How to Install macOS Sequoia on an Unsupported Mac: 10 Easy Steps

macOS 15 Sequoia has officially been released, but if you have an older Mac, you might find that Apple no longer supports upgrades for your device. However, with the help of OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP), you can bypass this limitation and install Sequoia on your unsupported Mac. In this guide, we’ll take you through the exact steps to achieve a smooth installation.

Step 1: Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP)

1. Visit GitHub and locate the latest release of OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
2. Scroll down to the Assets section and download opencorepatchergui.app.zip.
3. Extract the downloaded file and open the OpenCore Legacy Patcher app.
4. If prompted, grant OpenCore permission to make changes in your Mac’s Security & Privacy settings.

Step 2: Update Your Current macOS Version

1. Navigate to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Install any available updates for your current macOS version.
3. This ensures a smoother upgrade process, especially for unsupported Mac users.

Step 3: Create a macOS Sequoia Installer

1. Open OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
2. Click on Create macOS Installer.

3. Select Download macOS Installer and choose macOS Sequoia from the list.

4. Click Download and wait for the installer to download and validate.

Make sure you have enough disk space for the macOS Sequoia Installer file, and it will take around 4-5 minutes depending upon your internet speed.

Step 4: Prepare a Bootable USB Drive

1. Insert a 32GB or larger USB drive into your Mac.
2. Click Yes when prompted to create a macOS installer.

3. Select the downloaded Sequoia installer and your USB drive.

Make sure you have unplugged any other devices if they are connected.

4. Confirm the process and wait for the files to be copied (about 11 minutes).

You will get a confirmation once it’s finished.

Step 5: Install OpenCore on the USB Drive

1. After creating the installer, you’ll be prompted to install OpenCore on the disk.

2. Click Install to Disk.

3. Select your USB drive (not your Mac’s internal hard drive) and confirm.

4. Once completed, restart your Mac and hold the Option key during boot.

Step 6: Install macOS Sequoia

1. In the boot menu, select EFI Boot.

2. Choose Install macOS Sequoia and press Enter.

3. If you prefer a clean installation, go to Disk Utility and erase your hard drive.

Anytime you’re doing an upgrade like this, you should be backing up your files, regardless of whether or not you’re going to erase your hard drive. If you want the best Sequoia installation possible, it’s good to erase that hard drive first.

4. Otherwise, proceed with installing Sequoia while keeping your files.

5. Click Continue, agree to the terms, and select your hard drive for installation.

6. The installation process takes about 30 minutes, with multiple reboots (Around 4 times).

You may see the boot menu flash on the screen during the restart. You shouldn’t have to click or type anything. Just be patient and let it do its thing.

Step 7: Finalizing the Installation

1. Once Sequoia is installed, log into your Mac.
2. You will see a pop-up, as shown below. If not, Open OpenCore Legacy Patcher if prompted.

3. Click Install OpenCore to Disk and select your Mac’s internal hard drive.

4. Choose the EFI Volume and complete the installation.

5. Restart your Mac when prompted.

Step 8: Apply Post-Install Patches

Once it restarts, log back in, and you can ignore the message saying that you’re booting from a USB this time.

1. Open OpenCore Legacy Patcher again.

2. Click Select Install Root Patch and then Start Root Patching.

3. Wait for the process to complete (about 3 minutes) and reboot.

4. Remove the USB drive before rebooting.

Step 9: Verify and Test Your Installation

1. After rebooting, navigate to Apple Menu > About This Mac to confirm Sequoia is installed.
2. Test your system’s functionality:
   • Open Google Chrome
   • Check screen mirroring and continuity mode
   • Ensure all features work smoothly

Step 10: Keeping Your System Updated

1. When an incremental update is released, install it via Software Update.
2. After each update, open OpenCore Legacy Patcher and rerun the Post-Install Root Patch.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed macOS Sequoia on your unsupported Mac. By following these steps, you can continue enjoying the latest macOS features on your older device. Remember to check for updates regularly and keep OpenCore Legacy Patcher up to date for optimal performance.