Install Android on Mac with Parallels

If you want to run two or more OS on the same machine, a virtual machine software is what you need. In an earlier post, we discussed how Mac users can run Windows 10 on their Mac with Parallels. Parallels desktop for Mac is currently the fastest, easiest, and most powerful application for running Windows on Mac. Beyond Windows, Parallels is also capable of running a number of alternative operating systems including Chrome, Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, Debian GNU, Mint, and even Android. You can find more features of this virtual machine software for Mac here.

Today, we will walk you through the quick steps to run Android on your Mac with Parallels.

How to install Android on Mac with Parallels?

Install the PD on your Mac. Run it from the Launchpad on your Mac, The Installation Assistant opens. You will be given various options for installing virtual machines. In this case, we are going to setup Android OS on Mac, so browse to more system in the Free Systems at the lower section. Select Download Android, then click the Continue button. 

download, install Android on Mac with Parallels Desktop
download, install Android on Mac with Parallels Desktop

You will be presented with some info about the Android build that comes with the Parallels Desktop on your Mac, such as Android version, package size,  limitations, etc.

download, install Android 7 on Mac with Parallels Desktop 14
download, install Android 7 on Mac with Parallels Desktop 14

If you are fine with those limitations, click the Download button and wait for PD to download the Android OS installer package. And Parallels will configure Android on your Mac automatically without the need to touch any settings during the setup process. Once the Android was installed, Parallels will open the Android in its own window. Just click inside the window to explore the Android OS on Mac. Press the Control and Alt/option keys on your keyboard to free your cursor and keyboard for use in Mac OS.