macOS checks apps downloaded from outside the App Store before it lets them open. Depending on your SocialMate version you’ll see one of two messages. Neither means your download is broken, and each takes about a minute to get past.
“SocialMate is damaged and can’t be opened”
You’ll see this with version 2.0.1 and earlier, often with a suggestion to move the app to the Trash. Don’t: the download is fine. Those builds weren’t sealed with a code signature, and macOS reports an unsealed app as damaged. To open it:
- Drag SocialMate from the .dmg into your Applications folder, if you haven’t already.
- Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal), paste this line and press Return:
xattr -cr /Applications/SocialMate.app - Open SocialMate from Applications as usual.
If macOS still refuses to open it, run this in Terminal too, then open the app again:
codesign --force --deep --sign - /Applications/SocialMate.appWhat these commands do. The first removes the “downloaded from the internet” flag macOS puts on the app; the second gives the app a local signature on your Mac. Neither changes how SocialMate works. If either one prints an error, open a ticket and paste the exact text.
“Apple could not verify SocialMate”
Newer builds show this message instead. It’s the standard macOS check for apps from outside the App Store, and you only approve it once:
- Try to open SocialMate, then close the message with Done (not Move to Trash).
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security and scroll down to Security.
- Next to the message about SocialMate, click Open Anyway. The button shows for about an hour after macOS blocks the app; if it isn’t there, try opening the app again first.
- Confirm with your password or Touch ID. SocialMate opens, and macOS remembers your choice.
On macOS 14 (Sonoma) or earlier you can also right-click SocialMate in Applications, choose Open, then confirm.
Which Mac download do I need?
Open the Apple menu → About This Mac:
- Chip: Apple M… means your Mac has Apple Silicon. Download the Apple Silicon .dmg.
- Processor: … Intel … means an Intel Mac. Download the Intel .dmg.
Both are on the macOS download page.
Updates on a Mac
Newer versions tell you when an update is ready and open the download page for you. On version 2.0.1 and earlier, get the new version from the download page yourself. To install it, open the new .dmg, drag SocialMate to Applications, and choose Replace. Your accounts, messages and license stay as they are: they live in your SocialMate data folder, not inside the app. macOS may ask you to approve the new version once, the same way as above.
Still stuck? Open a ticket with the exact message macOS shows and your macOS version.