Steam Not Opening on Mac Sequoia/Sonoma, Why & How to Fix?

If you're a gamer on Mac and unfortunately find that Steam is not opening, you're not alone. Many users encounter this frustrating issue, particularly after updating the macOS, and receive error messages such as:

• Could not connect to Steam network
• An error occurred while updating
• Steam_osx is damaged and can't be opened

Why is this happening? More urgently, how to fix Steam not opening on Mac and get back to your games in no time? Don’t worry, this guide will explore the most common causes and provide effective troubleshooting steps to fix Steam not working on Mac for gamers like you.

Why Won’t Steam Open on My Mac?

There are several possible culprits when Steam not opening on Mac. To start with, due to the large user base Steam shares worldwide, it’s possible that Steam’s servers may be down occasionally, causing connection problems. If the Steam not working issue only happens to you, other factors such as corrupted Steam core files, a lagging network, an outdated macOS or Steam version, third-party security tools, and misconfigured date and time settings can also prevent Steam from launching properly on Mac.

How to Fix Steam Not Opening on Mac [Easy to Advanced Ways]

Sometimes, it’s just the system glitches that cause Steam not to work on Mac. To run a quick fix, you can try the following methods:

1. One of the easiest and quickest solutions is to restart your Mac. This can help clear temporary system glitches that might be causing Steam not to open. Once your Mac restarts, try launching Steam again.
2. Steam might already be running in the background without properly launching. You can force quit the application by pressing Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit menu. Then Select Steam and click Force Quit.
3. If you have any third-party tools regarding Mac security or anti-virus software, turn them off. Also, you can disable the firewall temporarily to see if Steam launches.

   

4. To rule out the Steam server issue, visit the official Steam server status page.

   

5. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues between macOS and Steam. That’s why you should update macOS if there’s any.
6. Steam requires an active internet connection to launch properly. Check your connection by opening a web browser and visiting a site like Google. If your connection seems slow or unstable, you can restart your router or switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection if possible.

If Steam still won't open after these troubleshooting tips, it’s time to take it seriously. Let’s see what you can do to get back to gaming.

Fix 1: Configuring Your Network Settings

In addition to turning your WiFi off and back on, ensure that your Mac's time and date settings are set to automatic, as a mismatch could cause Steam to generate an error. Here's how to check:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. Enable "Set date and time automatically".

These steps can help resolve network-related issues that may be preventing Steam from functioning properly.

Fix 2: Reinstalling Steam

Uninstalling Steam is a good way to have a fresh start and likely to fix the Steam not working problem. By reinstalling the latest Steam, you can resolve various Steam issues on Mac. Here’s how to uninstall Steam on Mac:

1. Exit Steam if it's currently running.
2. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
3. Drag the Steam app to the Trash.
4. From the top menu bar, click Go > Go to Folder.
5. Enter the following path and press Enter: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam.

   

6. Delete all files and folders within, except for the steamapps folder, which contains your installed games, saved data, and other important files related to your Steam library.
7. Visit Steam's official website to re-download Steam.

Fix 3: Clearing Steam Cache Files

Steam connection errors may persist even after reinstalling the app, as the issue could be related to cache files stored in your Mac’s Library folder rather than the core app itself. To begin with, remove Steam’s cache from your Mac:

1. Go to your hard drive, navigate to Library > Application Support, and delete the Steam folder.
2. Press Shift + Command + G to open the "Go to Folder" window.
3. Visit the following folders and delete any Steam-related files from each:
   • ~/Library/Caches
   • ~/Library/Preferences
   • ~/Library/Logs

     

4. By manually removing Steam’s cache files, the app should now be fully cleared from your Mac, and you can attempt to relaunch or reinstall it. However, this method requires careful manual work and is highly likely to miss certain files. To clear out Steam cache files more effectively and effortlessly, opt for a Mac cleaner like BuhoCleaner.

BuhoCleaner is a user-friendly cleaning tool specifically designed to free up space and improve performance on macOS. Instead of manually navigating through various folders to delete cache files, BuhoCleaner streamlines the process, making it quick and hassle-free. With just a few clicks, BuhoCleaner can locate and remove Steam's cache and other junk files from your system, helping you resolve issues like Steam not opening on Mac. This tool is especially useful if you're not comfortable manually deleting files in the Library folder, as it provides a safe and easy way to clean your system without the risk of removing critical data.

Try BuhoCleaner now to get rid of the Steam cache!

Fix 4: Adjusting Accessibility Settings

Steam requires accessibility permissions on your Mac to function properly. When you first installed it, you were prompted to allow the accessibility. However, if you didn’t grant Steam permission to control your Mac in the first place, it may bounce once and then fail to open.

You can resolve the issue by following these steps:

1. Go to the Apple logo > System Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Click on Accessibility, then click the + icon.

   

3. Enter your administrator password, click Unlock, and add Steam from the Applications folder.
4. Quit and restart Steam.

If you’ve already granted Steam accessibility permissions but it still bounces in the Dock and quits, try unchecking Steam in the Accessibility settings, then rechecking it.

Fix 5: Upgrading Steam

Similar to an outdated macOS, a less advanced Steam version can also trigger software bugs. If you notice there’s a newer Steam launch, keep it updated by hitting the Steam icon at the upper-left corner > Check for Steam Client Updates. Then you can see if you are up to date with the latest patch notes.

Fix 6: Changing File Case within Steam via Terminal

There’s one bizarre issue where Steam gets stuck on the loading screen, only showing the words "Steam" and "Valve". In this case, users have no way to open Steam on Mac. fortunately, you can use the Terminal to run specific commands that change the file case (from upper to lower or vice versa) within certain Steam directories. This process can resolve problems related to corrupted or misconfigured files that prevent Steam from loading properly.

1. Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Enter the following prompts.

Fixed: Steam Not Opening on Mac

When Steam won’t open on your Mac, following these troubleshooting steps in our post should help you identify and resolve the issue. Whether it's a quick restart, clearing cache files, or reinstalling the software, there are plenty of solutions that will get you back to gaming in no time. By following this guide, you should be able to fix Steam not opening on Mac and enjoy your games without interruption.