How to Install and Configure AWS CLI v2 on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Date: March 27, 2024

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Command Line Interface (CLI) v2 brings a powerful tool to your macOS, enabling you to manage your AWS services directly from the terminal. Whether you’re updating to the latest version or setting it up for the first time, this guide will walk you through the process smoothly.

Step 1: Downloading AWS CLI v2 for macOS

Start by visiting the official AWS CLI website. Here, you'll find the macOS installer. Don't worry if you already have AWS CLI installed; running this installer will update you to the latest version.

Step 2: Installation

Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. This process is straightforward and should take just a few minutes.

Step 3: Verifying the Installation

After installation, open your terminal and type aws --version to check the installed version. As of this writing, the latest version is 2.15.33, but it could be higher depending on when you're installing.

Step 4: Setting Up Configuration Files

Next, navigate to /Users/[username]/.aws to access or create the config and credentials files. If you're having trouble finding this folder in Finder, use the shortcut command+shift+. in your home folder to reveal hidden files.

Config File

Inside the config file, enter the following:

[default] 
region = us-east-1 
output = json 

This sets your default region and output format.

Credentials File

In the credentials file, add:

[default] 
aws_access_key_id = YOUR_KEY_ID 
aws_secret_access_key = YOUR_ACCESS_KEY 

Replace YOUR_KEY_ID and YOUR_ACCESS_KEY with your actual AWS access key ID and secret access key, respectively. These can be obtained by creating an IAM User with programmatic access, as detailed in the AWS documentation.

Step 5: Checking Your Configuration

To ensure everything is set up correctly, run aws configure list in your terminal. This command will display your current configuration settings.

By following these steps, you've successfully installed and configured AWS CLI v2 on your macOS. You're now ready to manage your AWS services more efficiently through the command line. For further customization and advanced features, consult the AWS CLI official documentation.