Mac App Store Updates Stuck — Download and Update Installation Failures
Warningappstore
Overview
Fix Mac App Store stuck updates, downloads hanging at waiting or loading, and app update failures caused by cache issues or Apple ID problems.
Key Details
- App Store updates can get stuck in 'Waiting', 'Loading', or show no progress
- Cached download data from interrupted updates can block new download attempts
- Apple ID authentication issues can prevent App Store from downloading or updating apps
- Network issues or content caching proxies can interfere with App Store downloads
- macOS system updates delivered via App Store follow the same download infrastructure
Common Causes
- Partially downloaded update cached locally — blocks new download attempt
- Apple ID session expired and needs re-authentication
- Network proxy or content caching not forwarding App Store traffic properly
- App Store process hung — needs restart
Steps
- 1Force quit and reopen App Store: Option-right-click App Store in Dock > Force Quit > reopen
- 2Sign out and back in: App Store > Store > Sign Out > Sign In
- 3Clear App Store cache: open Terminal > 'defaults delete com.apple.appstore' and 'defaults delete com.apple.appstored'
- 4Delete cached downloads: ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstore/ and ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.appstored/
- 5Try updating via Terminal: 'softwareupdate --list' then 'softwareupdate --install [update-name]'
Tags
app-storeupdatestuckdownloadcache
More in Appstore
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually a cached partial download is blocking the new attempt. Force quit the App Store, clear the cache folders in ~/Library/Caches/, and try again. If that fails, sign out and back in.