Why Is Docker Desktop Not Opening on Mac? | Troubleshooting Guide

Guide / By

If Docker Desktop isn’t launching on your Mac, it could be due to corrupted settings, permission issues, or conflicts with macOS security features. Here’s how to resolve it.

Common Causes of Docker Desktop Not Opening on Mac

When Docker Desktop fails to start on macOS, several factors might be at play:

  • Corrupted configuration files: Damaged settings can prevent Docker from launching properly.
  • Permission conflicts: macOS security settings might block Docker’s background services.
  • Resource allocation issues: Insufficient CPU or memory resources can hinder Docker’s startup.
  • Conflicts with VPNs or firewalls: Security software might interfere with Docker’s network operations.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Restart Docker Desktop

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve startup issues:

  1. Open Activity Monitor (press Command + Space, type “Activity Monitor”).
  2. Search for any Docker-related processes (e.g., Docker Desktop, com.docker.vmnetd).
  3. Select the process and click the Stop button (an octagon with an ‘X’).
  4. Confirm to force quit the process.
  5. Try launching Docker Desktop again.

2. Reset Docker’s Configuration

If restarting doesn’t help, resetting Docker’s settings might:

  1. Open Docker Desktop.
  2. Go to the menu bar and click on Docker > Preferences.
  3. Navigate to the Reset tab.
  4. Click on Reset to factory defaults.

Note: This will remove all your containers and images.

3. Check macOS Security Settings

macOS might block Docker’s background services:

  1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
  2. Scroll down to the Security section.
  3. If you see a message about Docker being blocked, click Allow Anyway.

4. Allocate More Resources to Docker

Insufficient resources can prevent Docker from starting:

  1. Open Docker Desktop.
  2. Go to the menu bar and click on Docker > Preferences.
  3. Navigate to the Resources tab.
  4. Increase the number of CPUs and memory allocated to Docker.
  5. Click Apply & Restart.

5. Reinstall Docker Desktop

If all else fails, a clean reinstall might help:

  1. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
  2. Drag Docker to the Trash.
  3. Empty the Trash.
  4. Open Terminal and run the following commands to remove Docker’s configuration files: 
    rm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.docker.*
rm -rf ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.docker
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Docker\ Desktop
  5. Download the latest version of Docker Desktop from the official website.
  6. Install Docker Desktop and try launching it again.

6. Check for System Updates

Ensure your macOS and Docker Desktop are up to date:

  1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. If updates are available, install them and restart your Mac.
  3. Download the latest version of Docker Desktop from the official website and install it.

7. Review Docker’s Logs

Docker’s logs can provide insights into what’s going wrong:

  1. Open Finder and go to ~/Library/Containers/com.docker.docker/Data/log.
  2. Open the log files and look for any error messages or warnings.
  3. Search online for solutions to any specific errors you find.

8. Seek Further Assistance

If Docker still won’t open, consider:

  • Visiting the Docker Community Forums to ask for help.
  • Contacting Docker Support if you have a paid subscription.
  • Providing your system details and any error messages to get more targeted assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues preventing Docker Desktop from opening on your Mac. If problems persist, consider exploring alternative containerization tools like Podman or Colima.