Wget for Mac enables command-line file downloads from web servers. This GNU Project utility supports HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP protocols without requiring a graphical interface.
MacOS does not include wget by default. Install it through Homebrew to access its powerful features for downloading files, mirroring websites, and automating retrieval tasks.
Installing Wget on Mac Using Homebrew
Follow these steps to install wget through the Homebrew package manager.
Opening the Terminal
Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight search.
Type terminal and press Enter to launch the Terminal application.
Installing Homebrew
Homebrew simplifies software installation on macOS. Install it if not already present on your system.
Visit the Homebrew homepage and run the installation command provided. This package manager enables simple wget updates and additional software installations.
Installing Wget Through Homebrew
Run this command in Terminal to install wget:
$ brew install wgetThe installation completes in seconds. Homebrew downloads wget and configures it for immediate use.
Using Wget on Mac
Wget follows a straightforward command structure for downloading files.
Basic Wget Syntax
The standard wget command accepts options and a URL:
wget [OPTIONS] URL| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| OPTIONS | Modifies download behavior |
| URL | Specifies download location |
Downloading Files with Wget
Download a file by specifying its URL:
$ wget https://example.com/file.zipWget saves files to your current directory by default.
Specifying Download Location
Use the -P option to save files to a specific directory:
$ wget -P ~/Downloads https://example.com/file.zipThis command saves the file directly to your Downloads folder.
Renaming Downloaded Files
Save files with custom names using the -O option:
$ wget -O custom-name.zip https://example.com/file.zipWget Mac Download Options
Control how wget retrieves and processes files using these options.
Resuming Interrupted Downloads
Continue partial downloads with the -c flag:
$ wget -c https://example.com/largefile.isoThis prevents restarting large file downloads from the beginning after connection failures.
Downloading Multiple Files
Create a text file containing URLs:
https://example.com/file1.zip
https://example.com/file2.zip
https://example.com/file3.zipDownload all files from the list:
$ wget -i urls.txtLimiting Download Speed
Set maximum download rates with --limit-rate:
$ wget --limit-rate=500k https://example.com/file.zipThis prevents wget from consuming all available bandwidth.
Recursive Website Downloads
Mirror entire websites using recursive retrieval:
$ wget --recursive --page-requisites --convert-links https://example.com| Option | Function |
|---|---|
| –recursive | Follows links to download entire sites |
| –page-requisites | Downloads CSS, images, and scripts |
| –convert-links | Adjusts URLs for local browsing |
Checking Wget Installation on Mac
Verify wget is installed correctly by checking its version:
$ wget --versionThis command displays the installed wget version and compilation details.
View all available wget options:
$ wget --helpCommon Wget Mac Issues
Resolve typical problems when using wget on macOS.
Command Not Found Error
If Terminal reports wget is not found, reinstall using Homebrew:
$ brew reinstall wgetEnsure Homebrew is installed and functioning correctly before reinstalling wget.
Connection Failures
Add retry attempts for unreliable connections:
$ wget --tries=5 https://example.com/file.zipWget attempts the download five times before reporting failure.
--user-agent to specify different browser identifiers.
SSL Certificate Errors
Skip certificate verification when encountering SSL errors:
$ wget --no-check-certificate https://example.com/file.zipWget vs cURL on Mac
Both wget and cURL download files from command line. MacOS includes cURL by default.
Wget excels at recursive downloads and mirroring websites. cURL offers broader protocol support and library integration capabilities.
Choose wget for website archiving and batch downloads. Use cURL for API requests and complex protocol handling.
FAQs
Install wget using Homebrew by running brew install wget in Terminal. Homebrew must be installed first.
No, macOS does not include wget by default. Install it through Homebrew or compile from source.
Yes, use wget --recursive --page-requisites --convert-links followed by the website URL to mirror complete sites.
Add the -c flag to your wget command. This continues interrupted downloads from where they stopped.
Wget specializes in recursive downloads and website mirroring. cURL handles more protocols and integrates better with programming libraries.
