Signature with pkgutil

macOSpkgutilcodesigninstaller

Inspect the certificate chain of a macOS package file before you install anything from it.

Low risk ✓ 2026-09-17