Editorial illustration representing connecting to PostgreSQL from macOS

How to Connect to PostgreSQL from macOS (Step-by-Step Guide)

March 2026

Connecting to a PostgreSQL database from macOS is usually quick once you know the required connection details. Whether your database runs locally on your Mac, on a development server, or in the cloud (Supabase, AWS RDS, Neon, etc.), the process is largely the same.

In this guide you’ll learn how to connect to PostgreSQL from a Mac using a graphical client, what connection parameters mean, and how to troubleshoot the most common connection errors.

PostgreSQL connection details you need

Host: The database server address. Use localhost or 127.0.0.1 for a local database running on your Mac.
Port: PostgreSQL uses port 5432 by default.
Database name: The specific database you want to connect to (for example myapp_dev).
User and password: The PostgreSQL credentials created when the server was installed or configured.

PostgreSQL connection string format

Most PostgreSQL tools support a standard connection URL format. This is commonly used by cloud providers and environment variables.

postgresql://username:password@host:port/database_name

Example for a local database: postgresql://postgres:mypassword@localhost:5432/myapp_dev

Example connection string for a cloud database:

postgresql://user:password@db.example.com:5432/mydatabase

If you use a GUI client, you’ll typically enter host, port, database, user, and password in separate fields; the client builds the connection under the hood. Some clients (including Memento Studio) let you paste a connection URL as well.

SSL and remote connections

For remote or cloud databases (e.g. AWS RDS, Supabase, Neon), you’ll usually need SSL. Connection options often include:

Prefer / require SSL: Use encryption; “require” fails if the server doesn’t support it.
Verify full / strict: Validates the server certificate — required for production.

Your provider’s docs will specify the exact settings. A good Mac PostgreSQL client will expose these options clearly so you can connect to staging or production without guesswork.

How to connect to PostgreSQL on Mac (step by step)

Install or open your PostgreSQL client.
Create a new connection.
Enter the host, port (5432), database name, username, and password.
If connecting to a cloud database, enable SSL if required.
Test the connection and save it.

Once connected, you can browse schemas, run SQL queries, edit tables, and inspect data directly from your Mac.

Choosing a PostgreSQL client for macOS

You can connect to PostgreSQL using either the command line (psql) or a graphical database client. Many developers prefer GUI tools because they make it easier to browse tables, edit data, and switch between environments.

If you're still deciding which client to use, see our detailed comparison of the best PostgreSQL GUI tools for Mac.

If you prefer a lightweight native macOS client focused specifically on PostgreSQL workflows, Memento Studio is designed for that environment. You can save connections, switch between databases, and edit JSON or table data with a native Mac interface.

Common PostgreSQL connection problems on macOS

Connection refused

If you see a “connection refused” error, PostgreSQL may not be running locally. Check that the server is started and that the port (usually 5432) is correct.

Authentication failed

This usually means the username or password is incorrect. Verify your PostgreSQL user credentials or reset the password if needed.

SSL required

Many cloud providers require encrypted connections. Enable SSL in your database client or use the connection settings provided by your provider.

Connect to Postgres in minutes

Memento Studio is a native macOS PostgreSQL client designed for fast queries, clear environment separation, and a smooth editing workflow. Free tier available.

Download Memento Studio for Mac

Quick connection checklist

Make sure your PostgreSQL server is running.
Note your host, port (5432), database name, username, and password.
If connecting to a remote server, enable SSL if required.
Open your PostgreSQL client and create a new connection.

That’s it. Once connected, you can browse schemas, run queries, and edit data. If you’re still picking a client, see our comparison of the best PostgreSQL GUIs for Mac to find one that fits your workflow.