How to Check Java Version on a Mac

Last Updated: August 23, 2018 Tested

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

1
Click
. It's the Apple icon in the upper-left of the top menu bar. This opens a drop-down menu.
2
Click System Preferences. It's the second option from the top of the drop-down menu.

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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
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Reviewing the Java Website

1
Open the Safari browser on your Mac. It's the app with an icon that looks like a blue compass.
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
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
Click Run, to confirm. The website will detect what version of Java you are running and recommend an update if needed.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Information from Your Terminal

1
Click Spotlight
in the top-right of the menu bar. This will open a search bar allowing you to search your computer.
2
Enter Terminal in the search bar. As you type, search results will filter below the search bar.
3
Double-click Terminal
. It's the icon of a small black box with a white command prompt in the corner. This will open your Mac's Terminal.
4
Type java -version and press ⏎ Return. This command will tell you what version of Java your Mac is currently running.