6 Fixes Application is Damaged, can’t be used to install macOS

While installing macOS Update via macOS Installer application, you may find a prompt error saying,” This copy of the Install macOS [version]-save.app application is damaged and can’t be used to install macOS.” or the Same Error as The App is Damaged and Can not be Opened on Mac.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to install and update macOS to the latest version with this error message. Why is Mac showing the application is damaged, can’t it be used to install macOS Sequoia? or on MacOS It happens when the certificate is expired to install macOS Update; however, there are several workarounds to fix this issue and install macOS Update.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection. If you’re using a MacBook, keep it charged or plug it into a charger to complete the process smoothly without interruption.

Also helpful: Application is damaged and can’t be opened.

Fix “Application is Damaged, Can’t be Used to install macOS” Sequoia Error

Method 1: Delete and Reinstall macOS System Installers

The simplest way to eliminate the Error, “This copy of the Install macOS .app application is damaged, and can’t be used to install macOS.”

From the Mac, while installing the new macOS Update, it is necessary to remove the installer and reinstall it as new. The new installer will come with a fresh certificate, which is not expired.

Visit the Apple Official Page to download the macOS Installer. Or Go to the Software Update settings on Mac.

On MacOS Ventura: Apple Logo > General > Software Update > Download and Install.

On MacOS Monterey & Earlier: Apple Logo > System Preferences > Software Update > Download New Software Update.

Download the macOS Installer from the“This copy of the Install macOS High Sequoia.app application is damaged, and can’t be used to install macOS.” page, and once it is downloaded, reboot the Mac.

The error message appears different for each macOS version, however, it is the same, but you’ll find a macOS Update name within the Error.

“This copy of the Install macOS Sequoia.app application is damaged and can’t be used to install macOS.”
“This copy of the Install macOS Ventura.app application is damaged and can’t be used to install macOS.”
“This copy of the Install macOS Monterey.app application is damaged and can’t be used to install macOS.”
“This copy of the Install macOS Mojave.app application is damaged and can’t be used to install macOS.”
“This copy of the Install macOS High Sierra.app application is damaged and can’t be used to install macOS.”
“This copy of the Install macOS Sierra.app application is damaged and can’t be used to install macOS.”

Method 2: Modify Application Installer

Here we’ve asked you to delete one of the files that could make the macOS Installer work. This is the only feasible solution that we see as of now; otherwise, simply contact Apple for more support.

Open Finder on your Mac.
Click on Applications in the sidebar.
Now, find the macOS Installer from the list of applications.
Right-click on the macOS Installer.
Select Show Package Contents.
Select the Contents folder.
Find and click on SharedSupport.
Delete the “InstallInfo.plist” file.
You may be asked to enter the administrator password, enter it, and confirm.
After deleting that file, run the installer and see if that works.
If this trick doesn’t work for you, then follow Method 1 and reinstall the application installer.

Fix 3: Delete and Re-Download/Install macOS

Delete a Partially Downloaded macOS file from the Applications folder on Mac Finder, and delete the file.

Then go back to System Preferences on Mac > Software Update> Download the Latest copy of macOS 15.4 Sequoia on Mac and install.

On MacOS Sequoia: Go to the Apple Logo > System Settings > General > Software Update > Download and install.

If the issue persists, there may be a problem with installing apps or settings. Try downloading and installing the software update in safe mode.

Fix 4: Repair macOS Drive

If you’ve followed the previous solution but are still facing the same error stating, “This copy of the MacBook Pro Install macOS Sequoia application is damaged,” try repairing your Mac’s hard drive. Unsure how to diagnose your Mac’s drive? Don’t worry! Let’s go through a step-by-step guide to fix it.

Press Cmd + Space bar to open the Spotlight search or use Launchpad
Now type Disk Utility and click on it
Next, select Disk Volume from the sidebar menu on Disk Utility Pan [For more, scroll the screen to see a picture example]
And click on First Aid appears as top second option
A pop-up will ask you to run First Aid on your Drive? Go with Run
Next Pop-up asks you final mode to run diagnose to repair the drive. Click on Continue.
Wait for the result. After Done, make sure your macOS installation error is gone or as it is.
You should also attempt the first ad process on all available Disk Volumes that appear on the sidebar of the Disk Utility.

That’s it. If any problem arises during the process? Let’s share in the comments to get more solutions.

Fix 5: Download and Install in Safe Mode

Safe mode on Mac check the Software issue on Mac startup and fix it automatically during Mac reboot in safe mode. So identify the Mac model M1 or Intel Mac and Get How to Put your Mac in Safe mode. Next, download and install the latest macOS on your Mac.

Now, on the next restart, your Mac will automatically exit from Safe mode.

Fix 6: Recovery Mode Reinstall

This is also a safe way to download the new latest copy of MacOS and install it without any data loss or settings. So first Put your Mac in Recovery mode and choose the option for Reinstall macOS and That’s it.

Recovery mode reinstallation steps are different on Apple Silicon mac [M1, M2, T2] and Intel mac.

On Apple Silicon Mac:- Shut down your Mac, then Wait for 10 seconds and Turn on your Mac. Now, Press and Hold on the Power button until you see the Startup volume and Options on the screen. Click on Options, and Put your Mac into macOS Recovery mode, Follow the on-screen process, and Under the MacOS Utility screen, select Reinstall macOS > Continue.
On Intel-mac:- Shut Down your Mac, after 10 seconds turn on your Mac, and Immediately press and hold the Command + R key until your Mac shows the MacOS Utilities windows, Select Reinstall macOS > Continue.

I recommend to take Time Machine backup for your Data safety.

Also, comment on how this thread was found helpful to you, and share your suggestions in the comment box.