# macOS: Rosetta is not installed — softwareupdate --install-rosetta failed / Install Rosetta to open Intel apps

**Code:** `Rosetta 2 not installed` · **Category:** macOS · **Seen on:** macOS

An Intel app (or Docker/Android emulator) needs Rosetta 2 but it's not installed on this Apple Silicon Mac.

## Meaning

Install with `softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license`. If it fails, check network, free space, and that Software Update isn't blocked by MDM. Some apps prompt automatically on first launch; scripted installs need the command.

## Common causes

- Rosetta never installed
- Install blocked by MDM/network
- Software Update catalog unreachable
- Not enough space
- Corrupted installation after update

## Quick fix

1. `softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license`
2. Check connectivity/proxy
3. Reboot and retry; verify with `arch -x86_64 /usr/bin/true`

## Detailed fix by platform

### macOS

1. `/usr/bin/pgrep oahd` returns a PID when Rosetta is running; `arch -x86_64 uname -m` prints x86_64

## How to diagnose

1. **Mac** — Apple Silicon?
2. **Rosetta** — oahd running?
3. **Network** — Update reachable?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/macos/rosetta-not-installed-softwareupdate)