How to update Node.js and NPM on a Mac

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to upgrade Node.js and NPM on a Mac.

First of all, open a Terminal app and check app versions.

$ node -v && npm -v

The command below will print current versions of the apps. If you haven’t updated Node.js and NPM in a while they’re most likely out of date.

How to upgrade NPM

Now let’s upgrade NPM to the latest version.

$ sudo npm install -g npm

How to upgrade Node.js using Homebrew

If you installed Node.js using Homebrew, you can upgrade it using the command below.

$ brew update && brew upgrade node

How to upgrade Node.js using n

Alternatively, you can install it using n package. It’s a Node.js manager. But of all, you need to clean npm cache.

$ sudo npm cache clean -f

Install N package, right after cleaning the cache.

$ sudo npm install -g n

Install Node.js stable. Finally, let’s install and update Node.js.

$ sudo n stable

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Cheers,
Renat Galyamov

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PS: Make sure you check other Node.js tutorials, e.g. how to install/uninstall an npm package.