In the MacOS App Store I see all my purchases with the cloud symbol even if they are downloaded. When I then download an app it shows as downloaded with an OPEN button but the cloud symbol reappears the next time I log in.
Any ideas how to fix this?
MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15
Hey psco61,
Thanks for reaching back out. If you open the App Store and click Updates in the sidebar, are there no updates displayed here? Also check to see if you have automatic updates turned on, as the apps could be updating automatically. Check this by going to App Store > Preferences > Automatic Updates.
The App Store should not be displaying the iCloud symbol for apps present on the device. Do you experience the same issue in safe mode? How to use safe mode on your Mac. Also, are all apps affected or only specific ones?
Cheers.
Hey psco61,
Thanks for reaching back out with the additional information and for testing in safe mode.
Have you tested to see if the same actions occur in a test user account? Creating a test user account can help determine if the issue is caused by third-party software: How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac. There's steps to take further in that resource, depending if the issue happens in the test user account or not but you can also let us know the results.
Take care.
Good morning psco61,
Thanks for trying the test user account. Since it still occurred, the issue could be with the software itself. The next best step would be to reinstall the macOS. This process will not overwrite any data. It only overwrites the system files. That being said, It's still recommended to have a known good backup: How to use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac.
When you're ready, here's the instructions to reinstall the macOS: How to reinstall macOS.
If this doesn't resolve the issue, reach out for additional assistance here: Get Support.
Have a great rest of your week.
Hey psco61,
It sounds like you're having trouble downloading apps from the App Store on your Mac.
Take a look at these steps which can help with downloading apps: If you can’t download or update apps, or if apps get stuck. If you're still having trouble, reach out for additional assistance here: Get Support.
Have a great day.
Actually I have no problem downloading apps at all. The problem is that after I have downloaded the app and have logged off the App Store appears to have forgotten about this download and the cloud symbol is shown although the app is present on my machine. This is a nuisance as the App Store will never show any updates as it seems to believe that there is no app to update in the first place.
Hi,
Correct, there are never updates displayed when I click Updates as the App Store apparently assumes that none of the Apps are actually installed on my device. Automatic updates are turned on but the automatic updating never happens. I have the issue for all the apps (i.e. all apps under my account show the cloud symbol) and this also happens in safe mode.
The cloud symbol only goes (temporarily) away when I click it and the app is downloaded. Then the Open button is shown. But as soon as I log out and back in, the cloud symbol reappears in the App Store.
I have also tried to completely remove the app and re-install it but as soon as I log out and back, the cloud symbol reappears. Also signing out of my Apple ID and back did not make a difference.
Hi,
Thank you for helping to sort this out. I have created an admin test account but I have the same issue with this account as well (all my installed apps showing with the cloud symbol, after download the Open button only shows until I log out).
Hi,
Thanks for the suggestion. I did the re-install of the macOS (Catalina) but the problem persists. Interestingly enough I have this problem only on Catalina (I have three bootable disks) but not on Mojave where all installed apps are correctly recognised by the App Store.
MacOS App Store: Cloud symbol showing even though app is downloaded
