This wikiHow will teach you how to check what version of Java you have installed on your Mac by checking the System Preferences, using the Java website, or by using your Mac's Terminal.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking Your System Preferences

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    Click System Preferences. It's the second option from the top of the drop-down menu.
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  3. 3
    Click the Java icon. It's the icon with the blue coffee cup and orange steam. Clicking it opens the Java Control Panel in a new window.
    • If you don't see the Java icon, you do not have Java installed.
  4. 4
    Click the Update tab at the top. This screen will tell you if you what version of Java you have, and if you need to update Java.
    • If there is an update available, follow the instructions to update to the latest recommended version of Java. You can also check the box for "Check for Automatic Updates" so your version will always be updated to the latest versions when they are available.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Reviewing the Java Website

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    Open the Safari browser on your Mac. It's the app with an icon that looks like a blue compass.
  2. 2
    Go to https://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp in Safari. Type https://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp in the address bar and press Return.
  3. 3
    Click Verify Java Version. It's a red button in the center of the page. This may prompt a pop-up window asking if you want to run Java on this page.
  4. 4
    Click Run, to confirm. The website will detect what version of Java you are running and recommend an update if needed.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Getting Information from Your Terminal

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    Enter Terminal in the search bar. As you type, search results will filter below the search bar.
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    Type java -version and press Return. This command will tell you what version of Java your Mac is currently running.
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About This Article

Travis Boylls
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 129,133 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: August 23, 2018
Views: 129,133
Categories: Java
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