Can't install Node below version 15? Here's how.

Requirements

In order to continue with this article please have nvm installed on your device.

Background

If you have an Apple Silicon Device (usually newer MacBooks) you probably saw an error when trying to install Node below version 15 (Like v14.0.0) with nvm. Here's how to get past that error and install node below version 15.

Solution

First you want to install Rosetta. To do this open Terminal and type in the following:

softwareupdate --install-rosetta

Once installed, you will need to go to your Applications folder on your device and find Terminal. If your Mac was setup like mine it will be in a nested folder within applications.

Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal

Once you see the terminal icon, right click on it, click on Get Info and select Open using Rosetta. Then restart your terminal.

Now open terminal back up and run the following command

arch -x86_64 zsh

Your device should now be able to install Node below version 15!

Resources

• Stackoverflow