---
title: Install the missing ext-intl PHP extension in MacOS
url: https://calvin.my/posts/install-the-missing-ext-intl-php-extension-in-macos
published: 2025-11-12
updated: 2026-09-13
category: Development
tags:
- MacOS
- Homebrew
- PHP
summary: 'Homebrew disabled PHP’s intl extension in its PHP formulas, which can break applications that rely on internationalization support after an update. The post outlines two remedies: use a different PHP distribution or compile PHP manually, or install Homebrew’s separate intl extension package alongside PHP. This change means macOS developers may need to explicitly add the extension when upgrading or configuring PHP environments.'
---

# Install the missing ext-intl PHP extension in MacOS

## The problem

Recently, Homebrew made a [decision](https://github.com/Homebrew/homebrew-core/commit/c68a67fc69fb95aee5c2d8ee30303a185d1848bc) to disable the intl extension in the PHP formulae. After updating the PHP via Homebrew, your app might run into a problem if it depends on this extension.

```bash
xxx/yyy a.b.c requires ext-intl * -> it is missing from your system. Install or enable PHP's intl extension.
```

* * *

## The fix

Option 1: Use another vendor (E.g., Laravel Herd) or [compile](https://www.php.net/manual/en/install.macosx.compile.php) it directly.

Option 2: Homebrew now supplies the intl extension via the php-intl formulae. You can install this on top of the PHP formulae.

```bash
brew install php-intl
```