How to Download McAfee Total Protection on Mac

Just when you thought your Mac was safe, cybercriminals got more sinister and started targeting Mac devices. Now they’re just as vulnerable to viruses, trojans, rootkits, ransomware, and all other malware.

You can use malware removal tools to get rid of a threat after it infects your computer. But why go through this hassle? You can install McAfee Total Protection, one of the best antivirus software, and prevent malware from attacking your Mac in the first place.

Downloading and installing McAfee isn’t difficult. In fact, if you’re already familiar with installing software on your Mac, it won’t seem too foreign. But in case you want to follow a step by step guide, here’s one for you.

1. Click the download button

McAfee download page

(Image credit: McAfee)

After purchasing McAfee Total Protection, you will be redirected to its download page. Just find the Mac version and click Download.

If you want to install the program later, McAfee will send you a receipt for your purchase. There will also be a Download button in that message. Clicking it will redirect you to the download page on the McAfee website.

2. Write down the serial number

McAfee license agreement and serial number

(Image credit: McAfee)

You’ll need to accept the McAfee license agreement before the file download begins. This is done by simply ticking the box. Below that will be the serial number of your program. You’ll need it to install McAfee Total Protection, so it’s best written for later. Then click the Download button.

3. Click on the file

McAfee file download ready on Mac

(Image credit: Future)

McAfee will first download its software from the website. Your Mac will notify you when it’s done by displaying a message at the top of the screen. Clicking this opens the installer which will install the program onto your Mac.

4. Assign all permissions

McAfee Installer and system permissions

(Image credit: Future)

When McAfee’s installer is open, you’ll be prompted to allow the program to be installed locally on your Mac. The first message will ask if McAfee can modify your computer—that is, if it can install the program. Click Open to grant permission.

The second message will ask you to log into your computer account. This lets your device know that you are ok with the installed program. This permission requires you to type your username and password.

5. Enter the serial number

The McAfee installer enters the serial number

(Image credit: Future)

The last step before starting the McAfee installation is to enter the serial number saved from step 2 in the designated field. You don’t have to worry about any hyphens or capitalization of the letters. When done, click Next and the program will be installed on your Mac.

6. More security permissions

Mac permissions granted

(Image credit: Future)

During the installation process. McAfee will ask you to allow some tools to work on your Mac. Don’t worry, McAfee will walk you through these steps, including opening up the security settings for you. It’s as easy as clicking Allow when prompted.

You can wait until McAfee is fully installed before granting permission. The steps will be accessible later from the McAfee dashboard. Just click the Done button when you’re ready to move on to the next step.

7. Launch McAfee Total Protection

When McAfee is fully installed, you’ll find its icon pinned to your toolbar at the bottom of your screen. Click on the icon and McAfee will open.

McAfee icon on your Mac computer

(Image credit: Future)

8. Stay safe!

McAfee Total Portection Control Panel

(Image credit: McAfee)

Are you done! McAfee Total Protection is now installed on your Mac. The dashboard will walk you through the steps on how to further configure the program, scan for malware, set up additional privacy tools, and let you connect to support if needed.