How to Fix App Store Not Working on Mac? (Won’t Open/Load/Update/Connect)

The App Store is an online digital distribution platform developed and maintained by Apple Inc. It allows users to download and purchase applications, as well as download updates for previously purchased software.

Many Mac users have reported that their App Store is not working properly. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from the App Store not loading or opening, to updates not installing properly. This can be a frustrating issue as it can prevent users from downloading and using new apps or updating existing ones.

  • Unable to connect to App Store
  • Unable to download or update apps
  • App Store showing “An error occurred” message
  • App Store not responding and loading
  • App Store not showing the correct information
  • Unable to search for specific apps
  • App Store login not working
  • App Store taking too long to load
  • App Store not displaying correctly

Why Is My App Store Not Working on My Mac?

There could be several causes for your App Store not working on your Mac. The most common causes include a poor internet connection, an outdated version of macOS, or a problem with your Apple ID or account. You may also need to disable any firewalls or antivirus software that could be blocking access to the App Store. If none of those steps work, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

1. Outdated Operating System: If your version of MacOS is out of date, it can cause the App Store to stop working.

2. Corrupt System Files: A corrupt system file could cause the App Store to stop working.

3. Internet Issues: Poor internet connection can cause the App Store to fail to load.

4. Incompatible Applications: Having incompatible applications running in the background can cause the App Store to stop working.

5. Server Issues: If the App Store servers are down or experiencing technical issues, it can prevent the App Store from working.

6. Security Software: Security software, like firewalls or antivirus programs, can prevent the App Store from working properly.

How to Fix App Store Not Working?

The App Store on Mac may not be working properly due to a variety of reasons. It may not open, load, or update. This can be frustrating for users who rely on the App Store for their applications. There are a few different solutions that can be used to help troubleshoot the issue and get the App Store back up and running.

Make Sure Mac App Store Is Not Restricted

The first step you should take when trying to fix the issue is to make sure the Mac App Store is not restricted.
Step 1. Open System Preferences, then select ‘Security & Privacy’.

Step 2. Click on the ‘Privacy’ tab, then select ‘App Store’. If the box is checked, this means that the App Store has been restricted. To fix this, uncheck the box and save your changes.

Force Quit the App Store and Relaunch It

Force Quit is a feature built into the macOS operating system that allows you to terminate an application that is not responding or is frozen. If your App Store is not working on your Mac, the most effective way to fix it is to force quit the App Store and relaunch it. This will restart the application and allow it to function properly. When an application is force quit, all unsaved data associated with the application is lost.

1. Open the Apple menu.

2. Select Force Quit.

3. Select the App Store from the list of applications that appears.

4. Click Force Quit.

5. Launch the App Store again from the Apple menu.

Check Your Internet Connection

If your App Store is not working on your Mac, it could be due to an internet connection issue. To resolve this, you should check your internet connection to make sure it is working properly.

1. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

The first step is to check your Wi-Fi connection. If you have an active Wi-Fi connection, it should appear in the network settings of your Mac. You can open the network settings by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and then clicking on “Open Network Preferences…”

In the network settings window, make sure that your Wi-Fi connection is connected and that you have a strong signal. If your Wi-Fi connection is not connected, try reconnecting it.

2. Check Your Router and Modem

If your Wi-Fi connection is connected, but you are still having trouble connecting to the App Store, the next step is to check your router and modem. Make sure that your router and modem are turned on and that all the cables are securely connected.

If you have a modem/router combo, you can reset it by pressing the reset button on the back of the device. If you have a separate router and modem, you can reset them individually.

3. Check Your Firewall Settings

If your router and modem are working correctly, the next step is to check your firewall settings. Firewalls can block certain types of connections, which can prevent the App Store from working. To check your firewall settings, open the System Preferences, click on the “Security & Privacy” option, and then click on the “Firewall” tab.

Make sure that your firewall is turned on, and then make sure that the App Store is listed under “Allow applications downloaded from:”. If the App Store is not listed here, click on the “+” button and add it to the list.

4. Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If you have tried all of the steps above and you are still having trouble connecting to the App Store, the next step is to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your ISP should be able to help you troubleshoot any connection problems that you are having.

Outdated Mac OS:

The Mac App Store may not be working due to a bug or incompatibility in the operating system. To check for system updates, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen, then select ‘Software Update’. If there are any updates available, install them and restart your Mac.

Corrupt App Store Cache:

If you’re having trouble with the Mac App Store, the first step is to reset the cache. This may help resolve issues such as slow loading, not loading, or crashing.
1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
2. Enter the following command and press Return:
sudo rm -fr ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstore
3. Enter your Mac’s administrator password and press Return.
4. Quit the Terminal app.
5. Open the App Store app.

Your App Store should now be working properly. If not, try restarting your Mac and then launching the App Store again.

Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In

The App Store not working on your Mac can be due to several reasons. One of the common causes of this issue is a broken connection between your Mac and Apple ID. By signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in, you can reset the connection and get the App Store working again.

1. Launch the App Store on your Mac and click on the Store menu at the top of the window.

2. Select Sign Out from the drop-down menu.

3. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted and click Sign Out.

4. Once you have signed out, click on the Store menu again and select Sign In.

5. Enter your Apple ID credentials again and click Sign In.

6. The App Store should now be working properly.

Incorrect date and time settings

If you are having trouble with the App Store not working on your Mac, it is likely due to incorrect date and time settings. This can be easily fixed by making sure the date and time are correctly set. In this article, we will provide some steps to help you fix the App Store not working issue on your Mac.

1. Open System Preferences on your Mac.

2. Select the Date & Time option.

3. Make sure the date and time are set correctly.

4. Select the Apple Menu and select Log Out.

5. Log back in with your Apple ID and password.

6. Open the App Store and try to use it.

Reset the App Store:

Reset the App Store: This step should be used as a last resort. Resetting the App Store will delete all your downloaded apps and account information. To reset the App Store, open the Terminal app and run the following command:

defaults delete com.apple.appstore

In Conclusion

It can be very frustrating when the App Store stops working on your Mac. The App Store is an important part of macOS and helps you download apps, keep them up to date, and manage your account information. If the App Store isn’t working on your Mac, there are a few steps you can take to try and fix it.

FAQ related to App Store Now Working on Mac

Why is my App Store Not Connecting on Mac?

There are several possible causes for why your App Store may not be connecting on Mac. Some of the most common causes include having an out of date or incompatible version of macOS, having a slow or unreliable internet connection, having an outdated version of the App Store app, or having a corrupt macOS profile. If none of these seem to be the cause, try restarting your Mac and checking for any pending software updates.

Can I uninstall and reinstall App Store?

No, you cannot uninstall and reinstall the App Store. The App Store is a core component of the iOS operating system. If you want to reset the App Store, you can do so by going to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID and signing out, then signing back in.

Why was my App Store disabled?

There are a few possible reasons why your App Store may be disabled. It could be due to a software issue, a network problem, or restrictions set by your device administrator. It is also possible that your account has been disabled due to a violation of the App Store's terms and conditions.

Why can't I find the App Store on my Mac?

The App Store should be visible in your Mac's dock. If it is not, you can open the App Store by going to your Applications folder and double-clicking on the App Store icon. If the App Store icon is not in your Applications folder, you can try searching for it using the Spotlight search feature (Command+Spacebar). If you still can't find the App Store, try restarting your Mac and checking again.

Why is my Mac App Store not downloading?

There are several possible reasons why your Mac App Store may not be downloading. These include poor internet connection, a corrupted cache, or a problem with your Apple ID. You can try resetting your Mac's network settings, clearing the App Store cache, or signing out and back in to your Apple ID.