Ollama Metal Compiler Failed on Apple M5 with macOS 26.3.1

What this error means

Apple M5 + macOS 26.3.1: 500 Internal Server Error, Metal compiler failed to build request even with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0 is a Ollama failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix ollama metal compiler failure on apple m5 mac. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

GitHub issue reporting 500 Internal Server Error with Metal compiler failure on Apple M5 + macOS 26.3.1. Affects all model execution, not GPU-specific (persists with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0).

Common causes

• Apple M5 chip users running macOS 26.3.1 cannot run any models in Ollama due to Metal backend compiler failures. Even with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0 (CPU-only mode), the error persists. This is a hardware-specific issue affecting the latest Apple silicon with a clear error signature. The issue has 24+ comments.
• GitHub issue reporting 500 Internal Server Error with Metal compiler failure on Apple M5 + macOS 26.3.1. Affects all model execution, not GPU-specific (persists with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0).

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches Apple M5 + macOS 26.3.1: 500 Internal Server Error, Metal compiler failed to build request even with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0.
2. Check the Ollama account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/15448

Evidence note: GitHub issue reporting 500 Internal Server Error with Metal compiler failure on Apple M5 + macOS 26.3.1. Affects all model execution, not GPU-specific (persists with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0).

Related errors

• Ollama Apple Silicon Metal error
• Ollama macOS compatibility issue
• Ollama OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0 not working

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact Apple M5 + macOS 26.3.1: 500 Internal Server Error, Metal compiler failed to build request even with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0 text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Ollama workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without Apple M5 + macOS 26.3.1: 500 Internal Server Error, Metal compiler failed to build request even with OLLAMA_NUM_GPU=0.