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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteInstall the Homebrew MySQL server with brew install mysql, then run brew services start mysql to start it now and have it launch at login. Homebrew supports Apple Silicon Macs; the default setup accepts local connections and does not set a root password, so complete the security setup before relying on the server.
Before you install
Make sure Homebrew is installed and available in your shell. On Apple Silicon, Homebrew commonly uses /opt/homebrew as its prefix, but use the prefix reported by your own installation rather than assuming a path. The current Homebrew MySQL formula lists an Apple Silicon bottle.
If you already have MySQL from another installer, check for a running server before starting Homebrew’s copy. Two installations can compete for the same port, and Oracle’s macOS installation notes identify Homebrew as a separate installation that its native installer does not manage.
Install and start the MySQL server
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In Terminal, install the default Homebrew formula:
brew install mysql -
Start MySQL as a user service. This starts the server now and configures it to start at login:
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brew services start mysql -
Connect to the local server:
mysql -u root -
Run the recommended initial security setup and follow its prompts:
mysql_secure_installation
Homebrew’s formula says the database is installed without a root password. Do not assume one was created during installation; use the security setup to configure the initial account appropriately. The formula also documents localhost-only connections by default, which is suitable for a local development server.
Choose a formula that matches your project
The unversioned mysql formula is the direct default installation. If an application, course, or existing data requires MySQL 8.4, Homebrew also provides mysql@8.4, which supports Apple Silicon. Use its matching service name:
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brew install mysql@8.4
brew services start mysql@8.4
Check the application’s compatibility requirements and the version of any existing database before choosing. Homebrew warns that upgrading from MySQL versions below 8.4 to versions above 9.0 requires an intermediate upgrade through 8.4. Preserve your data and follow the current formula’s migration guidance rather than attempting a direct jump across that boundary.
Troubleshoot startup and command conflicts
MySQL will not start
Check whether /etc/my.cnf or /etc/mysql/my.cnf exists. The Homebrew formula warns that either configuration file can interfere with its server. Review existing settings before changing or removing a file, since it may belong to another MySQL installation.
The port is already in use
Identify and stop any other MySQL server instance before starting the Homebrew service. A native package installation and Homebrew installation are separate, and both may try to use the same port.
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The shell finds unexpected MySQL commands
Check which binaries your shell resolves:
which mysql
which mysqld
If the paths point to an unexpected installation, inspect your PATH and determine whether a native installer or another package manager supplied those commands. Oracle’s macOS notes explain that the native installation process does not manage Homebrew installations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not substitute the client-only package for a server
Homebrew’s separate mysql-client formula provides client tools, not the local server installation this guide describes. It is marked keg-only and conflicts with client libraries included in the full mysql formula. For a local MySQL server, install mysql or the versioned server formula your project requires.
Keep the setup local unless remote access is a separate requirement
Do not change bind addresses or firewall settings just to complete a local installation. Homebrew documents localhost-only connections by default. Making a database reachable from other devices changes its exposure and requires a separate security-aware configuration.
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