Check the color for the variety; ripe mangos are often yellow, orange, red, or a mix, but color alone is not reliable
Gently squeeze the mango; it should yield slightly to pressure without feeling mushy
Smell the stem end; a ripe mango usually has a sweet, fruity aroma there
Look for a slight wrinkle near the stem; this can indicate ripeness in some varieties
Feel the weight; a ripe mango should feel heavy for its size
Avoid mangos with very hard flesh, which are usually unripe
Avoid mangos with large soft spots, leakage, or a fermented smell, which can indicate overripeness
Let firm mangos ripen at room temperature if needed