Apple seems to be having trouble with the security certificate for the Mac App Store this week and, while they've issued a new one, not every Mac seems to have picked it. So, if you're trying to launch an app and all you get is the 'damaged and can't be opened' popup, here's what you need to do.
Note: This also works when a Mac App Store app is reported as being damaged for other reasons.
A huge digital rights management blunder in Apple's Mac App Store on Wednesday, November 11th has rendered some apps unusable. When opening certain apps, the following message could be displayed: 'App Name' is damaged and can't be opened. Delete 'App Name' and download it again from the App. Delete the app preference file. Plist files can become corrupt when a Mac shuts down or restarts unexpectedly or when an app freezes or crashes. As a result, the app may not open. When you delete a bad preference file, the Mac creates a new plist file that contains all the app's defaults automatically.
How to fix a damaged app that won't open on the Mac
Remove Unused Apps. Fix Type: Software. Sometimes a software problem is actually caused by another app that’s incompatible. While most Mac applications are just an app in the Applications folder, they can still place additional files elsewhere. In addition, applications such as Adobe Creative Suite have full installers rather than the more widely used drag and drop or installing from the App. If your teacher uses Teachers.io, you’ll get due dates, the syllabus, files and announcements right in your myHomework app, without having to enter anything!Then, you can use myHomework more for staying organized than for data entry. In the latest release of the iPhone and iPad apps and on myhomeworkapp.com, getting your teacher’s class information into myHomework is extremely easy. MyHomework is the leading digital student planner. With highly rated apps in iOS, Google Play, Mac, Windows, Chromebook, Kindle Fire and a great website experience, it's the perfect choice for students, parents, teachers and schools looking to improve student organization.
- Reboot your Mac.
- Open your Applications folder either by using the Finder or searching in Spotlight.
- Find the damaged app and delete it.
- Enter your Mac user password to authorize deletion, if requested.
- Launch the Mac App Store.
- Make sure you're logged in. (You may need to re-enter your password even if you were previously logged in.)
- Go to the app you just deleted, either in your Purchased tab or by searching for it.
- Click on Install to re-download it.
I only had to re-enter my password to get some apps up and running again. Others I had to delete and re-install. All are working for me again. Hopefully yours are too!
macOS Catalina
Main
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