Mac App Store In macOS Tahoe - The Ultimate Guide

• Introduction
• What It Does
• First-Time Setup
• Essential Settings (with recommended defaults)
• Everyday Tasks
• Pro Tips & Shortcuts
• Privacy & Security
• Troubleshooting

Introduction

The App Store on macOS makes it easy to discover, install, update, and manage apps built for Mac—plus Safari extensions and, on Apple silicon, many iPhone and iPad apps. It’s also where you handle purchases, subscriptions, and refunds for App Store apps.

This chapter keeps things practical and precise for macOS 26 (Tahoe). You’ll get step-by-step directions, sensible defaults, and pro tips that save time and prevent headaches. If behavior varies by region, hardware, or account type, we’ll note it briefly.

What It Does

The App Store is your trusted catalog of Mac software. You can browse curated sections like Discover, Create, Work, Play, Develop, and Categories, or search to jump straight to an app. Each app page shows screenshots, ratings, reviews, compatibility details, and a clear privacy snapshot.

Once you click Get or buy an app, the App Store handles the download, installation, and updates. You can turn on automatic updates, pause/resume downloads, and reinstall past purchases anytime. If you use Apple silicon, you’ll also see iPhone and iPad apps labeled “Designed for iPhone” or “Designed for iPad” when those titles support Mac.

The App Store also centralizes account management. You can view purchase history, hide or unhide purchases, redeem gift cards, manage subscriptions (including shared family subscriptions), and request refunds. Built-in content restrictions help parents and organizations set limits.

First-Time Setup

A quick setup now prevents friction later. Do these once:

• Sign in to the App Store
  1. Open the App Store from the Dock or Applications folder.
  2. In the bottom-left corner, click Sign In, then enter your Apple Account credentials.
  3. If you use multiple Apple devices, sign in with the same Apple Account to see all eligible purchases.
• Enable Touch ID for purchases (if your Mac or Magic Keyboard supports Touch ID)
  1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Touch ID & Password.
  2. Turn on Use Touch ID for purchases.
  3. Test by getting a free app—you should be prompted for Touch ID instead of a password.
• Set your Media & Purchases requirements
  1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases.
  2. Choose whether free downloads require a password, and confirm your purchase approval method (Touch ID or password).
  3. If you share your Mac, consider requiring a password for purchases.
• Choose App Store behavior
  1. In the App Store, choose App Store > Settings from the menu bar.
  2. Turn on Automatic Updates if you want apps to update themselves.
  3. Adjust options for Automatically download apps purchased on other devices, Automatically download in-app content, Video Autoplay, and In-App Ratings & Reviews.
  4. If storage is tight, consider Download and install large apps to a separate disk (APFS-formatted external drive required).
• Set up content restrictions (optional)
  1. Go to System Settings > Screen Time.
  2. Turn on Content & Privacy, then click App Store, Media, Web & Games to set allowed actions and rating levels.
  3. In Family Sharing setups, enable Ask to Buy for kids and set age-based restrictions.Tip: If you plan to use an external drive for large downloads, connect and select it in App Store settings before you start a big purchase.

Essential Settings (with recommended defaults)

Below are the key App Store settings you’ll find under App Store > Settings, plus account-level items in System Settings. Each includes a “Recommended” callout so you can set it and forget it.

App Store > Settings

• Automatic Updates
  • What it does: Checks for and installs app updates automatically.
  • Recommended: On for most people. Keeps apps current with security fixes and features. If you manage production tools and need stability, leave it on but skim release notes before launching an updated app.
• Automatically download apps purchased on other devices
  • What it does: Installs eligible purchases you made on other Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV).
  • Recommended: On if you like your apps everywhere; Off if you want to keep your Mac lean or if you manage limited storage.
• Automatically download in-app content
  • What it does: Background-fetches extra content that some apps need after installation (game data, sound libraries, etc.).
  • Recommended: On if you have steady internet and ample disk space; Off on metered networks or very tight storage.
• Download and install large apps to a separate disk
  • What it does: Installs apps larger than 1 GB to an external APFS-formatted disk you choose.
  • Recommended: Off, unless your internal storage is limited. If you do turn it on, use a fast, reliable external SSD formatted as APFS.
• Video Autoplay
  • What it does: Plays the app preview videos with sound off on app pages.
  • Recommended: Off for less distraction and less bandwidth; On if you like a quick visual overview while browsing.
• In-App Ratings & Reviews
  • What it does: Allows apps to prompt you for ratings or reviews.
  • Recommended: On if you want to rate from within apps; Off if you dislike pop-ups. You can still review from the app’s page.

System Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases

• Use Touch ID for purchases
  • What it does: Approves App Store purchases with your fingerprint.
  • Recommended: On if you have Touch ID. It’s secure and faster than entering a password.
• Require password for free downloads
  • What it does: Controls whether free apps need a password.
  • Recommended: Never Require on a personal Mac; Always Require on shared Macs or where you want tighter control.
• Require password for purchases
  • What it does: Controls whether paid purchases need a password.
  • Recommended: Always Require unless you’re the only user and rely exclusively on Touch ID.
• Manage Payment Methods
  • What it does: Adds or updates the card or other payment method used for purchases and subscriptions.
  • Recommended: Keep at least one valid method on file to avoid blocked updates due to unpaid orders.

System Settings > Screen Time (Content & Privacy)

• App Store, Media, Web & Games restrictions
  • What it does: Restricts installing/deleting apps, in-app purchases, and sets age ratings.
  • Recommended: For families, set age-appropriate ratings and enable Ask to Buy. For personal Macs, leave off unless you want a stricter environment.

Everyday Tasks

This section is your day-to-day reference. Each task has numbered steps you can follow in order.

Find and buy a Mac app

1. Open App Store.
2. Use the search field (top-left) to find an app, or browse Discover, Create, Work, Play, Develop, Categories, or Updates in the sidebar.
3. Click an app to open its page. Review screenshots, ratings/reviews, compatibility, languages, file size, privacy info, and Family Sharing or Game Center support if relevant.
4. Click Get (for free apps) or the price button (for paid apps).
5. Approve with Touch ID or password. The app installs automatically.Tip: On Apple silicon, look for Designed for iPhone or Designed for iPad labels when an iOS/iPadOS app supports Mac.

Install Safari extensions

1. Open App Store and search for the extension by name or “Safari extensions.”
2. Review the extension’s page, including permissions and privacy.
3. Click Get or the price button to install.
4. Open Safari, then go to Safari > Settings > Extensions to enable and configure it.Note: Some extensions are free to download but require in-app purchases or subscriptions to unlock features.

Update apps

• Manual update (anytime)
  1. Open App Store.
  2. Click Updates in the sidebar.
  3. Click Update next to a specific app, or Update All.
• Automatic updates (hands-off)
  • Turn on Automatic Updates in App Store > Settings. The App Store checks for updates and installs them when available.Tip: If an app requires restarting or quitting, App Store will tell you before the update proceeds.

Reinstall or redownload purchases

1. Open App Store.
2. Click your name in the bottom-left (sign in if needed).
3. Scroll your purchases, or click iPhone & iPad Apps to view eligible mobile apps on Apple silicon.
4. Click the download button next to the item to reinstall.Tip: If you don’t see a purchase, it might be hidden. See “Show hidden purchases” below.

View purchase history (with filters)

1. Open App Store.
2. Click your name > Account Settings (sign in again if prompted).
3. In Purchase History, click See All.
4. Use the search field and filters (date range, free/paid, type, family member) to narrow results.

Hide or show purchases

1. Open App Store and click your name.
2. Hover an item, click ••• (Show More), then choose Hide Purchase.
3. To show it again: click Account Settings > Manage beside Hidden Items, then Unhide.

Manage subscriptions

1. Open App Store.
2. Click your name > Account Settings.
3. In Manage, click Manage next to Subscriptions.
4. Select a subscription to change plan, update billing, or Cancel Subscription.Tip: In Family Sharing, eligible subscriptions can be shared. Look for Share New Subscriptions in the subscription management page.

Redeem gift cards or download codes

1. Open App Store and click your name (or Sign In).
2. Click Redeem Gift Card.
3. Enter the code or use Mac camera to scan it if your card shows a boxed code.Note: Make sure it’s an Apple Gift Card (not an Apple Store gift card for physical retail). Balances can cover apps, subscriptions, and in-app purchases.

Request a refund or report a problem

1. Visit Apple’s “Report a Problem” site in your web browser and sign in.
2. Choose I’d like to… and pick the appropriate option (Report a Problem or Request a Refund).
3. Follow the on-screen steps to submit.Tip: Refund eligibility depends on the purchase and region. Provide clear details (e.g., app not working as expected, accidental purchase).

Install and uninstall apps

• Install: Handled automatically after you click Get/Buy. To view progress, hover the circular progress/pause button.
• Uninstall from Launchpad
  1. Click Launchpad in the Dock.
  2. Click and hold the app icon until it jiggles.
  3. Click the X (if available) to delete.
• Uninstall from Finder
  1. Open Finder > Applications.
  2. Control-click the app and choose Move to Trash.Note: System apps included with macOS can’t be uninstalled.

Use iPhone/iPad apps on Apple silicon Mac

1. Open App Store and search for the app. Look for Designed for iPhone or Designed for iPad.
2. Install as usual.
3. To use touch alternatives, open the app and choose [App] > Settings to view available controls. Holding Option can turn your trackpad into a virtual touch surface in supported titles.

Share or review apps

• Share an app: On the app page, click the Share button and choose a sharing method.
• Rate or review: On the app page, click Write a Review, or click a star rating.Tip: You can toggle In-App Ratings & Reviews in App Store settings if you don’t want in-app prompts.

Pro Tips & Shortcuts

Small optimizations add up. Here are proven time-savers and lesser-known tricks.

Keyboard shortcuts inside the App Store

• Discover: Command-1
• Arcade: Command-2
• Create: Command-3
• Work: Command-4
• Play: Command-5
• Develop: Command-6
• Categories: Command-7
• Updates: Command-8
• Search field: Command-F
• Refresh page: Command-R
• Back a page: Command-[Tip: If a shortcut doesn’t work, check App Store > Help or the app menus—some shortcuts vary with keyboard layout.

Faster updates and cleaner installs

• Refresh first: Press Command-R in Updates to reload the list before hitting Update All.
• Quit running apps: If an app won’t update, quit it (Command-Q) and try again. Some updates require the app to be closed.
• External disk for huge apps: In App Store > Settings, set large downloads to a fast APFS external SSD if you regularly install multi-gigabyte apps.

Smarter search

• Use two words: Pair the function and the domain, e.g., “diagram vector,” “markdown editor,” “invoice PDF.” You’ll surface better matches than with a single generic word.
• Check compatibility: On the app page, confirm your macOS version, chip compatibility, and language support before buying.

Purchase management like a pro

• Find old receipts: In Account Settings > Purchase History, filter by date range and type (free/paid) to dig up old entries fast.
• Hide clutter: Hide trivial freebies you don’t need to see anymore. You can unhide at any time in Hidden Items.
• Family Sharing view: On your account page, use the Purchased by menu to browse apps bought by family members (eligible purchases only).

Subscriptions without surprises

• Calendar your renewals: After subscribing, add a reminder on the renewal date. If the app offers annual discounts, schedule a reminder a week before to decide.
• Check app pages: Many apps list subscription terms and trial periods right on their App Store page under In-App Purchases.

Respect your attention

• Mute the storefront: Turn Video Autoplay off. Browsing is calmer and uses less bandwidth.
• Block rating prompts: If you don’t like pop-ups, toggle off In-App Ratings & Reviews. You can still leave reviews directly from app pages.

Apple silicon extras

• Touch alternatives: When using an iPhone/iPad app, hold Option to enable virtual touch behavior on the trackpad (when supported). Explore [App] > Settings for per-app alternatives.
• Window sizing: iPhone-designed apps may open with smaller windows. Use the window’s resize handle or Window > Zoom to fit your workspace.

Privacy & Security

The App Store is designed around safety, transparency, and user control. Here’s how to use those protections wisely.

App privacy labels

Every app page includes a Privacy section summarizing the developer’s data practices (e.g., data used to track you, data linked to you, and data not linked to you). Use this to decide whether the app’s approach fits your comfort level.

• What to look for: Location access, identifiers, contact info, diagnostics, and whether data is used for tracking.
• Pro move: Compare competing apps’ privacy labels before deciding—especially for browsers, VPNs, note-taking, and finance apps.

Permissions are always your choice

After installation, macOS will ask for permission when an app wants access to sensitive areas (Files and Folders, Photos, Camera, Microphone, Bluetooth, Calendars, etc.). You can review and change permissions anytime in System Settings > Privacy & Security.

Tip: If an app misbehaves after you deny a permission, revisit the relevant pane and enable just what it needs.

Gatekeeper, notarization, and review

Apps from the App Store are vetted and distributed by Apple. When you install apps from outside the store, macOS checks the developer signature and scans for known malware. If a developer certificate is revoked or malware is detected, macOS will block the app.

• Best practice: Prefer the App Store when possible. If you need a developer’s direct download, get it from the official site and keep it updated.

Safer purchases

• Touch ID or password: Approve purchases with Touch ID where available. Otherwise, keep passwords strong and unique.
• Require for free downloads: On shared Macs or tightly controlled setups, require a password even for free items.
• Refunds and problem reports: If an app doesn’t work as advertised or you purchased by mistake, submit a request via Apple’s “Report a Problem” site.

Family controls and age ratings

With Screen Time, you can restrict in-app purchases, block installing or deleting apps, and enforce age-appropriate ratings. In Family Sharing, Ask to Buy helps prevent surprise purchases and gives parents a chance to review requests.

• Note: Content ratings and availability differ by country/region. If you change your App Store region, your available apps, subscriptions, and payment options may change.

Subscriptions with confidence

• Know the terms: On the app page, scan In-App Purchases and the description for trial length, renewal terms, and upgrade tiers.
• Manage centrally: Use Account Settings > Subscriptions to change plans or cancel. If a subscription is shareable, you’ll see options under Family Sharing.

Troubleshooting

Things go wrong. Here’s a clean, safe flow that fixes most issues without risky system tweaks. Work top-to-bottom; stop when your issue is resolved.

A. App Store won’t load, says “Cannot connect,” or shows a blank page

1. Check Apple’s system status. If the Mac App Store service is down, it’s not you. Try again later.
2. Verify internet and VPN. Confirm you’re online and try another network. Temporarily turn off VPNs, firewalls, or content filters that might intercept Apple traffic.
3. Confirm Date & Time. Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time. Turn on Set time and date automatically.
4. Update macOS. Install the latest macOS Tahoe updates, then try the App Store again.
5. Sign out and back in (Media & Purchases). Go to System Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases, sign out, then sign in again.
6. Sign out and back in (App Store). In the App Store, click your name bottom-left, choose Sign Out if available, then sign in again.
7. Restart your Mac. It’s simple but clears plenty of transient issues.
8. Safe Mode test. Restart while holding the appropriate Safe Mode key (varies by Mac). Safe Mode clears caches and runs checks. If App Store works here, restart normally and test again.If the issue persists, note any error messages verbatim and contact Apple Support. Avoid deleting random Library files unless directed by Apple—modern macOS repairs most things without manual cache surgery.

B. Updates fail, stall, or won’t appear

1. Refresh the view. Go to Updates and press Command-R.
2. Quit the app you’re updating. Many updates require the app to be closed.
3. Manual update. Click Update next to the specific app instead of Update All.
4. Check Apple Account issues. In Account Settings, look for unpaid orders or billing problems that can block updates.
5. Check storage. Big updates need space. If you’re tight on storage, free some up or enable Download large apps to a separate disk (APFS external drive).
6. Sign out/in and reboot. See section A, steps 5–7.Tip: Some developers temporarily pull an update. If you saw an update earlier but not now, try again later.

C. Can’t install or open an app after purchase

1. Verify macOS version and chip compatibility on the app page.
2. Reinstall from Purchases. Click your name > find the app > click the download button.
3. Complete in-app content. If the app needs extra content, turn on Automatically download in-app content and leave your Mac awake on power.
4. Check permissions. If the app asks for Files, Camera, or Microphone, grant only what it needs in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
5. Gatekeeper notices. If macOS blocks an app, it’s usually because the app is unsigned or altered. App Store apps shouldn’t trigger this; if they do, reinstall.

D. Touch ID or password prompts aren’t working as expected

1. Touch ID settings. Go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password and ensure Use Touch ID for purchases is on. Remove and re-add a fingerprint if needed.
2. Media & Purchases rules. Go to System Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases and review your password requirements for Free Downloads and Purchases.
3. Fallback to password. If the Touch ID sheet won’t appear, your Mac should fall back to password. If neither appears, sign out and back in to Media & Purchases, restart, and test again.

E. Subscription billing problems

1. Update payment method. In Media & Purchases, ensure your payment method is valid and current.
2. Unpaid order. App updates and downloads can be blocked by unpaid orders. Clear any pending balance, then try again.
3. Cancel or change plan. Manage the subscription from App Store > Account Settings > Subscriptions. If you don’t see it, check if you subscribed under a different Apple Account or platform.

F. Refunds and accidental purchases

1. Visit Apple’s “Report a Problem” site and sign in.
2. Select the purchase, choose Request a refund, and briefly explain the issue.
3. Refund decisions vary by region and purchase type. Watch for follow-up email from Apple.

G. Region changes and app availability

1. In App Store > Account Settings, find Apple Account Summary and click Change Country or Region.
2. Understand that changing your region can affect available apps, subscriptions, and payment options, and may require a valid payment method for the new country or region.

H. Family sharing and hidden purchases

• If you don’t see a family member’s app, confirm it’s eligible for sharing and that you’re viewing Purchased by the correct family member.
• If your own purchase is missing, check Hidden Items in Account Settings and Unhide it.

I. Performance tips for big downloads

• Prefer a wired Ethernet connection or strong Wi-Fi signal.
• Avoid sleep during very large app installs (keep the Mac on power).
• If you frequently download multi-gigabyte tools or games, use the separate disk option with a fast APFS external SSD.