How to Fix “Can’t Find Xcode” When Installing Unreal Engine

December 14, 2021 / By

This short guide explains how to resolve the error “Can’t find Xcode install for Metal compiler. Please install Xcode and run Xcode.app to accept license or ensure active developer directory is set to current Xcode installation using xcode-select” when trying to install Unreal Engine on your Mac.

Can't Find Xcode error message in macOS for Unreal Engine

Fortunately the fix is very easy, although it does involve a fairly large download (12+GB). Just follow these few steps –

  1. Open the macOS App Store and search for Xcode. Once you find it, click the Get button to start the installation process.

    2. Xcode in the Mac App Store

  2. Once the installation has completed, launch Xcode and accept the terms of the License Agreement. Then quit Xcode.
  3. Now open a Terminal from your Applications -> Utilities folder and issue the command:

    4. sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer

    a macOS Terminal with an xcode-select command

  4. You’ll be prompted to enter your password before the command will execute. Once it has, exit out of the Terminal.
  5. Now open UE again.

    6. an arrow pointing to the launch UE button

  6. This time it will launch without the “Can’t find Xcode” error and start to compile various parts of the app, which will take a moment or two. Otherwise, you’re done!

    7. UE opening without the Can't Find Xcode error

While you’re here (or waiting for Xcode to finish downloading!) why not check out some of our other Mac tutorials, tips and tricks? :)

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