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Fix "App Is Damaged and Can't Be Opened" on Mac (NeonChainX)

Step-by-step Mac fix for the damaged app error—remove quarantine with xattr, then launch NeonChainX. Works for downloaded trading apps from the internet.

Published: June 10, 2025

If you see the error:

"NeonChainX" is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash.

when launching NeonChainX on your Mac, don't worry! This is a common issue for apps downloaded from the internet, especially if they haven't been notarized by Apple yet.

Why Does This Happen?

macOS adds a security flag called "quarantine" to files downloaded from the internet. If the app is not notarized, Gatekeeper may block it and show this error.

How to Fix

  1. Move NeonChainX to your Applications folder.

  2. Open the Terminal app (you can find it in Applications > Utilities).

  3. Run the following command:

    xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/NeonChainX.app

  4. Try opening NeonChainX again.

Fix for Other Downloaded Mac Trading Apps

The same xattr quarantine fix applies to other desktop trading tools you install from a .dmg (not only NeonChainX). Only run this for apps you downloaded from official sources you trust.

Is This Safe?

This command simply removes the quarantine flag. Only do this for apps you trust and have downloaded from official sources.

Next Steps

Once NeonChainX opens:

  1. Follow the Getting Started guide to connect to Interactive Brokers (TWS API ports 7497 paper / 7496 live).
  2. Start your 7-day free trial when you are ready for Pro features.
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