Fix the Local By Flywheel Error on Mac When Trying To Update the Hosts File

Are you trying to use Local By Flywheel on a Mac M2 or M3 and you get the below error when creating a local site?

“Uh-oh! Could not update hosts file. Local ran into a problem when trying to update the hosts file. Please ensure that the hosts file is not locked by anti-virus.”

Well, I’ve done the homework for you and have the solution.

No, it’s not your antivirus.

And please DO NOT open up your hosts file to the world.

Here’s the fix.

First, close Local.

Second, run this command in the terminal:

softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license

Apple says, “Rosetta 2 enables a Mac with Apple silicon to use apps built for a Mac with an Intel processor.”

Finally, relaunch Local.

Voila, you are able to create a site again.