How To Install Xcode on Mac

Are you a developer and want to install Xcode on your Mac to create apps for the Apple ecosystem? Thankfully, the process is not as complex as it might seem.

To help make things easier, we have written an extensive guide on installing Xcode on your Mac with step-by-step instructions. We will also discuss troubleshooting methods if you face issues while installing Xcode on your Mac.

What Is Xcode?

Xcode is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Apple that helps developers code iOS or macOS applications. Though other third-party software is available for the same purpose, Xcode is the only program supported by Apple and doesn’t run into many problems.

Moreover, Xcode has troubleshooting tools to help developers quickly resolve app coding issues. With the multiple management tools in this software, you can keep your data organized and easily accessible.

Installing Xcode on Mac

If you don’t know how to download Xcode on your Mac, our following 3 step-by-step methods will help you accomplish this task with minimal effort.

Method #1: Installing From App Store

1. Launch App Store.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Search “Xcode.”
4. Click “Get.”
   
5. Launch the installer.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation, and that’s about it!

Method #2: Downloading From the Developer’s Website

1. Launch Safari.
2. Open Xcode on the Apple Developer’s website.
3. Click “Download.”
4. Click “Website.”
   
5. Sign in to your Apple ID with your credentials.
6. Open the downloaded file to unzip it.
7. Click the unzipped file and drag the Xcode icon to the “Applications” folder icon and start using the tool.

Method #3: Using the Terminal

1. Press the Spotlight search icon.
2. Search for and launch Terminal.
3. Type the command xcode-select – install into the Terminal.
4. Click “Enter.”
5. Click “Install,” and you’re done!

Are You Unable To Install Xcode on Mac?

Xcode is an extensive program that requires a lot of space. So if you can’t install it on your Mac, try the following methods to free up storage.

Method #1: Clearing Up Space by Deleting Apps

1. Launch Finder.
2. Click “Applications.”
3. Locate any unnecessary and unused applications.
4. Right-click the application.
5. Select “Move to Bin.”
6. Right-click the trash icon present on the Dock.
7. Select “Empty Trash,” and you’re done.
8. Repeat this process with all the applications you no longer need.

Method #2: Updating the Software

1. Open the Apple menu.
2. Click “System Settings.”
3. Click “General.”
4. Click “Software Update.”
5. Click “Update/Upgrade Now.”
   
6. Enter your Mac password if asked.

Method #3: Clearing Up Space by Deleting App Caches

1. Launch Finder.
2. Click “Go.”
3. Click “Go to Folder.”
4. Enter “~/Library/Caches.”
   
5. Click “Go.”
6. Right-click an app and choose “Move to Bin” or drag the cache folder to the Trash on the Dock. 
7. Repeat this process to delete all other app caches.
8. Right-click the trash icon and click “Empty Trash” once done.

Method #4: Clearing Up Space by Deleting Big Files

1. Open the Apple menu.
2. Click “About This Mac.”
3. Click “Storage.”
4. Click “Manage.”
5. Click “Documents.”
   
6. Right-click the unwanted files occupying ample space and select “Move to Bin.”
7. Right-click the trash icon on the Dock and choose “Empty Trash.”

Is XCode Not Opening on Your Mac?

If you are struggling with opening Xcode after you’ve installed it on your Mac, try force quitting it in the following way and relaunch afterward.

1. Launch Xcode.
2. Open the Apple menu.
3. Click “Force Quit Xcode.”
4. Choose “Xcode” in the pop-up window.
5. Click “Force Quit.”
6. Relaunch Xcode.

Alternatively, you can press the Option+Command+Escape keys to open the “Force Quit” window.

Summary

In this guide, we have discussed how to install Xcode on your Mac. We have also discussed multiple methods to troubleshoot Xcode not downloading on your device.

Hopefully, your query has been resolved, and you can quickly start coding and creating new apps on your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions