diff --git a/ground/openpilotgcs/src/python.pri b/ground/openpilotgcs/src/python.pri
index a101bfb75..97c66d5cc 100644
--- a/ground/openpilotgcs/src/python.pri
+++ b/ground/openpilotgcs/src/python.pri
@@ -15,7 +15,8 @@ OPENPILOT_TOOLS_DIR = $$(OPENPILOT_TOOLS_DIR)
         PYTHON = \"$$ROOT_DIR/tools/$$PYTHON_DIR/python\"
     } else {
         # not found, hope it's in the path...
-        PYTHON = \"$$(PYTHON)\"
+           !macx: { PYTHON = \"$$(PYTHON)\" }
+           macx: { PYTHON = \"python\"}
     }
 }