Hi, I have been Signal on my Mac for a couple years, no problem. But a week or so ago it required an update. Since then, I keep trying to download Signal but every time I do, when I go to open it I get the same message:”Signal is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.” It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I delete all Signal files & download fresh from Signal’s site. Any suggestions?
— A Question from the Apple Support Community
On technical forums or help sites, you might run into many threads with titles like, “File is damaged and cannot be opened Mac fix.” Often encountered after a macOS update, this error can block access to certain applicationsor important files.
If you’re dealing with this Mac issue, don’t worry as we have got you covered. In this full guide, we’ll briefly explain why this error happens and share 6 solutions to get your files or apps running again.
What Causes File Is Damaged and Can’t Be Opened Error on Mac?
There are several reasons behind the “App/File Is damaged and can’t be opened Mac” error, most of which are related to security or compatibility issues. Let’s take a closer look:
- The app is not signed with a valid Apple Developer ID, or the signature is damaged.
- The file or app you are trying to open may contain malware.
- Your file is corrupted due to issues such as incomplete downloads, disk errors, or system crashes.
- The app is not updated or optimized for newer versions of macOS (e.g., macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura).
6 Proven Ways to Fix File Is Damaged and Can’t Be Opened Error on Mac
Way 1: Remove the Quarantine Attribute
When you download an application or file from an external source (not from the official App Store), macOS adds a special tag to it called the ‘com.apple.Quarantine’ attribute. For security reasons, macOS blocks it from running and shows the warning message, ‘File is damaged and can’t be opened.’
Essentially, it’s a valuable feature to help prevent Mac users from unknowingly opening unsafe applications. Here’s how to delete this attribute with the help of Terminal:
Step 1: Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Spacebar, write “Terminal” and open it from the results.
Step 2: Once launched, input “xattr -l /path/to/application.app” and hit Enter. This command will display all attributes associated with the problematic application.
Step 3: If you see com.apple.quarantine listed, type “sudo xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/application.app” and press Enter. You should now be able to open the affected app without any security restrictions.
Note: Replace /path/to/application.app with the location of the problematic app. Or, you can drag and drop the app into Terminal to automatically fill in its path.
Way 2: Repair Corrupted Files
Sometimes, the file you downloaded might be corrupted, and the above-mentioned Terminal commands won’t be able to help with that. In such situations, a viable option is to use dedicated file repair software. One such tool is 4DDiG File Repair, which excels at repairing a wide range of corrupted files, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, apps, and more.
Whether your files were corrupted due to system crashes, accidental shutdowns, or malware, 4DDiG File Repair steps in to recover them without causing further damage. Thanks to its user-friendly interface and clear instructions, this tool doesn’t require any technical knowledge to operate.
Following are steps on how to use it to fix “App/file is damaged and cannot be opened” error on Mac:
Step 1: Start by downloading the 4DDiG File Repair tool onto your Mac. Open the app after installation. In the left panel, select the “Corrupted File Repair” option. Then, choose the appropriate repair tool based on your needs (in my case, it’s the Video Repair tool).
Step 2: Click on “Add Files” to upload your damaged files. Afterward, click “Repair All” at the bottom right to begin the repair process.
Step 3: Once the repair is complete, 4DDiG File Repair allows you to preview the repaired files to ensure their integrity. If you’re satisfied with the results, click “Save” to export them to a secure place on your Mac.
Way 3: Turn Off Gatekeeper Temporary
One potential fix for the “File is damaged and cannot be opened Mac” error is to bypass the Gatekeeper feature. Gatekeeper helps protect your Mac from viruses by verifying the developer’s identity before allowing the app to open. Rememeber, this solution is not recommended unless you are sure the app is safe. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Terminal as described in Step 1 of Method 1.
Step 2: Once launched, input the “sudo spctl –master-disable” command and hit Enter. After that, enter your password if required.
Step 3: If the problem no longer present, type the “sudo spctl –master-enable” command in Terminal to re-enable Gatekeeper.
Way 4: Use the Open Anyway Option
Apple used to offer an easy way to bypass the security prompt with the “Open Anyway” option. However, starting with macOS Ventura, they tightened security and removed this option from the “Security & Privacy” settings.
If you’re still using macOS Big Sur or earlier versions, follow these steps to allow the problematic app to run:
Step 1: Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
Step 2: Go to “Security & Privacy” in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click the yellow lock on the bottom, and enter your password. Tap “Open Anyway.”
On the other hand, if you’re seeing the “file is damaged and cannot be opened Mac” error on macOS Ventura/Sonoma, here’s what to do:
Step 1: Click on the Apple icon, and the pick “System Settings.”
Step 2: Select “Privacy & Security” followed by clicking on “Developer Tools”.
Step 3: Tap the ( + ) button, and then navigate to the folder where the affected app is located.
Way 5: Update Your macOS
If the “App/File Is damaged and can’t be opened Mac” issue persists, it’s time to updating your operating system. Updates usually include important security patches, bug fixes, and enhanced compatibility for older apps. To check for available updates, on macOS 13/14, navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update. For macOS 12 or earlier versions like Big Sur, go to System Preferences > Software Update. Plus, before updating, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac to ensure you don’t lose any important data.
Way 6: Re-install the Affected App
All else fails? Before you throw in the towel, try re-downloading the affected app, making sure to download it from the developer’s official website or from the App Store this time. Be cautious of third-party websites, as they sometimes bundle apps with unwanted adware or tracking tools. That might explain why you’re greeted with a “damaged” or “unidentified developer” warning while running the app.
Conclusion
Now you should no longer need to search “File is damaged and cannot be opened Mac fix” on Google. We’ve outlined six easy and effective methods to help you resolve this frustrating issue. Malware is more common than ever, so it’s always recommended to be cautious when getting apps or files from unknown sources. If your files are severely damaged and you’re looking for a reliable repair tool, give 4DDiG File Repair a shot.
