Installing pgAdmin and Postgres on a Mac

Before You Begin

  • Remember to choose the installation package specific to your operating system and download the latest version.

  • Be prepared to record a password—it will be needed later!

Instructions

  • After downloading PostgreSQL 12.7, double click on the postgresql-12.7-1-osx.dmg file. Note: The exact file version may be slightly different.

postgresql-12.7-1-osx

  • Go through the Setup Wizard and install PostgreSQL. Keep the default location /Library/PostgreSQL/12.

  • Select the components to be installed. Be sure to un-check Stack Builder.

postgres_components.png

  • Add your data directory. Keep the default location /Library/PostgreSQL/12/data.

  • Enter postgres as the password. Be sure to record this password for future use.

  • Keep the default port as 5432. In the Advanced Options, set the locale as [Default locale].

  • The final screen will be the Pre Installation Summary.

  • When you are done, you should have a folder in your Applications with these files.

PostgreSQL_folder.png

  • Important: if you are running the Big Sur update for Mac you will need to download the latest version of pgAdmin.

  • Go to the pgAdmin download and select the latest version.

  • Click the on the latest version .dmg file to start the download.

    pgAdmin4 latest version dmg files

  • Once the download is complete, click on the .dmg file in your downloads to install.

  • After it has finished installing, drag the pgAdmin file into your applications folder. (This will take a few minutes.)

  • Once the transfer completes, you will be able to use pgAdmin. Note: You will still have a version in your PostgreSQL folder, but only use the version that you copied into Applications.

  • To confirm the installation, start pgAdmin (it will open in a new browser window). Connect to the default server by clicking on it and entering the password if prompted.