This guide will show you how to install Packet Tracer on a Mac. We will cover both the installation and activation steps.
Download & Installation
Begin by downloading Packet Tracer using the link below. For security reasons, you will need to sign in with your MyUTampa account to download the installer:
Once the download is complete, open the folder containing the installation DMG file you just downloaded. The file will be called "PacketTracer800_Build212_mac.dmg". By default, the download will usually end up in your Downloads folder.
Once you open up the DMG file downloaded, the disk image will be mounted and a new window will open containing the installer. Double click the installation file, and if presented with a warning that the file was downloaded from the Internet, click on the Open option.
Once the installer opens, accept the license agreements and proceed through the installation prompts until you're given a confirmation message that Packet Tracer was successfully installed. Click Done once the installation is complete.
First-Time Run & Activation
Packet Tracer is available to students using Cisco NetAcad for free. You may already have a NetAcad account that one of your professors had you create.
If you do not have an existing Cisco NetAcad account, you can sign up for free at https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer. Once you get your account created, please ensure that you were enrolled in the free course called Introduction to Packet Tracer. If you use the link above to create your account, it should automatically enroll you when you create your account.
Once you're account has been created, we will proceed to open and activate Packet Tracer. In order to launch Packet Tracer, use the Spotlight search icon at the top right of your screen and search for Packet Tracer. Alternatively, you can open the Finder, and open the Applications folder on the left side. From there, you will find Packet Tracer in the list of applications.
Once Packet Tracer launches, you'll be presented with a login screen. Sign in with the NetAcad account you just created or the one provided by your professor. You should only be prompted to login the first time you launch Packet Tracer.
Packet Tracer is now all set up and ready to go. If you have any issues installing Packet Tracer or have any other questions, please contact us via email.