How to Resolve Docker Not Found Issues on macOS: A Comprehensive Guide

You're not alone if you're encountering the frustrating "Docker not found" error on your macOS despite downloading and installing Docker. This issue can often be resolved with a few straightforward steps.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of ensuring your Docker installation is recognized by your system.
Follow these steps to get Docker up and running smoothly on your macOS.

Step-by-Step Solution to Fix Docker Not Found Issues on macOS

1. Verify Docker Installation

First, let's ensure Docker is installed correctly:

1. Open the Applications folder.

2. Verify that Docker Desktop is present.

3. Double-click Docker Desktop to launch it.

4. Wait for the Docker icon to appear in the menu bar and for Docker to start up completely.

2. Add Docker to PATH

If Docker is installed but not recognized, it might not be added to the PATH environment variable. Here's how to add Docker to PATH manually:

For zsh Users:

1. Open your terminal.

2. Add Docker to your PATH by running the following commands:

    echo 'export PATH="/Applications/Docker.app/Contents/Resources/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
    source ~/.zshrc
   

For bash Users:

1. Open your terminal.

2. Add Docker to your PATH by running the following commands:

    echo 'export PATH="/Applications/Docker.app/Contents/Resources/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bash_profile
    source ~/.bash_profile
   

3. Restart the Terminal

After adding Docker to your PATH, restart your terminal or source the shell configuration file:

For zsh:

source ~/.zshrc

For bash:

source ~/.bash_profile

4. Check Docker Version

Open a new terminal window and verify your Docker installation by running:

docker --version
docker-compose --version

You should see the Docker and Docker Compose versions installed on your system.

5. Reinstall Docker Desktop

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try uninstalling and then reinstalling Docker Desktop:

To Uninstall Docker Desktop:

1. Quit Docker Desktop if it is running.

2. Open the Applications folder, find Docker, and drag it to the Trash.

3. Empty the Trash.

To Reinstall Docker Desktop:

1. Download Docker Desktop again from the Docker website.

2. Follow the installation steps as prompted.

Verifying Docker Installation

After following the above steps, open a new terminal and run:

docker --version
docker-compose --version

You should see output indicating the versions of Docker and Docker Compose installed, confirming that Docker is set up correctly on your macOS.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can resolve the "Docker not found" issue on your macOS and ensure Docker is installed and functioning correctly. Whether you are a developer or just starting with Docker, having a seamless installation process is crucial for your workflow. If you encounter further issues, feel free to reach out for more detailed support.

We hope this guide helps you get Docker up and running on your macOS.

Thanks for reading...

Happy coding!

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