Can’t Download and Install macOS 15 Sequoia Beta on Mac? Fix

Learn what to do to fix the problem if you can’t install macOS Sequoia beta on your Mac

Chris Smith
By Chris Smith - Senior Editor
3 Min Read

This article explains how you can fix macOS Sequoia beta update problem. More specifically, the focus of this article is on what you can do to fix the problem when you can’t install macOS Sequoia beta on your Mac.

Apple at WWDC 2024 announced macOS 15 Sequoia, the next version of its Mac operating system featuring several new AI capabilities, in addition to a new Password app, a major Safari update, and a new Continuity feature called ‌iPhone‌ Mirroring. A number of Mac owners have rushed to get the macOS 15 beta for testing. Unfortunately, the software update has either failed or got stuck for many. If you have also run into the same probate and are unable to download and install macOS 15 Sequoia beta, this guide is for you.

How to install the developer beta of macOS Sequoia

First, let’s go through the steps to download and install macOS Sequoia beta on Mac.

It is important that you back up your Mac before you do anything.

After backing up your Mac, here’s how you can install the beta:

  1. Open the System Settings
  2. Go to General ⇾ Software Update
  3. Click the ‘i’ icon next to Beta Updates
  4. From the dropdown menu in the top-right, select the macOS Developer Beta
  5. Hit ‘Done’
  6. The update will then prompt you to install it.

How to Fix macOS 15 Sequoia Beta Stuck on Downloading Issue

Please try the tips below if you are unable to install macOS Sequoia beta on your Mac:

  • Installing macOS Sequoia beta may take many hours. Just waiting may fix your problem. Do not put your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Also ensure than your Macbook, if it is a Macbook, it is plugged it into AC power.
  • Not all models can support macOS Sequoia. Is your Mac compatible? You can install macOS Sequoia on the following Mac models:
    • iMac 2019 and later
    • iMac Pro 2017 and later
    • Mac Studio 2022
    • MacBook Air 2020 and later
    • Mac mini 2018 and later
    • MacBook Pro 2018 and later
    • Mac Pro 2019 and later
  • Make sure there is enough space to download and install macOS Sequoia beta update. If not, you may see error messages. To see if your computer has enough room to store the update, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Storage on the right. If you need more space, you may want to delete old and unused apps, empty Trash, compress large files, etc. This will also speed up your Mac.
  • Make sure that your Mac has a working and stable internet connection to install macOS Sequoia beta.
  • Restart your Mac (Apple  menu > Shut Down) and then press the Power button to turn it back on. After restarting, check if you can download macOS Sequoia beta now. If not, go to the next step.
  • If the update does not complete, your computer may seem stuck or frozen, for an extended time, try to restart your computer by pressing and holding the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds.
  • If you have any external hard drives or peripherals connected to your Mac, try removing them. And try to update now.
  • It is possible that your Mac may unable to reach the update server. There could be two reasons for this:
    • You may have a slow internet connection. You may want to restart your router and modem to fix this problem. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, try a wired connection, if possible.
    • Or there could be issues with Apple servers. It is possible that Apple servers are overloaded as a lot of people may be trying to update. You can check if Apple servers are experiencing issues.

If you are still having issues downloading macOS Sequoia beta, then you may try the following:

Install in safe mode

Install macOS Sequoia beta while your Mac is started up in safe mode. Here’s how:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
  3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
  4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.
  5. Now your computer is in safe mode. Try to update now.
  6. Then exit safe mode when you are done (in either case). To exit safe mode, restart your Mac normally, without pressing the Shift key.

Delete macOS 15 Beta and Start Afresh

Many a time you can resolve the macOS software update stuck downloading problem by deleting the software update and starting afresh.

On your Mac, dive into the System Settings app -> General -> Storage -> Find the macOS beta and delete it.
After that, restart your Mac and try downloading the software from scratch.

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By Chris Smith Senior Editor
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Chris Smith is a senior editor at GeeksModo based in Canada. He likes to think of himself as a jack of all trades (and a master of at least a few), though he mainly focuses on iPhones and Macs. Often covering both at the same time. When not surrounded by various Apple devices while putting them through their paces, Chris can be found streaming the latest movies or series, gaming on his PS5, or getting fresh air on a hike in the beautiful wilderness of British Columbia.
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