How to Install Raspberry Pi OS on SD Card Mac

January 06, 2021

Video Tutorial

Overview

In this full guide, I will show you how to install Raspberry Pi OS on a SD card using a mac or macbook. Installing Raspberry Pi OS on a micro sd card is the first step when setting up a new Raspberry Pi.

Steps

1 - Download and Install Raspberry Pi OS Imager for Mac

The first thing you need to do is download the Raspberry Pi OS imager for mac. This is a great utility for easily imaging a micro SD card with different operating systems for Raspberry Pi. The utility can be used to image a micro SD card with operating systems such as:

  • Raspberry Pi OS
  • RetroPie
  • Ubuntu

The Raspberry Pi imager can be found on the Raspberry Pi website.

Once the .dmg file has been downloaded, open it up and you will be prompted to install the Application.

Raspberry Pi Imager Installer

2 - Plug in Micro SD Card to Mac

This step is pretty simple, just plug in the micro SD card you plan to use for your Raspberry Pi. Note that using the Raspberry Pi imager will erase anything stored on the micro SD card. If you have important files on the SD card be sure to back it up before using the Raspberry Pi imager.

3 - Open Raspberry Pi Imager

Next you are going to want to navigate to Applications on your mac. Find the Raspberry Pi Imager application and open it.

Raspberry Pi Imager

4 - Select the SD Card Plugged into the Mac

Next go ahead and click CHOOSE SD CARD and select your micro SD card plugged in.

5 - Select the Raspberry Pi OS of Choice

Lastly go ahead and select the Raspberry Pi OS of your choice to be put on the micro SD card. Personally, I recommend the 32bit Raspberry Pi OS if you are just getting started.

Raspberry Pi Image OS Selector