10 essential Mac Terminal commands for IT admins

A system process is stuck, a network setting needs tweaking, or files need mass renaming. Clicking through endless menus? That’s slow. But with the Mac command line? One command, and you’re done.

For IT admins, Terminal speeds up troubleshooting, automates repetitive tasks, and gives you deep control over the system, far beyond what the GUI allows.

Mastering a few essential macOS Terminal commands can mean the difference between spending hours fixing issues or resolving them in seconds. 

Let’s dive into 10 must-know commands that every Mac admin should have in their arsenal.

What is Mac Terminal command & why does it matter?

The command line is macOS’s behind-the-scenes control panel. Unlike the graphical user interface (GUI), which relies on clicks and menus, the command line lets you control the system using text-based commands in Terminal.app.

Why does it matter? Because it’s faster, more precise, and more powerful than the GUI. IT admins can navigate files, change system settings, troubleshoot network issues, and automate tasks—all without digging through menus.

With the command line, you’re not limited to what macOS shows you. You get direct access to system processes, permissions, logs, and hidden configurations. That’s why mastering Terminal is recommended for IT management.

How to open Terminal on Mac & gain admin privileges

Before you can start using commands, you need to open Terminal.app. Here’s how:

1. Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar, type Terminal, and hit Enter.
   
2. Or, go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Once inside, you’ll notice a blinking cursor, that’s your command prompt for Mac, waiting for instructions.

Gaining admin privileges with sudo

Some commands require admin access to modify system settings. That’s where sudo (Superuser Do) comes in. Adding sudo before a command runs it with elevated privileges.

For example:

bash

sudo shutdown -r now

This restarts the Mac immediately.

After entering a sudo command, you’ll be prompted for your password (you won’t see it as you type—this is normal).

Precautions when using sudo

• Double-check before hitting Enter—sudo commands can make system-wide changes.
• Avoid rm -rf /—this can wipe your entire Mac.
• Use man [command] to read what a command does before running it.

10 must-know Mac Terminal commands for IT admins

1. List files & directories (ls)

The ls command helps you view the contents of a directory, including file permissions, sizes, and timestamps.

Command:

bash

ls -lah

What it does:

• -l: Displays details like permissions, owner, and size.
• -a: Shows hidden files.
• -h: Formats file sizes in human-readable form (e.g., MB, GB).

Why it’s useful: Helps IT admins inspect file structures quickly without opening Finder.

2. Navigate through folders (cd)

Moving between directories in Terminal is faster than clicking through Finder.

Command:

bash

cd /Users/Shared

What it does:

• Takes you to the Shared folder.
• Use cd .. to move up one level and cd / to go to the root directory.

Why it’s Useful: Saves time when accessing system files, logs, or configuration folders.

3. Copy & move files (cp & mv)

These commands let you copy or move files and folders.

Copy a file:

bash

cp file.txt /Users/Shared/

Move (or rename) a file:

bash

mv file.txt /Users/Shared/

Why it’s useful: Quickly manage files without dragging and dropping.

4. Delete files & directories (rm & rmdir)

Use rm carefully—it permanently deletes files.

Command:

bash

rm file.txt

Delete a folder and its contents:

bash

rm -r FolderName

Warning: There’s no “Undo” for rm.

Why it’s useful: Helps admins clean up unnecessary files efficiently.

5. Modify file permissions (chmod) & ownership (chown)

Manage who can read, write, or execute files.

Command:

bash

chmod 755 script.sh

• 755 gives the owner full rights, while others can only read/execute.

Change file ownership:

bash

chown admin:staff file.txt

Why it’s useful: Ensures proper security and access control.

6. Monitor & kill processes (ps & kill)

Find and terminate unresponsive apps.

Command:

bash

ps aux | grep Safari

Lists all processes related to Safari.

Kill a frozen process:

bash

kill -9 <PID>

Replace <PID> with the process ID from the ps output.

Why it’s useful: Helps stop crashed applications without restarting the system.

7. Configure network settings (ifconfig & networksetup)

These commands help troubleshoot network issues.

View network details:

bash

ifconfig en0

List available network interfaces:

bash

networksetup -listallhardwareports

Why it’s useful: Diagnoses IP conflicts, Wi-Fi issues, and connectivity problems.

8. Manage disks & partitions (diskutil)

Check and repair disks without opening Disk Utility.

Command:

bash

diskutil list

Lists all available drives and partitions.

Repair a disk:

bash

diskutil repairvolume /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD

Why it’s useful: Essential for diagnosing storage-related problems.

9. Modify macOS system settings (defaults)

This command lets you tweak hidden system settings.

Show hidden files in Finder:

bash

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true && killall Finder

Why it’s useful: Customize macOS beyond what’s possible through system preferences.

10. View system logs (log & syslog)

Analyze logs to debug system crashes and performance issues.

View logs from the last hour:

bash

log show --predicate 'eventMessage contains "error"' --last 1h

Why it’s useful: Helps IT admins troubleshoot problems proactively.

Key benefits of Mac Terminal commands for IT admins

1. Speed and efficiency

Using the command line is significantly faster than navigating through system menus. IT admins can perform bulk operations, modify system settings, and manage files instantly. Whether it’s listing directory contents, changing permissions, or executing system updates, the command line allows for direct input without unnecessary clicks, saving valuable time.

2. Remote management

The command line enables IT admins to manage multiple Macs remotely through Secure Shell (SSH). Instead of physically accessing each device, admins can configure systems, install updates, and troubleshoot issues from a central location. This is particularly useful in enterprise environments where managing a large fleet of macOS devices requires seamless remote access.

3. Automation

Routine tasks can be automated using shell scripts, reducing manual workload and minimizing errors. IT admins can schedule tasks such as system updates, backups, or log monitoring, ensuring consistent execution without intervention. Automation also helps enforce compliance by standardizing configurations across multiple devices.

4. Advanced troubleshooting

The command line provides deep access to system logs, performance metrics, and network diagnostics. IT admins can use commands to identify errors, monitor running processes, and pinpoint issues that may not be visible in standard system settings. This level of troubleshooting is critical for maintaining system stability and resolving problems efficiently.

5. Security and control

The command line offers greater control over user permissions, system access, and security policies. Admins can modify file ownership, restrict access to sensitive data, and monitor processes for suspicious activity. By leveraging commands to manage firewall settings, network connections, and authentication policies, IT teams can strengthen system security and prevent unauthorized access.

Advantages of managing macOS Terminal with UEM

While the command line gives IT admins deep control over macOS devices, managing multiple machines manually can be time-consuming and complex. A Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution simplifies these tasks by providing a centralized, automated approach to system administration.

1. Automating system management

Instead of manually running commands for software updates, policy enforcement, or configurations, UEM allows IT admins to automate these processes across all managed devices. Updates, patches, and security settings can be scheduled and applied consistently without scripting or command execution.

2. Remote administration without SSH

With UEM, admins don’t need to rely on SSH or remote command execution to manage devices. They can push updates, configure network settings, and enforce policies through a single dashboard, ensuring uniformity across all endpoints without manual intervention.

3. Streamlined security and compliance

Manually setting file permissions, configuring security policies, or monitoring system logs can be tedious. UEM provides built-in policy enforcement, ensuring that security configurations, encryption, and access controls are applied consistently. Admins can also track compliance in real time without manually inspecting logs.

4. Real-time monitoring and troubleshooting

Instead of manually checking logs using the Terminal codes, UEM solutions offer real-time visibility into device health, performance, and security status. IT teams can detect and resolve issues proactively, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

By integrating UEM with macOS management, IT admins can eliminate repetitive command-line tasks, improve security, and enhance efficiency.

Leverage Scalefusion UEM for macOS device management

Mastering the Mac command line is invaluable for IT admins, but managing multiple devices manually can be overwhelming. While macOS Terminal codes provide control and flexibility, it also demands time, precision, and constant monitoring. UEM solution bridges this gap by offering the power of command-line management with the simplicity of automation.

Scalefusion UEM streamlines macOS administration by automating updates, enforcing security policies, and enabling seamless remote management, all from an intuitive dashboard. With features like policy-based configurations, real-time monitoring, and remote access, IT admins can eliminate manual interventions and ensure consistent device management across their organization.

FAQs

1. What do Terminal commands do on a Mac?

Terminal commands on a Mac allow you to perform tasks and control various aspects of the system directly from the command line. Instead of relying on the graphical user interface (GUI), these commands enable you to quickly navigate files, manage system settings, troubleshoot issues, and automate repetitive tasks. For IT admins, mastering macOS Terminal commands can make managing devices faster and more efficient.

2. How to find the IP in Mac Terminal?

To find your IP address in Mac Terminal, you can use the command ifconfig. This will display detailed information about all your network interfaces. To find your local IP address specifically, use the following command:

bash

ifconfig en0 | grep inet

This will show the IP address associated with your Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection (depending on your setup).

3. How to see the full history in Terminal?

To see the full history of commands you’ve run in the macOS Terminal, simply type the following command:

bash

history

This will display a list of all previously entered commands, with each one numbered for easy reference. You can also scroll through this list using the up and down arrow keys.

4. What is cmd in Terminal?

In Terminal,  cmd often refers to the “command” key on your keyboard (⌘), but in the context of a Terminal prompt command, it can also stand for a command prompt for mac, where you input your instructions. For instance, you might use sudo or ls as commands in the terminal. These are used to initiate specific tasks on your Mac, such as listing files or executing commands with administrative privileges.