Install Rosetta from the Terminal on Apple Silicon

Add Intel app translation support with a single softwareupdate command — no dialog clicking.

macOSarm64softwareupdaterosettaLow risk

Run softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license to install Rosetta 2 without any prompts.

01Command

Command

$ softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license

02What it does

Apple Silicon Macs run Intel software through Rosetta 2, which macOS normally offers to install the first time an Intel app launches. Installing it proactively from the command line is essential for scripted Mac setups, CI runners, and remote machines. The --agree-to-license flag makes the command fully non-interactive.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

RequirementsApple Silicon Mac (M1 or later); administrator password may be requested.

!Warning: This only applies to Apple Silicon Macs — on Intel machines the command does nothing meaningful. Rosetta translates but doesn't optimize: performance-critical Intel apps will always be slower than native builds.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

softwareupdate - install system updates
SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents the --install-rosetta flag and --agree-to-license for non-interactive installation.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Developer