# How to Install Kimi CLI on macOS: Step-by-Step Guide > Install Kimi CLI on macOS quickly with our step-by-step guide. Run a single command to bootstrap uv and install the tool for Python 3.13. - Repository: [Moonshot AI/kimi-cli](https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli) - Tags: how-to-guide - Published: 2026-07-25 --- **Install Kimi CLI on macOS by running `curl -LsSf https://code.kimi.com/install.sh | bash`, which automatically bootstraps the uv package manager and installs the tool for Python 3.13.** Kimi CLI (also referred to as Kimi Code CLI) is an open-source command-line interface developed by MoonshotAI that provides interactive AI coding assistance. Distributed as a Python uv tool, it offers a streamlined installation process for macOS users. This guide walks you through how to install kimi-cli on macOS using the official installer or manual uv commands, based on the current source code in the MoonshotAI/kimi-cli repository. ## One-Line Installation for macOS The fastest way to install kimi-cli on macOS is using the official installation script. This approach handles all dependencies automatically. Execute the following command in Terminal: ```bash curl -LsSf https://code.kimi.com/install.sh | bash ``` This single command downloads and executes the installer script located at [`scripts/install.sh`](https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli/blob/main/scripts/install.sh) in the repository. According to the source code, the script performs three critical operations: - **Detects download tools**: It checks for `curl` or `wget` availability to fetch the uv installer ([lines 5-12](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh#L5-L12)) - **Installs uv if missing**: If uv is not found on your `PATH`, the script installs it; otherwise, it reuses the existing installation ([lines 19-24](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh#L19-L24)) - **Installs the package**: Finally, it executes `uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli` to install the CLI for Python 3.13 ([line 31](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh#L31)) ## Manual Installation with uv If you already have uv installed on your macOS system, you can skip the installation script and install kimi-cli directly. This method executes the same command used internally by the installer. Run the following command: ```bash uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli ``` This command is explicitly defined in [`scripts/install.sh`](https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli/blob/main/scripts/install.sh) at [line 31](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh#L31) and targets Python 3.13 as the recommended runtime environment. ## Verify the Installation After installation completes, confirm that the `kimi` executable is available on your system `PATH` by checking its version: ```bash kimi --version ``` The uv package manager generates the `kimi` executable and places it in your PATH during installation. If the command returns version information, your installation of kimi-cli on macOS is successful. ## Managing Your Installation Once installed, you can maintain kimi-cli using standard uv tool commands. The project documentation in [`docs/en/guides/getting-started.md`](https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/guides/getting-started.md) ([lines 66-75](/blob/main/docs/en/guides/getting-started.md#L66-L75)) outlines the following management operations: ### Upgrade kimi-cli on macOS To update to the latest release while bypassing the cache: ```bash uv tool upgrade kimi-cli --no-cache ``` ### Uninstall kimi-cli from macOS To remove the CLI from your system completely: ```bash uv tool uninstall kimi-cli ``` ## Initial Configuration After you install kimi-cli on macOS, navigate to your project directory and invoke the tool: ```bash kimi ``` On first launch, the CLI prompts you to configure an LLM provider using the `/login` slash command. This workflow is documented in the Getting Started guide ([lines 77-92](/blob/main/docs/en/guides/getting-started.md#L77-L92)). Complete this authentication step to begin the interactive AI session. ## Summary - **Install kimi-cli on macOS** by running `curl -LsSf https://code.kimi.com/install.sh | bash`, which automates uv setup and Python 3.13 configuration. - The installer logic resides in [`scripts/install.sh`](https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli/blob/main/scripts/install.sh) and handles dependency detection, uv installation, and package deployment. - Alternative manual installation uses `uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli` if uv is already present. - Verify installation with `kimi --version`, upgrade with `uv tool upgrade kimi-cli --no-cache`, and uninstall with `uv tool uninstall kimi-cli`. - First-time users must run `kimi` and execute `/login` to configure their LLM provider. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does installing kimi-cli on macOS require Python to be pre-installed? No. The installation script automatically handles Python dependencies through uv, which manages its own Python runtimes. The script specifically targets Python 3.13 during installation ([line 31](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh#L31)), so you do not need to manually install Python beforehand. ### What is uv and why does kimi-cli use it? uv is a fast, modern Python package manager written in Rust. According to the [`pyproject.toml`](https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli/blob/main/pyproject.toml) configuration and installation scripts in the MoonshotAI/kimi-cli repository, uv serves as the distribution mechanism because it provides reproducible installations and efficient dependency resolution without requiring complex virtual environment management. ### Can I install kimi-cli on macOS without using curl? Yes. If you prefer not to use the curl-based installer, you can manually install uv first, then run `uv tool install --python 3.13 kimi-cli`. Alternatively, if you have wget available, the installation script can detect and use it instead of curl ([lines 5-12](/blob/main/scripts/install.sh#L5-L12)). ### Where is the kimi executable installed on macOS? The `kimi` executable is managed by uv and placed in uv's binary directory, which is automatically added to your PATH during the uv installation process. You can verify the exact location by running `which kimi` in your terminal after installation.