<< Solved >> “This copy of the Install macOS Mojave.app application is damaged, and can’t be used to install macOS.”

[trs96]

I have come across this problem even when installing genuine Macs with a version of macOS. There are 2 steps I take, firstly disconnect the Ethernet and/or WiFi, then do a Get Info on the version of Install macOS xxx and look at the Modified Date. Set the System Date to that date. You can do that in BIOS before you run the installer, or via terminal in the form [mm][dd]HH]MM[cc][yy] when you get the error message.

For everyone reading this with a similar problem there is a simpler, faster solution.

Download macOS from Apple via these links on their support page:

If an installer says it can't be verified or was signed with a certificate that has expired - Apple Support

Please download a new copy of the installer.

support.apple.com

 

[Micalllee]

For everyone reading this with a similar problem there is a simpler, faster solution.

Download macOS from Apple via these links on their support page:

If an installer says it can't be verified or was signed with a certificate that has expired - Apple Support

Please download a new copy of the installer.

support.apple.com

As I noted above, you may have to reboot before it works. I downloaded it twice after the new installer was posted, but it still wouldn't work until I rebooted.

 

[videodrone]

I cannot download a fresh copy of Mojave (or High Sierra, or Sierra) from the Apple direct download link. I get the same error message "This copy of the MacOS install etc etc is damaged". The App Store won't even start the download. I have tried re-booting and it still does not work. I tried both of my Hackintoshes, (running Sierra and High Sierra) and also my real iMac running Catalina. The date and time are all set to auto so are correct. I cleared out the previous Mojave install app with the expired certificate from Applications just in case it was the cause. Does anyone know what is the trick to get the App Store or the direct download link to allow downloading a fresh copy of the install app ?

 

[trs96]

Does anyone know what is the trick to get the App Store or the direct download link to allow downloading a fresh copy of the install app ?

Try creating a new Apple ID for temporary use. See if the download will work then.

 

[freelancertech]

Brilliant!! Thank you.

 

[sb098]

“This copy of the Install macOS Mojave.app application is damaged, and can’t be used to install macOS.”

View attachment 432547

into Terminal set the date as March 03 2019 at 00:00

date 030300002019

Epic! Thanks for the fix!!

 

[shamahan]

I tried this solution and does not work, i even tried to put the date in bios setup, same error.
Is there anything i can do?

I had same problem so solution: Mac OS sync time from internet. Just unplug a wire.

 

[pdamon]

Thanks for the fix. Works well.
Make sure you pull out your network cable ;-)

fixed it for me. I was plugged in through ethernet and this let me set the time back and continue on with the install. worked flawlessly.

 

[Trev2c]

Here are direct download links for macOS installers with valid certificates:
Catalina - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475
Mojave - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210190
High Sierra - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208969
Sierra - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208202
El Capitan - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206886
Yosemite - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210717

To create bootable USB drives just follow the instructions on this page for the version of macOS that you will be using:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

However, I have come across a major glitch with the new Install macOS Sierra.

Creating an installer USB from within Terminal using this script ...
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/
Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
--applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.
app

... gave me great grief with constant /Volumes/MyVolume is not a valid volume mount point errors. After many attempts and more googling it seems there is a problem with this version of the OS installer, but just in creating a bootable USB version.

The solution turns out to be easy, that is if you have an older copy of the existing USB Sierra installer just delete the Install macOS Sierra file from the USB, empty the Bin and copy the new expanded version across.
Of course I had erased my existing Sierra installer so had to find my older copy of the Install Sierra and create a new Installer and go through the above process.

 

[vengeancevendor]

“This copy of the Install macOS Mojave.app application is damaged, and can’t be used to install macOS.”

View attachment 432547

into Terminal set the date as March 03 2019 at 00:00

date 030300002019

I confirm the fix! Holy schmuck! I wasted time on redownloading, recreating the installer usb... My Devil! It was this simple!