Mac App Store Issues? Here Are 9 Fixes

If the App Store isn't working on your Mac, you can try these fixes: Force quit the App Store, turn off any VPNs, restart your Mac, use Safe Boot mode, update macOS, sign out and sign back in, check your Apple ID, and reset the default keychains. Sometimes, Apple's Mac App Store servers might be down.

Some apps are only available on Apple's App Store, which can be frustrating when the App Store isn't working. 

A Guide to Forcing the Mac App Store to Quit

Sometimes, quitting an app doesn't work. macOS waits for the app to finish tasks, like saving a document, before quitting. If the App Store app crashes, it might never close.

Right-click the Mac App Store icon in your dock and hold the “Option” key. “Quit” will change to “Force Quit,” allowing you to close the app immediately. You can also use Activity Monitor to force quit apps that aren't working.

After the app closes (you won't see a dot next to its dock icon, and it will be gone from the processes list in Activity Monitor), try opening it again. If it was a minor crash, the Mac App Store should work.

Turn Off Your VPN

A VPN sends your traffic through an encrypted “tunnel” to hide your browsing activity from your ISP and conceal your IP address. Sometimes, a VPN can cause issues. If the Mac App Store has connectivity problems, try turning off your VPN.

Some VPN clients let you exclude certain apps from encryption. This depends on the VPN service and client you use on your Mac. If turning off your VPN solves the problem, you might want to try it again in the future.

Rebooting Your Mac: A Quick Guide

Restarting your computer can fix many problems, including issues with the Mac App Store. Background processes may stop working or become unresponsive, causing trouble for apps or services. Restarting macOS resets these processes, so it's worth trying.

Try a Safe Boot Instead

Restarting your Mac in Safe Mode makes macOS scan for and possibly fix problems. It also stops software like startup items from running. It may take longer than a normal boot, but it's helpful if you're facing issues that won't go away.

The steps to start your Mac in Safe Mode vary by model. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner.

• Go to Apple menu > Shut Down to turn off your Mac.
• When it's off, hold the power button (Touch ID) until “Loading startup options” shows.
• Choose your startup volume, then hold the Shift key.
• Click “Continue in Safe Mode.”

If you have an Intel-based Mac (produced in 2020 or earlier):

• Go to Apple menu > Shut Down to turn off your Mac.
• When it's off, press the power button (Touch ID) and immediately hold the Shift key.
• Log in as usual (you might need to do this twice).

To check if you're in Safe Mode, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner. Hold the “Option” key and choose “System Information.” In the sidebar, click on “Software” and look for “Safe” next to “Boot Mode.” If it says “Normal,” you're still in standard mode and need to try again.

How to Update Your macOS to the Latest Version

Updating your Mac software can resolve various issues with the App Store and other macOS features. (Sometimes, updates may cause new problems.) On macOS 13 Ventura, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. For older macOS versions, go to System Preferences > Software Update.

Sign Out, then Sign Back In

Sometimes the issue is with your account, not the app. Open the Mac App Store and click on “Store” at the top. Select “Sign Out” at the bottom of the list. Then, choose “Sign In” to log in again.

App Not Updating? Ensure Your Apple ID is Correct

You can sign into someone else's Apple ID via Store > Sign Out/Sign In, download their purchased app, and then sign back into your own account. While this seems like a good way to share apps, it creates issues for updating. The Mac App Store will keep asking for the other person's password to update the app.

Many commenters, along with the original poster, confirm that this solution worked. However, it is a drastic measure as it will erase all stored passwords, requiring you to log in again across the system.

A Reddit user reports several issues: Touch ID fingerprints and saved passwords are gone, the Messages app is disrupted, Text Message Forwarding is disabled on a linked iPhone, Handoff is turned off, Safari extensions are removed, and contacts show as “Unknown” in FaceTime.

Alternative Methods for Software Installation

You can install and update apps on your Mac in many ways, not just through the Mac App Store. Some apps are available on the App Store and directly from the developer. Others can be installed using services like Homebrew.