---
title: Mac
description: Download Jan on Mac to run AI models locally. Jan is a free, open-source ChatGPT alternative to run offline.
  [
    Jan,
    Customizable Intelligence, LLM,
    local AI,
    Jan on Mac,
    privacy focus,
    free and open source,
    private and offline,
    conversational AI,
    no-subscription fee,
    large language models,
    quickstart,
    getting started,
    using AI model,
    installation,
    "desktop"
  ]
twitter:
  card: summary_large_image
  site: "@jandotai"
  title: "Jan on Mac"
  description: "Download Jan on Mac to run AI models locally. Jan is a free, open-source ChatGPT alternative to run offline."
---

import { Callout, Steps } from 'nextra/components'
import { DownloadButton } from '@/components/DownloadButton'



# Mac Installation
Jan runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs. Intel-based Macs are not supported.

## Install Jan

<Steps>

### Download

<DownloadButton href="https://app.jan.ai/download/latest/mac-universal">Download Jan for Mac</DownloadButton>

### Install

1. Open the Jan installer (`.dmg` file)
2. Drag Jan to **Applications**
3. Launch Jan

</Steps>

## Compatibility

### Minimum Requirements
- **Operating System:** macOS 13.6 or higher
- **Memory:**
  - Model fit depends heavily on **quantization**, context length, and how much memory macOS is already using.
  - 8GB → typically up to **3B** models comfortably; some **7B** models may fit only at aggressive low-bit quantizations
  - 16GB → typically up to **7B** models comfortably; some **13B** models may fit at lower quantizations
  - 32GB → typically up to **13B** models comfortably, with more headroom for higher quantizations, larger context windows, or multitasking
- **Storage:** 10GB+ free space

### Mac Performance Guide

<Callout type="info">
**Apple Silicon Macs** use Metal for GPU acceleration. **Intel-based Macs are not supported.**
</Callout>

**Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)** — Supported, with Metal acceleration enabled by default. **M4 and newer** chips deliver the best performance.

**Intel-based Macs are not supported.**

_Check your Mac's processor: Apple menu → About This Mac_

## Jan Data Folder

Jan stores all your data locally — downloaded models, conversation threads, settings, and logs generated from using the app. Nothing is sent to the cloud.

Default location:

```sh
~/Library/Application\ Support/Jan/data
```
See [Jan Data Folder](/docs/desktop/data-folder) for details.


## Uninstall Jan

<Steps>

### Step 1: Remove Application
1. Close Jan if it's running
2. Open **Finder**
3. Go to **Applications**
4. Find Jan
5. Pick your removal method:
  - Drag to **Trash**
  - Right-click → **Move to Trash**
  - **Command-Delete**

### Step 2: Clean Up Data (Optional)

Run this in **Terminal** to remove all data:
```bash
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Jan/data
```
</Steps>

<Callout type="warning">
This permanently deletes all data. Create backups if needed.
</Callout>

{/* ## FAQs

<FAQBox title="What are Nightly Releases, and how can I access them?">
Nightly Releases allow you to test new features and previews of upcoming stable releases. You can download
them from Jan's GitHub repository. However, remember that these builds might contain bugs and crash frequently.
</FAQBox>
<FAQBox title="Can I move the Jan data folder to a different location?">
Yes, you can move the Jan data folder.
</FAQBox>
<FAQBox title="How do I enable GPU acceleration for better performance">
Depending on your Mac type (Apple Silicon or Intel), you won't be able to utilize the GPU acceleration feature
if you have a Mac with an Intel processor.
</FAQBox>
<FAQBox title="Can I recover the deleted Jan data folder after uninstallation?">
No, it cannot be restored once you delete the Jan data folder during uninstallation.
</FAQBox>

<Callout type="info">
💡 Warning: If you have any trouble during installation, please see our [Troubleshooting](/docs/desktop/troubleshooting)
guide to resolve your problem.

</Callout>
*/}
