The Apple macOS Blog

How to Fix Steam Not Opening on Mac: Top Tips

Published: 31st of December, 2024 at 12:30pm (AEST)

Authored by Maria
Maria Garner
Adventurer and Mac specialist

Why Won't Steam Open on My Mac?

If you're having trouble getting Steam to open on your Mac, don't worry! This is a common issue that many Mac users face, but it's usually easy to fix. Let's explore some simple solutions to get you back to gaming in no time.

Understanding the "steam_osx is damaged" Error

Many Mac users see an error message saying "steam_osx is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash." This often happens after updating macOS or when installing Steam for the first time. While the exact cause isn't always clear, it's usually related to:

  • macOS security settings
  • Corrupted app files
  • Outdated operating system

Don't worry if you're not sure what's causing your specific issue. We'll walk you through some easy fixes!

macOS blog image

Easy Solutions to Get Steam Working Again

1. Reinstall Steam

The quickest fix is often to simply reinstall Steam:

  1. Uninstall Steam completely from your Mac
  2. Download and install a fresh copy from the official Steam website

Remember, properly uninstalling apps on Mac involves more than just dragging icons to the Trash.

2. Adjust macOS Security Settings

If macOS has flagged Steam as unsafe, you can use Terminal to bypass this:

  • Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities)
  • Type this command: sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Steam.app
  • Enter your admin password when prompted
  • Try launching Steam again


This tells macOS to remove the quarantine flag from Steam.

3. Optimize Your Mac's Performance

Sometimes, Steam won't open due to general system performance issues. Regularly optimizing your Mac can help:

  • Clear system and app caches
  • Manage startup items
  • Improve speed and memory usage


Consider using reputable Mac optimization tool like iBoostUp to streamline this process.


4. Update Your Mac's Software

Outdated software can cause issues with Steam. Here's how to check for updates:

  • Click the Apple menu
  • Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
  • Install any available updates


5. Check Your Internet Connection

Steam needs a stable internet connection to work properly. Try these steps:

  • Check for internet service outages
  • Turn Wi-Fi off and on again
  • Forget and rejoin your Wi-Fi network
  • Move closer to your router

By following these tips, you should be able to get Steam up and running on your Mac.

Game on!

❤️ Maria

 

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Comments

Maria says:
2025-01-02 18:09:57
Thanks for reading my article! Do you use Steam on your Mac or do you prefer something else? Comment below and I'll probably write back :)



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