Check the color for the variety you have; ripe mangoes are not always fully yellow or red
Gently squeeze the mango; it should give slightly without feeling mushy
Smell the stem end; a ripe mango often has a sweet, fruity aroma
Look for a fuller shape and slight plumpness
Check for wrinkles near the stem; slight wrinkling can indicate ripeness
Avoid mangoes that are rock hard if you want to eat them soon
Avoid mangoes with large soft spots, mold, or a fermented smell
Let firm mangoes ripen at room temperature until they soften and smell sweet