Edit the hosts file on Mac: Terminal vs GUI (2026)

Editing the hosts file on Mac is a common task for developers, but it can be frustrating with permission issues, commands to memorize, and DNS cache to flush. In this guide, we'll look at the two main methods: the classic Terminal method and the modern alternative with a graphical interface.

Why edit the hosts file on Mac?

The hosts file allows you to redirect domain names to specific IP addresses, locally on your Mac. Here are the most common use cases:

Local web development

• Create custom domains like myproject.local
• Simulate multi-domain environments
• Test configurations before going to production

Testing and debugging

• Point a production domain to a staging server
• Test a server migration before changing official DNS
• Isolate services for debugging

Site blocking

• Block distracting sites
• Block ads at the system level

Terminal method: sudo nano /etc/hosts

This is the traditional method, used by developers for decades.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Several ways to open Terminal on Mac:

• Spotlight: Press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", then Enter
• Finder: Applications > Utilities > Terminal
• Launchpad: Search for Terminal in the app grid

Step 2: Open the file with nano

Type the following command and press Enter:

sudo nano /etc/hosts

The system will ask for your administrator password. Type it (nothing appears during input, that's normal) and press Enter.

Step 3: Edit the file

You'll see the current contents of the hosts file. By default, it looks like this:

##
# Host Database
##
127.0.0.1       localhost
255.255.255.255 broadcasthost
::1             localhost

Use the arrow keys to navigate to the end of the file, then add your entries:

# My local projects
127.0.0.1       myproject.local
127.0.0.1       api.myproject.local

Step 4: Save and quit

• Press Ctrl + O to save
• Press Enter to confirm
• Press Ctrl + X to quit nano

Step 5: Flush DNS cache (crucial)

This step is often forgotten. Without it, your changes may not take effect.

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Common problems with Terminal

"Permission denied"

Cause: You forgot sudo before the command.

Solution: Use sudo nano /etc/hosts.

Changes not taking effect

Cause: DNS cache wasn't flushed.

Solution: Always run the DNS flush command.

Syntax error

Cause: Incorrect entry format.

Solution: Follow the format IP[TAB or SPACES]domain.

Unreadable file with many entries

Cause: With dozens of entries, finding a specific line becomes tedious.

Solution: Use comments to organize, or switch to a GUI solution.

GUI method: graphical interface

For those who prefer to avoid the terminal or manage many entries, a GUI significantly simplifies the workflow.

Advantages over terminal

• No commands to memorize
• Automatic IP address validation
• Instant search through entries
• Visual organization (drag & drop)
• Enable/disable entries without deleting them
• Automatic backup before each modification
• Built-in one-click DNS flush

How it works with Locahl

1. Launch the app - The interface displays all your current hosts entries 2. Add an entry - Fill in the IP, domain, and optionally a comment 3. Validate - The app checks the syntax and applies the change 4. Flush DNS - A button lets you clear the cache instantly

Advanced features

Environment management Create groups of entries (Dev, Staging, Production) and switch between them with one click.

JSON Import/Export Share your configurations with your team.

History and backups Each modification automatically creates a backup.

Comparison: Terminal vs GUI

| Criteria | Terminal (nano) | GUI (Locahl) | |----------|-----------------|--------------| | Learning curve | Medium | Low | | Managing 50+ entries | Difficult | Easy | | Syntax validation | Manual | Automatic | | DNS Flush | Separate command | Built-in | | Backups | Manual | Automatic | | Cost | Free | €9.99 (one-time) |

Verify that your changes work

After modifying the hosts file and flushing DNS cache:

Test with ping

ping myproject.local

Expected result:

PING myproject.local (127.0.0.1): 56 data bytes
64 bytes from 127.0.0.1: icmp_seq=0 ttl=64 time=0.042 ms

Test in browser

Open http://myproject.local in your browser.

Advanced troubleshooting

The .local domain is slow on Mac

macOS uses Bonjour (mDNS) for .local domains, which can create delays.

Solution: Use .test or .localhost instead of .local.

The browser ignores the hosts file

Some browsers have their own DNS cache.

Solution:

• Chrome: chrome://net-internals/#dns then "Clear host cache"
• Firefox: about:networking#dns then "Clear DNS Cache"

Conclusion

Editing the hosts file on Mac is an essential skill for any developer. The Terminal method remains viable for one-off changes, but for daily management, a graphical interface like Locahl saves precious time and avoids errors.

Whatever method you choose, never forget: use sudo, check the syntax, and flush DNS cache.

To deepen your knowledge, check our complete guide to the hosts file or learn how to block ads with the hosts file.