How to set my default shell on Mac?

Question

I do not like to retype fish every time I start terminal. I want fish on by default. How can I set fish shell as my default shell on a Mac?

Answer 1

1. sudo nano /etc/shells

2. add /usr/local/bin/fish to your list of shells

3. chsh -s /usr/local/bin/fish

Answer 2

This work for me on fresh install of mac osx (sierra):

1. Define current user as owner of shells

sudo chown $(whoami) /etc/shells

2. Add Fish to /etc/shells

sudo echo /usr/local/bin/fish >> /etc/shells

3. Make Fish your default shell with chsh

chsh -s /usr/local/bin/fish

4. Redefine root as owner of shells

sudo chown root /etc/shells

Answer 3

Terminal.app > Preferences > General > Shells open with: > /bin/fish

1. Open your terminal and press command+, (comma). This will open a preferences window.
2. The first tab is 'General'.
3. Find 'Shells open with' setting and choose 2nd option which needs complete path to the shell.
4. Paste the link to your fish command, which generally is /usr/local/bin/fish.

See this screenshot where zsh is being set as default.

I am using macOS Sierra. Also works in macOS Mojave.

Answer 4

In case you are having troubles with the other ways, worked on mac Mojave but should generally work.

which fish

add the output path to "System Preferences > Users & Groups > right click user, Advanced Options" Paste the result from which into "Login shell:"