Why does macOS say the app is “damaged”?
macOS Gatekeeper adds a “quarantine” flag to apps downloaded outside the App Store. When an app is modified (as cracked or patched apps are), that flag makes macOS show “App is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Bin.” The app isn’t actually broken — you just need to clear the quarantine flag.
The fix (one Terminal command)
- Move the app into your /Applications folder first.
- Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal, or Spotlight ⌘+Space → “Terminal”).
- Run the command below. Replace the name with your app, or type “sudo xattr -cr ” (with a trailing space) and drag the app onto the Terminal window.
- Enter your Mac password when asked (it stays hidden) and press Return.
- Reopen the app — it launches normally.
Getting “App is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Bin”? macOS quarantines apps installed outside the App Store. Open Terminal and run the command below (replace the path with your app, or just drag the app onto the Terminal window after typing the command):
sudo xattr -cr "/Applications/AppName.app"
Enter your Mac password when prompted (it stays hidden), then press Return. Reopen the app — it will launch normally.
Still blocked? Allow apps from anywhere
If macOS still refuses to open the app after the command above, re-enable the “Anywhere” download source with this command, then try again:
sudo spctl --master-disable
On macOS 15 Sequoia and newer this command only unlocks the setting — afterwards open System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll to Security, and choose “Anywhere” from the list.
Note: only install software from sources you trust. Clearing quarantine bypasses a macOS safety check, so make sure you know what you are running.