Is the App Store not working properly on your Mac? Bother not, you are not alone! Whether it’s not loading, stuck on a blank screen, or refusing to download apps, this extensive guide has got you covered. In this in-depth article, I’ve put together 15 proven solutions to help you get the Mac App Store back on track. That said, let’s get started!
Fix App Store Not Working on Mac
The App Store’s malfunction stems from several common issues. A poor or unstable internet connection is one of the primary causes, as the App Store relies on a steady connection to fetch app data and updates.
Another reason could be account-related problems, such as being signed out of your Apple ID or issues with your Apple account. Sometimes, software glitches or corrupted cache files can prevent the App Store from functioning correctly, and outdated macOS versions may also lead to compatibility issues.
Additionally, system configurations, such as incorrect date and time settings or network preferences like DNS configurations, can block the App Store’s connection to Apple’s servers. Understanding these potential causes can help troubleshoot the issue effectively.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
It’s no secret that the Mac App Store needs a stable connection to fetch data from Apple servers
- So, make sure to test by loading a website in a browser to confirm connectivity.
- If the connection is weak or unstable, try restarting your Wi-Fi router or switching networks. Should the issue still persist, forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it.
Force Quit and Relaunch the App Store
Note that your App Store may freeze or become unresponsive due to a temporary glitch
- To fix this, you can force quit the app and relaunch it.
- Click the Apple menu and choose Force Quit, or press Command + Option + Esc.
- In the list, select App Store and click Force Quit.
- Then reopen the App Store from Launchpad or Spotlight and see if it works properly.
3. Restart Your Mac
It’s also important to point out that a simple restart can fix temporary glitches that might be affecting the App Store
- To get it done, click the Apple menu and choose “Restart”.
- After the reboot, launch the App Store again.
2. Sign Out and Sign Back Into the App Store
Account authentication glitches can block the App Store from functioning properly
- Open the App Store, click your name in the lower-left corner, and choose “Sign Out”.
- Sign in again with your Apple ID and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Set Date and Time to Automatic
Incorrect system time can cause SSL errors with Apple’s secure servers
- On your macOS device, fire up the System Settings app > General > Date & Time and enable “Set time and date automatically.”
- Relaunch the App Store after applying the setting.
5. Delete App Store Cache Files
Bear in mind that the corrupted cache can prevent the App Store from loading content properly
- To do so, open Finder > click on the Go menu at the top > Go to Folder in the drop-down menu.
- Then, enter
~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstore. - Delete the folder contents and reopen the App Store.
6. Update macOS
Running an outdated macOS version may lead to compatibility issues with the App Store
- On your PC, navigate to the System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
- Recheck the App Store once your Mac is up to date.
7. Check Apple’s System Status Page
Apple’s servers may be temporarily down, causing App Store access problems
- Visit Apple’s System Status and check if the App Store service is available.
- If it’s down, wait for Apple to resolve the issue.
8. Disable VPN or Proxy
VPNs or proxies can interfere with Apple’s secure network requests
- Head into the System Settings app on your macOS device > Network and disable any VPN or proxy configurations.
- Relaunch the App Store to test connectivity.
10. Clear DNS Cache
A stale or corrupted DNS cache can prevent proper communication with App Store servers
- First off, launch Terminal and enter the command:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder - Enter your admin password and relaunch the App Store.
11. Change DNS Server
Your current DNS server might be failing to resolve Apple’s domains
- Open the System Settings app on your device > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > DNS.
- Add Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), then test the App Store again.
12. Check Parental Controls & Screen Time
Keep in mind that restrictions set in Screen Time may block App Store access
- On your Mac, launch the System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy.
- Now, ensure the App Store is allowed.
- Disable restrictions if necessary and try again.
13. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode disables third-party extensions and clears some system caches
- To begin with, restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately until the login screen appears.
- Try launching the App Store in Safe Mode to see if it works.
14. Create a New User Account
It’s also important to point out that your current macOS user account may have corrupted preferences affecting the App Store
- On your macOS device, head over to System Settings > Users & Groups > Add User.
- Log in to the new account and check if the App Store works there.
15. Erase Your Mac and Set It Up Again (via System Settings)
If none of the above solutions fix the issue, resetting your Mac and setting it up as new can help eliminate persistent software problems. This method is safe and recommended for Apple Silicon Macs and Intel Macs with T2 chips.
- First and foremost, make sure to back up your important data using Time Machine or external storage.
- Then go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
- Click Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your admin password when prompted and follow the on-screen steps to erase the Mac.
- Your Mac will restart and walk you through the setup process.
- After that, follow the official process to set up your Mac as new (without restoring a backup) and check if the App Store works properly before reinstalling apps or data.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! When the Mac App Store stops working, it can disrupt your productivity and app updates. Thankfully, most issues stem from minor software glitches or misconfigurations that are easy to fix using the steps above. From network adjustments to resetting system caches, these 15 solutions cover all the bases.
