How to fix Steam not working on Mac?

I’ve been a Mac user for over a decade, and like many of you, I love unwinding with a good gaming session on Steam after a long day. But I never forget the frustration when Steam won’t open on my Mac. Once, the icon bounced in the Dock, then — nothing. No games, no relaxation, just a stubborn app refusing to cooperate. After some trial and error, I fixed it, and I’m here to share those solutions with you so you can get back to gaming fast!

Why Steam won’t open on your Mac?

When Steam won’t start, it’s not just bad luck — there’s usually a clear culprit. Here’s a rundown of the most common reasons I’ve encountered over the years:

• Network issues: A shaky internet connection can prevent Steam from connecting to its servers.
• Corrupted cache: Steam’s temporary files can get cluttered and cause launch failures.
• Outdated software: An old version of Steam or macOS can lead to compatibility hiccups.
• Server downtime: If Steam’s servers are offline, you’re out of luck until they’re back.
• Permissions problems: macOS security settings might block Steam from running properly.
• App conflicts: Background processes or a botched install can interfere.

Pinpointing the “why” is the first step to getting Steam running again.

A quick Steam troubleshooting guide

Before we move on, here are all the troubleshooting methods described in a neat table:

What needs to be done	How to do it
Force quit and restart	Right-click the Steam icon > Hold Option > Force Quit.
Run Steam offline	Launch Steam > Go to Account > Go Offline > Wait for a few moments > Go to Account > Go Online.
Check for Steam app updates	Open Steam > Click Steam in the menu > Check for Updates.
Check if Steam servers are online	Visit the Steam Status page to check.
Update your internet connection	Check Wi-Fi ,set date and time automatically, restart router, change DNS.
Update internet connection	Open the WiFi Explorer app > Analyze your i network > Troubleshoot. Use ClearVPN to connect form another location.
Allow accessibility access to Steam	Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility > Click + and add Steam > Turn it on.
Clear Steam cache	Quit Steam > Open Finder > press Command + Shift + G > type ~/Library/Application Support/Steam > Trash the app cache and cached folders > Relaunch Steam.
Reinstall Steam	Quit Steam > Go to Finder > Applications, and move Steam to the Bin > Empty Trash > Download the latest version > Install it.
Reinstall macOS	Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter recovery mode > Choose Reinstall macOS and follow the prompts..

How to fix Steam not opening or loading?

I’ve encountered this issue enough times to know what works and what not! So, I’ll walk you through each step of the solution for steam won’t open on Mac. Start with the simplest solutions and work your way up if needed.

Force quit and restart

If it refuses to launch, maybe Steam needs a nudge to snap out of its issues. I’ve found force-quitting it to be a quick fix when frozen or unresponsive. 

Here’s how I do it via the Dock: 

1. Right-click the Steam icon, and if Quit is an option, choose it. 
2. If it’s greyed out, hold Option, and it’ll change to Force Quit > Click.

To do it via Activity Monitor: 

1. Open Spotlight (press Command + Space).
2. Type Activity Monitor and press Return.
3. Find Steam in the list, click it.
4. Then, click the X button at the top > Confirm to force quit.

After quitting, relaunch Steam from the Applications folder or Dock. This often clears minor glitches for me.

Run Steam offline and try reconnecting

If you’re seeing the dreaded “Could not connect to Steam network” message, don’t panic — I’ve been there. Steam can sometimes run in offline mode, giving you a chance to troubleshoot. 

Here’s my process:

1. Launch Steam.
2. Click Account in the menu bar > Go Offline.
3. Wait for a few seconds.
4. Again, click Account > Go Online. Steam will attempt to reconnect.

This trick saved me when my connection was spotty, but Steam wouldn’t admit it.

Check for Steam app updates

An outdated Steam app is a common culprit I’ve run into. Developers push updates to fix bugs, and missing one can leave you stranded. 

Here’s how I check:

1. Open Steam (if it launches).
2. Click Steam in the menu bar and choose Check for Updates.
3. If an update’s available, install it.

I’ve had this resolve launch issues when Steam’s code was out of sync with macOS.

Check if Steam servers are online

Many times, the problem isn’t on your end — Steam’s servers might be down. I’ve learned to rule this out early. Visit the Steam Status page (just search Steam server status online). If red dots litter the map, servers are offline. Sit tight; there’s nothing you can do but wait. I’ve had to endure this a few times during major outages.

Source: steamstat.us

Update your internet connection

A lot of times, I’ve wondered, “Why does my Steam have no connection?” The answer is Wi-Fi. A flaky Wi-Fi connection has derailed my Steam sessions more times than I’d like to admit. Here’s how I troubleshoot and fix it:

• Check Wi-Fi:  Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. If it’s weak, move closer to your router or reconnect. Also, check guide on how quickly improve Wi-Fi speed on Mac.
• Set date and time automatically: Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time, and enable Set time and date automatically. Steam hates time sync issues.
• Restart router: Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a minute and try Steam again.
• Change DNS:  Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > DNS. Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google’s DNS) for a more stable connection. Check the troubleshooting guide, if DNS keeps failing.

I’ve found these steps fix most “can’t go online on Steam” issues tied to network woes. 

Update your internet conneciton

Internet connection is usually the main cultrpit, so you should keep an eye it more carefully. WiFi Explorer is a very useful tool if you face content network issues on your Mac. You get access to detailed network reports and the option to troubleshoot the problem right from the app, meaning you don’t need to call any experts to get your internet back on track! Here’s how you can do it:

1. Install and open the WiFi Explorer app.
2. Analyze your Wi-Fi network and identify any issues it may have.
3. Troubleshoot the problem using the app.

This will help you get back to gaming as soon as possible. Want to learn more? Here is a guide onresetting network settings on Mac.

Allow accessibility access to Steam

macOS security can be overzealous, and I’ve seen it block Steam from launching if permissions are off. 

Here’s my fix:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
2. Find Steam in the list. If it’s there, turn it on.
3. If not, click the add button “+” and add it from Applications.

This tweak has rescued me when Steam seemed dead on arrival after a macOS update.

Read also:

• Steam Download Slow
• Why Apps Crash on Macos
• How to Fix Facetime Not Working on Mac
• Ping on Mac

Clear Steam cache

A cluttered cache can choke Steam, something I’ve dealt with after long gaming stretches. 

Here’s how I clear it:

1. Quit Steam completely.
2. Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, and type ~/Library/Application Support/Steam.
3. Trash the app cache and cached folders (don’t worry, they’ll regenerate).
4. Relaunch Steam.

This has revived Steam for me when it refused to load past the login screen.

Reinstall Steam

If nothing’s worked, reinstalling Steam is my next move. It’s a clean slate approach:

1. Quit Steam
2. Go to Finder > Applications, and move Steam to the Bin.
3. Empty Trash > Download the latest version from the Steam website and install it.

I’ve done this a handful of times, and it’s a reliable reset when all else fails.

Reinstall macOS

As a last resort, I chose to reinstall macOS when Steam and other apps went haywire. It’s overkill, but it works:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter recovery mode.
2. Choose Reinstall macOS and follow the prompts.

I’ve only gone this far once, but it fixed a persistent Steam crash. For a complete reinstallation, check out the full guide on how to reinstall macOS.

Handle Steam not working on Mac issues like a pro

There you have it — my battle-tested fixes for when Steam won’t open on your Mac. From force-quitting to reinstalling macOS, I’ve walked this road myself and come out gaming on the other side. Try these steps, and you’ll be back to your favorite titles in no time.

If you find yourself overwhelmed when dealing with Steam issues, I’d recommend you try out apps by Setapp. For power Mac users, Setapp provides a highly useful suite of apps that can take your machine to the next level. All the apps, like WiFi Explorer, ClearVPN, and CleanMyMac, can be found under a single subscription. But you can also use them on a 7-day trial before you commit fully.

Also, check out our guide on how to download Steam games. Enjoy!

FAQs

Is Steam no longer supporting Mac?

No, Steam still supports Mac but for more information, check their website for the latest.

Why is Steam crashing on Mac?

Steam crashing on Mac usually ties back to outdated software, corrupted files, or network issues.

How do I fix Steam games not opening on my Mac?

If Steam opens but games won’t verify the game files, right-click the game in your Library, choose Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.

How do I uninstall Steam on my Mac?

To uninstall Steam on your Mac, drag Steam from Applications to the Trash, then empty it. Delete ~/Library/Application Support/Steam for a deep clean.

Can I reinstall Steam without losing games?

You can reinstall Steam without losing games, as they stay in the cloud. After reinstalling, redownload them via your Library.

Do all games on Steam run on Mac?

Many Steam games run on Mac, although most do not. Developers are starting to release their games on macOS despite Mac´s long-standing gaming drought. Check Steam's specialized macOS page so you can see for yourself.

What is Steam compatible with?

Steam requires SteamOS, Linux Ubuntu 12.04 recent, Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or recent, Windows 7 or newer. Link Steam to host computer and home network to run it smoothly.

Is Steam cloud storage unlimited?

Steam Cloud has no overall storage limit for your account, but each game sets its own quota. Most games won’t exceed this limit, so it’s rarely a concern.

How do I access Steam settings?

While running Steam, click Steam in the top left corner, then choose the Settings menu.