Upgrade Node.js Version on Mac

Recommended: Use nvm (Node Version Manager)

Step 1: Install nvm

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash

Then restart your terminal or run:
source ~/.nvm/nvm.sh

Step 2: Install Latest Node.js

nvm install node

To install a specific version:
nvm install 20.12.2

Step 3: Set Default Node Version

nvm use node
nvm alias default node

Alternative: Use Homebrew

Step 1: Upgrade Node via Homebrew

brew update
brew upgrade node

Step 2: Check Node Version

node -v

Note: Homebrew installs Node globally. Managing multiple versions is harder compared to nvm.

Optional: Cleanup Old Global Installations

If you previously installed Node without nvm and want to clean it up:
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/lib/node_modules/npm

Also Read:

Node JS Multer

Tip

For development workflows, nvm is highly recommended — it allows you to switch Node versions easily per project and avoid permission issues.