Check current setup

which -a python3

python3 --version

You'll probably find /usr/local/bin/python3 (3.9) ahead of /usr/bin/python3 (3.13).

Option 1: Use the system Python directly

/usr/bin/python3 --version

Option 2: Fix PATH so 3.13 is default

Edit ~/.zshrc (or ~/.bashrc) and add:

export PATH="/usr/bin:$PATH"

Then restart your shell.

Now python3 points to macOS's default (3.13).

Option 3: Use pyenv to manage multiple versions

If you need both 3.9 and 3.13:

brew install pyenv

pyenv install 3.9

pyenv install 3.13

pyenv global 3.13 # default everywhere

pyenv local 3.9 # per-project

✅ TL;DR: Don't remove or tamper with system Python.

To get back to 3.13 → repair your PATH.

To toggle between versions easily → use pyenv.