How to use Docker without Docker for Desktop on Mac

Docker for Desktop now requires a license for non personal use. Here’s my workaround:

The answer: Minikube + Hyperkit

Let’s begin:

brew install docker hyperkit minikube docker-compose kubectl

Next we’ll start Minikube:

minikube start

And finally we need to tell Docker to talk to Minikube:

eval $(minikube docker-env)

Finally, let’s run a quick test

docker run hello-world

Finishing Touches:

echo $(minikube ip) docker.local | sudo tee -a /etc/hosts > /dev/null
echo 'eval $(minikube docker-env)' > ~/.zshrc && source ~/.zshrc

Now we’re up and running – Have fun!

We can now ping docker.local thanks to the /etc/hosts entry

…and remember to start minikube when you reboot.

If you see this, you probably forgot to start minikube