“OwlPlug” is damaged and can’t be opened.

[CrimsonFlash]

Fresh downloaded file doesn't open. Running xattr -cr on the app in terminal fixes the issue, however.

This is in macOS 10.13.6, not sure if it affects other versions.

[DropSnorz]

Hi @CrimsonFlash. I agree, this is a really annoying error and it's not anymore scoped to macOS Catalina only... The solution I found is to notarize the app by joining the Apple developer program. Unfortunately, It's not really affordable for me now 😢 (see #31)

[DropSnorz]

The app is not notarized by Apple and flagged as downloaded from the internet (MacOs put it in quarantine). You can fix this by following a simple procedure described here: https://github.com/DropSnorz/OwlPlug/wiki/Troubleshooting

sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/OwlPlug.app/

Hope it helps 🙂

[DropSnorz]

From #194

I have reports from macOS Ventura users about restrictions far heavier for non-notarized app. The procedure seems to be the following for Ventura (but needs confirmation)

• Attempting to run OwlPlug may show a window explaining it cannot be opened because "Apple cannot check it for malicious software." Click Ok.
• Open System Preferences and select Security & Privacy.
• If the padlock in the bottom left is locked, click it and authenticate to unlock it.
• Next to the message explaining the app "was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer," click Open >Anyway.
• Close System Preferences.
• Run the app.
• A notice will reiterate the warning about an inability to check if it is malicious each time you run the app. Click Open.

[DropSnorz]

Reopening this issue. Based on user feedback, things seems different for Sonoma.

[CoderDJJD]

Did everything the wiki said to get the app to open, but it immediately crashes upon opening the app. Used the command: sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/OwlPlug.app/ In MacOS Tahoe 26.2 beta 2