Is your Mac feeling a bit sluggish or stuck on an outdated version of macOS? Don’t worry—upgrading to macOS Mojave might just be the solution to breathe new life into your older device.

While Apple continuously rolls out newer macOS versions, older Macs often get left behind, and this can lead to performance slowdowns, security issues, or the lack of access to exciting new features.

But here’s the good news: even if your Mac isn’t officially supported by Apple for Mojave, you can still install it and enjoy all its sleek features, improved performance, and stability.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing macOS Mojave on your older Mac, whether it’s an officially supported model or not. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to unlock the potential of your Mac and upgrade your experience.

From dark mode to enhanced security and better app updates, Mojave brings a host of exciting changes that you won’t want to miss. Ready to give your Mac the upgrade it deserves?

Install mojave on older mac

Let’s dive in and get started with this easy, step-by-step guide to installing macOS Mojave!

Why Choose macOS Mojave?

Before we dive into the installation process, you may be wondering: why should you install macOS Mojave? Here are some reasons it’s still a fantastic choice for older Macs:

  • Stability and Performance: Mojave brings speed improvements and a more stable user experience than its predecessors, making it perfect for older Macs that might struggle with newer versions of macOS.
  • Dark Mode: One of Mojave’s standout features is its sleek dark mode, which gives your Mac a whole new look. It’s not just visually appealing—it can also help reduce eye strain in low-light environments.
  • Improved App Updates: Even on older machines, Mojave still supports a variety of apps like Safari, Messages, and Finder, all of which get new features and enhanced security with the update.
  • App Store Optimization: With the macOS App Store becoming more user-friendly, Mojave makes it easier to discover and install apps that can boost your productivity or add fun to your Mac experience.

Now that you know why Mojave is worth considering, let’s talk about how to get it installed on your older Mac.

What You Need Before Installing Mojave

Before you go ahead and start the installation process, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare. Here’s what you need:

1. Compatible Mac Model

First and foremost, you’ll need to check if your Mac is compatible with Mojave. While macOS Mojave supports many older Mac models, not all older systems will work. The officially supported models include:

  • MacBook (2015 and later)
  • MacBook Air (2012 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (2012 and later)
  • iMac (2012 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 and later)
  • Mac Mini (2012 and later)
  • Mac Pro (2013 and later)

If your Mac falls within this range, you’re in luck! If not, don’t worry—there are still ways to install Mojave on unsupported Macs, which we’ll cover next.

2. Backup Your Data

No matter how seasoned you are with installing operating systems, accidents happen. Always back up your data before proceeding. Use Time Machine or any other reliable backup method to ensure you won’t lose any important files or settings during the upgrade process.

3. Sufficient Storage Space

You’ll need at least 12-15GB of free storage space to install macOS Mojave. If your hard drive or SSD is nearly full, consider clearing up some space before beginning the installation.

4. A Reliable Internet Connection

Downloading Mojave requires a stable internet connection. Since the macOS Mojave installer is over 5GB in size, be sure you have sufficient bandwidth to avoid interruptions during the download.

5. A USB Drive (Optional for Unsupported Macs)

For those installing Mojave on unsupported Mac models, you’ll need a bootable USB drive. We’ll walk you through creating this in a later section.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install macOS Mojave

Step 1: Download macOS Mojave from the Mac App Store

The first step in the installation process is to download the macOS Mojave installer from the Mac App Store.

  1. Open the Mac App Store on your Mac.
  2. Search for macOS Mojave in the search bar.
  3. Click the Download button to begin the download. This can take some time depending on your internet speed, so be patient!

Step 2: Prepare Your Mac for Installation

Once the download is complete, your Mac will automatically launch the Mojave installer. Before clicking through, there are a couple of things to check:

  1. Quit all applications: Make sure everything is closed before proceeding with the installation. This helps avoid any interruptions and potential issues.
  2. Disconnect external devices: Disconnect any external hard drives, printers, or USB devices that aren’t essential. This will make the installation process smoother.

Step 3: Begin the Installation Process

  1. Once the installer opens, follow the on-screen instructions. The system will guide you through a few prompts, such as agreeing to the software license agreement.
  2. Choose the drive where you want to install Mojave (usually your main system drive) and click Install.

Your Mac will restart several times during the process, so don’t worry if you see it rebooting. Be sure to allow it to finish the installation without interruption.

Step 4: Customize Your macOS Mojave Setup

Once the installation is complete, your Mac will boot into Mojave, and you’ll be greeted with the setup screen. This is where you can choose your preferences:

  • Sign in with your Apple ID to sync your apps and iCloud services.
  • Set up Touch ID (if your Mac supports it) for added security.
  • Choose whether you want to enable Dark Mode or stay with the default Light Mode.

Installing macOS Mojave on Unsupported Macs

If your Mac is not officially supported by Mojave, don’t give up just yet! There are ways to bypass Apple’s compatibility checks and install the OS manually.

Method 1: Using Patcher Tools (like dosdude1’s Mojave Patcher)

There are several tools available that can modify the Mojave installer to work with unsupported Macs. dosdude1’s Mojave Patcher is one of the most popular options. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download the Mojave Patcher Tool from the official website.
  2. Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive with Mojave.
  3. Patch the Installer: Follow the tool’s instructions to patch the Mojave installer.
  4. Boot from the USB Drive: Restart your Mac and hold down the Option key to boot from the USB drive.
  5. Install macOS Mojave: Select the USB drive as the installation source and follow the prompts to install Mojave.

Be aware that installing macOS Mojave on unsupported Macs may lead to some features not working properly. For example, hardware acceleration or some graphics features might not be available.

Method 2: Using the Terminal to Install Mojave

For those who prefer to get hands-on with Terminal, you can attempt to force the Mojave installer onto unsupported Macs by using Terminal commands. However, this method requires a bit more technical knowledge and comes with risks, so it’s best suited for experienced users.

What to Do After Installation

Once you’ve successfully installed Mojave, it’s time to enjoy the new features and optimize your Mac for performance:

  1. Update Your Apps: Head to the Mac App Store to update all your apps to the latest versions that support Mojave.
  2. Check for System Updates: Ensure you have the latest security patches and performance updates by going to System Preferences > Software Update.
  3. Review System Preferences: Take a moment to tweak your settings, especially around the new Dark Mode, desktop wallpaper, and Finder enhancements.

Common Issues After Installing Mojave and How to Fix Them

While macOS Mojave generally runs smoothly, here are a few issues you might encounter after installing it on an older Mac:

  • Slow Performance: If Mojave feels sluggish, try clearing out your startup items or consider upgrading your RAM if possible.
  • Wi-Fi Problems: Some users report Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Resetting the SMC and NVRAM might resolve this.
  • App Incompatibility: Some older apps may not be compatible with Mojave. Consider updating your apps or using alternative software.

Conclusion

Upgrading to macOS Mojave is a fantastic way to revitalize your older Mac without breaking the bank on a new device. Whether your Mac is officially supported or not, this upgrade can bring improved performance, a more modern interface, and a wealth of useful features, from the sleek Dark Mode to better app management and enhanced security.

The installation process might seem daunting at first, especially if your Mac is no longer in Apple’s supported list, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s completely doable.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ve taken a proactive approach to extending the life of your Mac and getting the most out of its potential. After installation, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother, faster, and more visually appealing experience, all while keeping your system secure with the latest updates.

Remember, patience is key when upgrading, especially on older devices. If you run into any bumps along the way, there are plenty of resources available online to help you troubleshoot. Now, take full advantage of macOS Mojave’s capabilities and give your Mac the upgrade it truly deserves!