Troubleshooting
When something goes wrong, first decide which symptom category you are looking at. Do not start by reinstalling the app or repeating the same download. Confirm the current state first and the cause is usually easier to isolate.
Fast rule: launch problems point to system blocking, extension problems start with Connected, download problems start with task state, and file problems start with the current output folder.
30-second routing
Section titled “30-second routing”| Symptom | First thing to judge | Go here |
|---|---|---|
| macOS says the app cannot be opened or the developer cannot be verified | Is the app already in Applications? Did you try right-click Open? | First Launch on macOS |
The browser extension shows Disconnected | Is the desktop app running? Does the extension need a reload? | Extension Disconnected |
The app or logs show an error message, English keyword, or E_... code | Use the message text to separate login, network, runtime, and output-folder causes | Error Messages and Error Codes |
Pasting a link creates no task, stays in Preparing, or fails | Which stage is it stuck in? Can the link open and can the output folder be written? | Download Failures |
| The task says done but you cannot find the file | Did the output folder change? Did the task really finish? | Missing Files |
If it is a launch problem
Section titled “If it is a launch problem”On macOS, follow this order: move the app into Applications -> right-click Open -> allow it in system settings -> use the quarantine command only at the end.
On Windows, first confirm you downloaded the Installer EXE or Portable ZIP, not a source archive.
If it is an extension problem
Section titled “If it is an extension problem”The extension must connect to a running desktop app. Launch Ameow, confirm the floating window is visible, then reopen the popup. Connected is the state that means page tasks can be sent.
If the extension is connected but the task still fails, the problem usually moves into site support, login state, link validity, or output-folder permissions.
If You Have A Specific Error Message
Section titled “If You Have A Specific Error Message”Keep the full message or a screenshot first. If it includes keywords such as cookies, 403, timeout, yt-dlp exited, or an error code such as E_AUTH_REQUIRED, use Error Messages and Error Codes to identify the direction, then return to the download-failure page for the action path.
If it is a download problem
Section titled “If it is a download problem”First check the task state:
- no task at all: the link was not received or the extension was not connected;
- keeps preparing: network, runtimes, login state, or site rules may be involved;
- explicit failure: inspect the link, site support, and output-folder access;
- done but missing file: move to file-location troubleshooting.
If it is a file-location problem
Section titled “If it is a file-location problem”Open the current output folder from Ameow. Do not trust only the default Desktop/Ameow_Received, because dropping a folder changes the current output folder.
Not sure where to start?
Section titled “Not sure where to start?”Start with the FAQ. It covers the most common user-facing issues with short, practical answers. If this is your first run, you can also return to Getting Started and repeat the shortest path.