How to Setup Redis Using Docker Desktop on macOS

Redis is one of the most popular in-memory databases used for caching, real-time analytics, session storage, and message brokering. If you're using macOS, the easiest and cleanest way to run Redis locally is with Docker Desktop.

Today, in this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to:

• Install Docker Desktop on macOS

• Run Redis in a Docker container

• Connect to Redis

• Test your Redis setup

• Stop and restart Redis containers

This tutorial is optimized for beginners, developers, and DevOps engineers looking for a simple Redis local development setup on Mac.

Why Use Redis with Docker on macOS?

Using Docker Desktop to run Redis offers several advantages:

• No manual Redis installation

• Easy cleanup and upgrades

• Isolated environment

• Consistent setup across teams

• Fast local development

Whether you're building Node.js, Python, Java, or Go applications, Dockerized Redis makes development easier.

Install Docker Desktop on macOS

Visit the official Docker website:

Docker Desktop for Mac

Download the correct version for your Mac:

• Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4)

• Intel chip

After downloading:

1. Open the .dmg file

2. Drag Docker into Applications

3. Launch Docker Desktop

4. Wait until Docker starts successfully

Verify Docker installation:

docker --version

Pull the Redis Docker Image

Docker images are templates used to create containers. You can pull the redis docker image using the docker command or Docker Desktop

Run this command:

docker pull redis 

In Docker Desktop

1. Go to Search in Docker Desktop

2. Search for redis

3. In Images, click on Pull

Once the image is pulled you should be able to see the redis image in Images.

Run Redis Container on macOS

Now start Redis using Docker.

Run this command:

docker run --name redis-local -d -p 6379:6379 redis

Command Breakdown

Option	Meaning
--name redis-local	Container name
-d	Run in background
-p 6379:6379	Expose Redis port
redis	Redis image

In Docker Desktop

1. In Images, go to Actions

2. Click on run icon

3. You should get a pop up for Run a new container

4. Add container name as redis_local and port as 6379

5. Finally, click on run button

Verify Redis Container is Running

Run this command:

docker ps

If there are no errors or issues, you should be able to see the redis_local conatiner successfully running.

In Docker Desktop

1. Go to Containers

2. Verify the running redis_local container

Connect to Redis Container

Now connect to the Redis CLI inside Docker.

In Docker Desktop

1. Click on Terminal (A terminal directly with Docker Desktop)

2. Run this command

docker exec -it redis-local redis-cli

If successful, you'll see:

127.0.0.1:6379>

This means Redis is running correctly.

Test Redis Setup on macOS

Now let's test whether Redis works properly.

PING should reply with PONG. You can set a key using SET name_of_the_key "value" and you can get value using GET name_of_the_key

Exit Redis CLI

To exit Redis shell:

exit

Stop Redis Container

Stop Redis when not needed:

docker stop redis-local

Restart Redis Container

Restart the same container:

docker start redis-local

Remove Redis Container

If you want to completely delete Redis:

docker rm -f redis-local

Common Redis Docker Commands

Task	Command
Pull Redis image	docker pull redis
Run Redis	docker run -d -p 6379:6379 redis
View containers	docker ps
Stop Redis	docker stop redis-local
Start Redis	docker start redis-local
Access CLI	docker exec -it redis-local redis-cli
Delete container	docker rm -f redis-local

Setting up Redis using Docker Desktop on macOS is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to start local development.

With just a few Docker commands, you can:

• Run Redis instantly

• Test Redis using CLI

• Persist data with volumes

• Connect applications easily

• Manage Redis containers efficiently

This approach is ideal for developers building scalable applications locally before deploying to production.

If you're working with microservices, APIs, caching layers, or real-time systems, Dockerized Redis is a must-have in your development workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Docker the best way to run Redis on macOS?

Yes. Docker provides the cleanest and easiest setup without modifying macOS system packages.

Does Redis persist data automatically?

Not always. Use Docker volumes for persistence.

Can I run multiple Redis containers?

Yes. Use different ports:

-p 6380:6379
-p 6381:6379

Is Redis free to use?

Yes. Redis Community Edition is open source.

Thank you for reading this article, I really appreciate it. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment.