First launch help

Can't open MeterBar yet?

macOS protects you from apps it doesn't recognize. MeterBar is an independent app (not from the App Store), so on a brand-new Mac you'll see a warning the first time you open it. Pick the message you saw — the fix takes under a minute, once.

If you see

"MeterBar can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software."

… or something similar about an "unidentified developer."

This is macOS's default block for apps that aren't from the App Store. Getting past it once is enough — macOS remembers your choice.

  1. Open Finder → Applications.
  2. Right-click (or hold Control and click) on MeterBar.
  3. Choose Open from the menu.
  4. A new dialog appears — click Open to confirm.
If you see

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

Despite the wording, nothing is actually damaged.

macOS sometimes flags independent apps this way — especially after downloading through Safari. The fix is one Terminal command that removes the "downloaded from the internet" tag macOS added to the file.

  1. Open Terminal (press ⌘ Space, type Terminal, press Return).
  2. Paste this line and press Return: xattr -cr /Applications/MeterBar.app
  3. Open MeterBar from Applications — it should launch normally now.
If you see

"macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware."

Single OK button, no "Open Anyway." This is macOS Sequoia or newer.

Recent macOS versions moved the confirmation into System Settings. You'll need to approve MeterBar once from there.

  1. Click OK to close the warning.
  2. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security.
  3. Scroll down. You'll see: "MeterBar was blocked to protect your Mac."
  4. Click Open Anyway, then confirm with Touch ID or your password.
  5. Try opening MeterBar again — it'll launch.

Still not working?

Is MeterBar actually safe?
Yes. MeterBar runs entirely on your Mac, reads your own Claude usage locally, and never sends data anywhere. The source is open on GitHub if you want to look.
Why does macOS block it in the first place?
Apple asks independent developers to pay $99/yr for a certificate that signs apps as "known safe." MeterBar is a small indie tool priced at $14.99 once — the certificate math hasn't added up yet. When it does, these warnings disappear for everyone.
I tried everything and it still won't open.
Reply to your order email with what you're seeing, or ping @thewytzeh on X. Include the exact text of the error and your macOS version (Apple menu → About This Mac).
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