MacOS Verifying App Stuck? 7 Ways to Solve the Issue

Installing a new application on your Mac can often result in the “Verifying” process getting stuck. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to install an update or download a new app.

There is no definitive reason for this to happen, but the usual suspects are a system glitch or outdated software.

Here are some potential solutions to this problem.

Method 1: Quitting the App Store and Restart the Mac

This is the most basic troubleshooting step, but it’s also one of the most effective. Simply quitting the App Store application and restarting it can often fix a stuck “Verifying” process.

Not just that. It can also fix bug issues and speed up your Mac. To do this, just follow these steps:

1. Press Command + Q on your keyboard to quit the App Store application.
2. Press the Shift + Option keys and then click on the menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
3. Select Restart from the drop-down menu that appears.
4. When your Mac has restarted, open the App Store application and try installing or updating your application again.

In case you wish to learn more about speeding up your MacBook, the video below is worth watching:

 

Method 2: Deleting the com.apple.AppStore.plist file

If quitting and restarting the App Store application doesn’t fix the stuck “Verifying” process, you can try deleting the com. apple.AppStore.list file.

This is a preference file that stores information about the App Store application, and deleting it can often fix problems with the application. To do this, just follow these steps:

1. Press Command + Shift + G on your keyboard to open the Go to Folder dialog.
2. Enter ~/Library/Preferences in the dialog box and click Go.
3. Locate the com. apple.AppStore.list the file in the Preferences folder and delete it.
4. Open the App Store application and try installing or updating your application again.

Method 3: Resetting the Mac App Store connection

If you’re still having trouble with the stuck “Verifying” process, you may need to reset your connection to the Mac App Store. This can often fix problems with the App Store application, and it’s easy to do. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the System Preferences application.
2. Click on the Network icon.
3. Select your active network connection from the list on the left side of the window.
4. Click the Disconnect button.
5. Wait a few seconds and then click the Connect button.
6. Open the App Store application and try installing or updating your application again.

Method 4: Restarting your Mac in Safe Mode

If you’re still having trouble with the stuck “Verifying” process, you may need to restart your Mac in Safe Mode.

This will disable all third-party applications and drivers, which can often fix problems with the App Store application. To do this, just follow these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press the Shift key on your keyboard and then click the menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
3. Select Restart from the drop-down menu that appears.
4. When your Mac has restarted, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard and then click the menu again.
5. Select Shutdown from the drop-down menu that appears.

6. When your Mac has shut down, press the power button to turn it back on.
7. As soon as you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
8. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo and the progress bar.
9. Open the App Store application and try installing or updating your application again.

Method 5: Checking the app for malware

If you’re still having trouble with the stuck “Verifying” process, it’s possible that the app you’re trying to install is infected with malware.

This can often cause problems with the App Store application, so it’s important to check for malware before proceeding.

To do this, just follow these steps:

1. Download and install a reputable antivirus program.
2. Open the antivirus application and update its virus definitions.
3. Click the Scan button.
4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. If any malware is found, remove it from your system.

Method 6: Reinstalling macOS

Reinstalling macOS will erase all of the data on your Mac, so be sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

However, it is a surefire way to eliminate bugs and a corrupt system compromising your Mac’s performance. To do this, just follow these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold the Command + R keys on your keyboard and then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
3. When you see the Apple logo, release the Command + R keys.
4. Wait for macOS to start up, and then choose your language from the list.
5. Click the Reinstall macOS button and follow the prompts to reinstall macOS.

Method 7: Allowing apps from anywhere

If the message, for example, “Verifying Microsoft Outlook” or “Verifying Office update,” appears when you try to open an app and the process seems to be stuck, temporarily disable Gatekeeper and allow apps downloaded from anywhere. Once you open the app, you can re-enable Gatekeeper.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Launch Terminal from the Applications folder in Finder or using Spotlight.
2. In the Terminal window, enter this command: Sudo spctl –master-disable
3. Press Enter or return on your keyboard.
4. You may be prompted to enter your password.
5. Enter the password you use to log in to your Mac and press Enter or return again.

Final Thoughts

The aforementioned are some of the methods that can be used to fix a stuck “Verifying” process on your Mac. If you still have any doubts or queries, feel free to reach out to us in the comment section below. We would be more than happy to help you out.