Mac Verifying App Stuck: Why & How to Fix This Issue?

What is the Mac verifying app process

The Mac verifying app process is a security check performed by Gatekeeper to ensure that apps are from identified developers and free of malware. It automatically runs when opening apps downloaded outside the App Store.

Why does the Mac app verification get stuck

Several factors can cause Mac app verification to get disrupted:

• Corrupted downloads may block verification.
• Outdated macOS can’t properly verify newer apps.
• Gatekeeper settings may restrict unknown apps.
• System glitches or high CPU usage can slow the process.
• Malware risks can halt verifications protecting your device.

How to fix a stuck Mac app verification process

Try the following steps to fix the issue of Mac stuck on verifying app:

1. Force quit CoreServicesUIAgent.
2. Restart in Safe Mode to clear caches.
3. Check date and time settings.
4. Reinstall the affected app.
5. Delete App Store plist files.
6. Adjust security settings and open manually.
7. Scan the app for malware.
8. If all else fails, reinstall macOS.

1. Force quit verification process (CoreServicesUIAgent)

When your Mac gets stuck on verifying an app or a program doesn’t respond on Mac, force quitting CoreServicesUIAgent is often the quickest fix. Our team recommends it to stop the stalled process and regain control of your device. Follow these steps to fix the problem:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities).
2. Search for CoreServicesUIAgent.
3. Click the (X) icon to stop the process.
4. Confirm with Force Quit, then relaunch the app.

2. Restart Mac in Safe Mode & clear system caches

Booting into Safe Mode helps clear cached files and system junk—something our experts rely on when Finder is frozen on Mac, or the app verification gets stuck. Safe Mode disables any unnecessary processes for smoother troubleshooting. Here’s what to do next:

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Turn it on, then immediately press Shift.
3. Release Shift at the login screen.
4. Try running the app again in Safe Mode.

3. Ensure correct date and time settings

Our team has found that incorrect date and time settings can break app signatures, causing verification issues. Keeping them accurate helps correctly validate macOS apps. Try the following:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. Enable Set time and date automatically.
3. Restart your Mac, then try opening the app again.

4. Reinstall affected app

If you’re still seeing your Mac stuck on verifying an app, our experts suggest reinstalling the problematic software to eliminate any corrupted or incomplete files. Use these steps to proceed:

1. Delete the app from Applications.
2. Restart your Mac.
3. Download a fresh version from the official source.
4. Open the app again to check if the issue persists.

5. Reset App Store settings by deleting plist files

Corrupted App Store preference files can trigger repeated verification attempts, especially with Microsoft apps. If you've seen verifying Microsoft Outlook on Mac stuck for too long, our experts suggest resetting these settings. Do the following:

1. Press Command Shift G in Finder.
2. Go to ~/Library/Preferences.
3. Delete com.apple.AppStore.plist.
4. Restart your Mac and relaunch the App Store.

6. Adjust security settings & open the app manually

Gatekeeper blocks apps from unidentified developers, which often leads to stuck verification. Our team suggests manually adjusting these settings to temporarily bypass any restrictions. Apply these instructions:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Set app permissions to App Store and identified developers.
3. Right-click the app and select Open.
4. Confirm and launch the app.

7. Scan applications for potential security threats

Hidden malware can interrupt installations or cause slowdowns. If you're wondering how to close background apps on a Mac while verifying apps, a malware scan is a smart step. Take these actions to scan the app for potential security threats:

1. Install a reputable antivirus like Malwarebytes.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. Remove any found threats.
4. Restart your Mac, then retry the installation.

8. Perform macOS reinstallation as a last resort

When nothing else works, our experts recommend reinstalling macOS to eliminate deep system errors. It’s the most thorough fix for persistent verification failures. Go through the following process:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Hold Command R and power it on.
3. Select Reinstall macOS from the menu.
4. Carefully follow the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

When you face the Mac verifying app stuck issue, it usually points to system glitches, security settings, or damaged files. From force quitting CoreServicesUIAgent to reinstalling macOS, we’ve outlined some effective solutions to get your apps running again without unnecessary delays.

If you’d rather skip this sometimes arduous process of trial and error, our experts recommend using MacKeeper’s Premium Services. You’ll get immediate help from trained professionals who can quickly diagnose your problem and walk you through the fix—saving you time, stress, and effort.

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