Can I install Steam on a Mac? Absolutely! Whether you’re using an Intel-based Mac or an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3), Steam runs smoothly—and no, it won’t ruin your Mac.
Excited to start gaming? To make your installation quick and hassle-free, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide covering:
- How to download and install Steam on Mac
- How to create a Steam account
- How to find Mac-compatible games & download them
- How to save money on Steam games
- How to fix Steam if it won’t open or install on your Mac
Let’s dive in and get you set up!
Table of Contents
Short on time? Click here for a summary!
Quick Steps: How to Download Steam on Mac (2025 Update)
- Open any browser and go to store.steampowered.com
- Click “Install Steam” at the top right of the page.
- On the next page, click the blue “Install Steam” (with Apple logo) button to download.
- Open the downloaded Steam.dmg file.
- Drag Steam into your Applications folder.
- Open Steam from Applications and follow prompts to sign in or create an account.
Note: Steam no longer supports macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or earlier as of February 15, 2025. You must have macOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer to use Steam on your Mac.
What is Steam
Steam is a global digital platform created by Valve where you can buy, download, and play thousands of games across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
For Mac users, Steam provides:
- A massive game library, including hits like Baldur’s Gate 3, Stardew Valley, Civilization VI, and Counter-Strike 2
- Automatic game updates and cloud saves
- Access to multiplayer communities, friend lists, and game chat
- Offline play for single-player games
Steam has supported macOS since 2010 and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Whether you use a MacBook Air, Pro, or iMac, you’ll likely be able to play—just make sure the game supports macOS.
How to Download and Install Steam on Mac
Downloading and installing Steam on your Mac is quick and easy. Just follow these steps (tested and updated for 2025 on a MacBook Air M2 running macOS Sonoma):
How to Download Steam on Mac
1. Go to the official Steam website
Open any web browser on your Mac and go to “store.steampowered.com”.
2. Click “Install Steam”
You’ll find this button at the top-right corner of the homepage.
3. Start the Download
When redirected, click the blue “Install Steam” button to begin the download.
Steam typically auto-detects your operating system and presents the appropriate version. However, if you notice a Windows or Linux logo instead, click the Apple logo beneath the install button before proceeding with the download.
How to Install Steam on macOS
1. Open the downloaded file
Locate the Steam.dmg file in your Downloads folder and double-click it.
2. Drag Steam into Applications
A new window will appear. Drag and drop the Steam icon into the Applications folder to complete the installation.
3. Launch Steam
Open Finder > Applications, then double-click Steam to start the app.
If prompted with a security warning, click “Open” to confirm.
❗Running into trouble? Jump to troubleshooting tips below.
How to Create a Steam Account
1. Open Steam
Steam will check for updates before launching. (So, be patient… or hey, why not browse our awesome website 😎 while you wait?)
When the progress bar dances back and forth, it says “I will be OKay!”
2. Sign in or create an account
Already have a Steam account? Log in and get started!
Otherwise, click “Create a New Account” and follow its registration introduction.
3. Set up your Steam library
Once logged in, you’re ready to browse, purchase, and play games now!
How to Find & Buy Mac-Compatible Games on Steam
Not all Steam games work on Mac, so don’t waste money on something that won’t run! Here’s how to filter for Mac-compatible games, check system requirements, and avoid disappointment.
Step 1: Filter Steam to Show Only Mac Games
Steam’s game library is huge, but luckily, you don’t have to scroll endlessly hoping a game supports macOS. Here’s how to filter:
- Open Steam and go to the Store.
- Use the filters to the right of the search results.
- Under Narrow by OS, select macOS to view only Mac-compatible games
Bookmark the Mac Games Store Page so you can skip the filtering every time!
Step 2: Check System Requirements Before Buying
Found a game that says it’s Mac-compatible? Hold on! That doesn’t mean it will run smoothly on your Mac. Here’s how to check:
1. Click on the Game’s Store Page
2. Scroll Down to “System Requirements”
3. Look at the macOS Section (if there isn’t one, the game probably doesn’t support Mac).
4. Check These Key Specs:
- OS Compatibility – Some games require newer macOS versions.
- Processor & RAM – Make sure your Mac meets the minimum specs.
- Graphics Requirements – Some games don’t support Intel-integrated graphics. If you have an older Mac, this can be a dealbreaker!
If you have an M1, M2, or M3 Mac, check if the game runs on Apple Silicon natively or if it needs Rosetta 2 for translation. Some games may not run well through emulation!
Step 3: Understanding the Mac Icon for Compatibility
Steam makes it super easy to spot Mac-compatible games with a little Apple logo—but here’s what you need to know:
🔹 Mac Icon = Full macOS Support
- You’re good to go! The game has an official macOS version.
🔹 No Mac Icon? 🚨
- Don’t buy it unless you’re okay with workarounds (like using a cloud gaming service or Proton).
🔹 Check for 64-bit Support
- Since macOS Catalina (10.15), 32-bit games no longer work on Mac. If the game hasn’t been updated, it might not run at all.
Double-check user reviews and forums if you’re unsure. Some games technically “support” Mac but run terribly due to poor optimization.
How to Download a Steam Game on Mac
OK, now that you’ve got Steam set up and found a game—it’s time to play! Here’s how to download, install, and start gaming in no time.
Step 1: Purchase the Game
- Click on the game you want to view its store page.
- Click “Add to Cart”, then proceed to purchase.
Step 2: Download the Game
- Go to the Library tab.
- Find the game you just purchased and click Install.
- Choose an installation location and select any additional options (like creating a desktop shortcut).
To check your download progress, click “Downloads” at the bottom of the Steam window.
Save Big: Use a Mac VPN to Buy Cheap Steam Games
Want to pay less for Steam games? Here’s a little-known trick: game prices vary by country, and with a Mac VPN, you can take advantage of regional pricing to get the best deals.
- Get a Reliable VPN for Mac
Choose a VPN like X-VPN that offers fast speeds and multiple server locations.
- Connect to a Country with Lower Game Prices
Popular choices include Argentina, Turkey, or Brazil, where Steam games tend to be cheaper.
- Visit the Steam Store
Once connected, go to store.steampowered.com, and you should see prices based on your VPN location.
- Create a New Steam Account (Recommended)
Steam doesn’t allow frequent region changes, so using a separate account for regional purchases is safer.
- Purchase the Game & Pay with a Local Payment Method
Some regions require a local payment method, but Steam Wallet gift cards can be a workaround.
Some users buy Steam Wallet gift cards in the target currency to bypass regional payment restrictions.
Want to see detailed steps? Check out this guide on how to buy cheap Steam games!
Steam Not Working on Mac? Common Problems & Solutions
Something not working? Don’t panic—we’ve all been there. Here’s how to fix the most common Steam issues on Mac so you can get back to gaming in no time.
Problem 1: Download or Installation Issues?
Stuck on downloading? Can’t install? Steam acting like it doesn’t want to live on your Mac? Let’s fix it.
Method 1: Reinstall Steam (Without Losing Your Games!)
Have the problem? Click here to check more details!
If Steam won’t install properly, a clean reinstall might do the trick:
- Quit Steam completely.
- Open Finder > Applications, find Steam, and drag it to Trash.
- Don’t delete your games! Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/Steam and delete everything EXCEPT the steam apps folder.
- Empty the Trash, then download a fresh copy of Steam from the official Steam website.
- Install Steam again and try launching it.
💡 This resets Steam’s system files without making you redownload your games!
Method 2: Check Disk Permissions (If installation keeps failing!)
Have the problem? Click here to check more details!
Sometimes macOS blocks new apps from installing due to disk permission settings. To fix this:
- Open Disk Utility (search for it in Spotlight or find it under Applications > Utilities).
- Select your Macintosh HD from the left panel.
- Click First Aid, then Run to repair disk permissions.
- Once done, restart your Mac and try installing Steam again.
💡 Why? Corrupt disk permissions can prevent Steam (or any app) from being installed properly.
Method 3: Verify macOS Compatibility (Older macOS versions may no longer support Steam!)
Have the problem? Click here to check more details!
Steam has dropped support for macOS Mojave (10.14) and earlier. If you’re running an outdated version:
🔹 Click the Apple logo > About This Mac to check your macOS version.
🔹 If you’re on Mojave, High Sierra, or older, update to macOS Monterey or later for the best compatibility.
Problem 2: MacOS Security Blocking Steam?
MacOS likes to act like an overprotective parent sometimes. If it won’t let you open Steam, here’s how to override it:
Have the problem? Click here to check more details!
🔹 If you see “Steam can’t be opened because it’s from an unidentified developer”
- Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General
- Click “Open Anyway” next to Steam.
🔹 If macOS blocks Steam downloads, try:
- Allowing downloads from identified developers (System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Allow Apps Downloaded From)
- Disabling Gatekeeper temporarily (for advanced users).
Problem 3: Steam Won’t Open on Mac?
Ugh, you double-click Steam, but nothing happens. Or maybe it tries to open and just… disappears. Here’s what to do:
Method 1: Force Quit & Restart
Have the problem? Click here to check more details!
- Press Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) + Esc to open Force Quit Applications.
- Select Steam and click Force Quit.
- Now, restart your Mac and try opening Steam again.
Method 2: Clear Steam Cache Files (If Steam won’t launch at all, this might do the trick!)
Have the problem? Click here to check more details!
- Open Finder, click Go in the menu bar, then select Go to Folder…
- Type ~/Library/Application Support/ and press Enter.
- Find the Steam folder and delete it.
- Also, delete Steam files from these locations:
🔹 ~/Library/Caches/
🔹 ~/Library/Preferences/
🔹 ~/Library/Logs/
Method 3: Allow Steam in Accessibility Settings (If Steam isn’t launching or responding!)
Have the problem? Click here to check more details!
- Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
- Select Accessibility from the left panel.
- Click the “+” button and add Steam to the list of allowed apps.
- Restart your Mac and try opening Steam again.
Still stuck? Check out this guide with 12 proven solutions to fix your Steam issues on Mac.
Conclusion
In short, Steam works great on Mac, and downloading it is a breeze! This guide walked you through installing Steam, finding Mac-compatible games, troubleshooting issues, and even saving money on purchases. Now, you’re all set to dive into your favorite games hassle-free!
Before you jump in, don’t forget to connect a VPN—it helps you save money on Steam games, speeds up your connection by avoiding ISP throttling, and enhances your online security. Click the button below to try X-VPN now and level up your gaming!
FAQs
Can Mac users get Steam?
Yes, Mac users can download and use Steam if their Mac is running macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. Just visit store.steampowered.com, download the Mac version, and install it.
How to Download Steam on Mac?
1. Visit store.steampowered.com
2. Click “Install Steam” and download the macOS version.
3. Open the Steam.dmg file, drag Steam into Applications, and launch it.
4. Sign in or create a new account, and you’re ready to go!
Is Steam compatible with my Mac?
Steam is compatible with Macs running macOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer, including Intel and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) models.
To check if your Mac can run Steam, click the Apple logo > About This Mac and confirm you have macOS 11 or later. Not all Steam games work on Mac—always review each game’s system requirements before buying.
Is Steam no longer supporting Mac?
Steam still supports Mac, but only on macOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer as of February 15, 2025. If your Mac uses macOS 10.15 Catalina or earlier, the Steam client will no longer work after this date. You must update to a newer macOS version to keep using Steam.
If you want to play older 32-bit Mac games, you must use macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier, or play them on Windows or Linux.
What Can I Do If Steam Won’t Open on Mac?
If Steam refuses to open, try these quick fixes:
1. Force Quit & Restart – Press Option + Command + Esc, select Steam, and click Force Quit. Then restart your Mac.
2. Clear Steam Cache Files – Go to ~/Library/Application Support/Steam, delete the Steam folder, and restart the app.
3. Bypass macOS Security – If macOS blocks Steam, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Open Anyway.
4. Reinstall Steam – Uninstall and download a fresh copy from Steam’s official site.
What Are the Best Steam Games for Mac?
Here are some top picks:
AAA Titles: Civilization VI, Baldur’s Gate 3, Total War: Warhammer III
Indie Favorites: Hades, Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight
Mac-Friendly FPS: Counter-Strike 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Portal 2
How to Uninstall Steam on Mac?
Want to remove Steam completely? Here’s how:
1. Quit Steam and drag it to Trash from the Applications folder.
2. Open Finder, click Go > Go to Folder, type ~/Library/Application Support/Steam, and delete the Steam folder.
3. Empty the Trash to remove all Steam files from your Mac.
💡 Warning: This deletes all games and saved data, so back up anything important before uninstalling!
