Stop browsers from opening the App Store on macOS by resetting your default handler for the app-store:// protocol. This issue typically stems from an accidental selection in a system dialog or corrupted preference files rather than a complex permission error. You can resolve it by using Terminal commands to clear the associated LaunchServices cache, forcing the system to revert to its standard behavior.
Understanding the Root Cause
The problem occurs because macOS uses a system-wide registry called LaunchServices to determine which application should open specific types of content. When you click a link that triggers the App Store, the browser sends a request using the app-store:// URL scheme. If you previously encountered a dialog asking "Do you want to change the default applications settings?" and clicked "Continue" or similar, you inadvertently told macOS that the App Store is the preferred handler for this specific protocol.
This is not a security feature or a malicious action by the browser. It is a user-assigned preference stored in the system database. Many users report this happening after updating macOS or installing new software that registers itself as a handler for various web links. The browser itself is simply following the instruction given by the operating system. Therefore, fixing the issue requires correcting the system's internal mapping, not changing browser settings like pop-up blockers or extension permissions.
Why Permission Settings Do Not Work
It is important to clarify that this issue cannot be fixed through System Settings > Privacy & Security. There is no toggle labeled "Files and Folders" or "App Store Access" that controls this behavior. Attempts to restrict the App Store via Screen Time or parental controls will also fail because the App Store is a core system application with elevated privileges. The solution must address the protocol association directly.
Method 1: Resetting Default Handlers via Terminal
The most reliable way to undo the accidental change is to reset the LaunchServices database. This forces macOS to re-evaluate which apps should handle specific file types and URL schemes. This process is safe and does not delete any personal data, but it may reset other custom default app associations (like making TextEdit the default for .txt files) if they were manually changed.
- Open the Terminal application. You can find it by pressing
Command + Spaceto open Spotlight Search, typing "Terminal", and pressing Enter. - Type the following command exactly as shown below:
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Versions/A/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user- Press Enter to execute the command. You may need to enter your administrator password if prompted. Note that the cursor will not move while you type the password; this is normal security behavior.
- Wait for the command to complete. It usually finishes within a few seconds. Once the prompt returns, close Terminal.
After running this command, restart your Mac to ensure the changes take full effect. Upon rebooting, try clicking a link that previously opened the App Store. It should now either do nothing (if the browser handles it internally) or ask you again which app to use, allowing you to select "None" or keep the previous default without triggering the store.
Method 2: Clearing Browser-Specific Cache
In some cases, the browser may cache the decision to open the App Store locally. If the Terminal method above does not resolve the issue, clearing the browser's site data can help.
For Safari
Safari stores preferences in a plist file. While less common, clearing the history and website data can sometimes reset stubborn handlers.
- Go to Safari > Settings > Privacy.
- Click Manage Website Data.
- Remove entries related to the App Store or Apple ID if present.
For Chrome or Firefox
These browsers have built-in settings to manage protocol handlers.
- In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Additional permissions > Protocol handlers. Remove any entries for the App Store.
- In Firefox, go to Settings > General > Applications. Look for "app-store" in the list and change the action to "Always Ask" or "Use Other".
Preventing Future Occurrences
To avoid this issue in the future, be cautious when dialogs appear asking about default applications. These dialogs often appear when clicking links to iTunes, App Store, or even generic web protocols. If you see a message saying "Allow [Browser] to open these pages?", always review the checkbox options carefully. Unchecking "Remember my choice for all links of this type" prevents the permanent binding of the handler.
If you frequently encounter issues with macOS system behaviors, you might also find our guide on How to Stop Browsers Opening App Store on macOS? helpful for additional troubleshooting steps. For broader system stability, checking How to Fix Yahoo.com Not Loading on MacBook Pro running macOS 10.15.7 can provide insights into general connectivity and caching fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting LaunchServices delete my files?
No, running the lsregister command only clears the cache of which applications are associated with which file types and URLs. It does not delete documents, photos, or applications. However, it may reset custom default app choices you made for non-system files, such as setting VS Code as the default editor for Python files.
Why does this happen after a macOS update?
System updates often refresh the LaunchServices database or introduce new URL schemes. During the update process, background tasks may register the App Store as a handler for certain legacy links or security protocols, overriding your previous preferences.
Can I fix this without using Terminal?
There is no native GUI button to reverse this specific association in System Settings. You must use the Terminal command provided or manually reset defaults by right-clicking a file, selecting "Get Info", and changing the "Open with" dropdown, though this is tedious for URL schemes. Third-party apps like "RCDefaultApp" can manage this visually but are rarely necessary for this specific issue.
Does this affect iCloud or Apple ID login?
No, this change only affects how external links are handled. Your iCloud account, Apple ID login status, and purchased apps remain unaffected. The App Store will still function normally when launched directly from the Dock or Launchpad.
What if the problem persists after restarting?
If the App Store still opens automatically, check your browser extensions. Some ad-blockers or privacy tools may redirect traffic in ways that trigger the store. Disable extensions one by one to identify the culprit. Additionally, ensure your macOS is fully updated, as Apple occasionally patches bugs related to URL handling in newer versions.