How to Fix the "App is Damaged and Can't Be Opened" Error on macOS

If you encounter the error message saying an app is "damaged and can't be opened," macOS may be blocking the app due to an issue with its extended attributes. This can often happen with applications downloaded outside the Mac App Store.

How to Fix the App is Damaged and Can't Be Opened Error on macOS

Here’s how you can fix it:

Steps to Resolve:

1. Open Terminal:

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

2. Run the Following Command:

xattr -c /Applications/XGetter.app

Replace /Applications/XGetter.app with the path to the app if it’s not in the /Applications folder.

How to Fix the App is Damaged and Can't Be Opened Error on macOS

3. Explanation of the Command:

- The xattr command manages extended attributes of files.

- The -c option clears all extended attributes, which often include flags that prevent apps from running.

4. Try Opening the App Again:

After running the command, double-click the app to check if it opens properly.

Additional Notes:

- If the issue persists, ensure the app was downloaded from a trusted source (https://xgetter.com).
A truly corrupted or malicious file should not be run.

- To bypass security warnings for legitimate unsigned apps, you can also right-click the app, select Open, and confirm when prompted.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected]