You’re probably frustrated if you’ve just tried to open an app on your Mac only to get the message, “Can’t open app because Apple can’t check it for malicious software.” This warning is MacOS’s way of protecting you, but sometimes you need that software now—especially if you know it’s from a trustworthy developer. Before you abandon your download, there are practical steps you can take that will let you run those apps safely and get back to work.
macOS implements various security measures to protect users from potentially harmful applications, leading to the restriction of app installations from unrecognized sources. One of the key components of this security framework is Gatekeeper, which checks each application’s developer ID certificate and notarization status before allowing installation.
If an application is downloaded from an unverified source and lacks a valid digital signature, or if its notarization status is missing, macOS will block the installation. This is indicative of a failure to verify the application's legitimacy and security.
Additionally, apps may be flagged if their digital signatures appear corrupted or tampered with, which raises concerns about their integrity.
Gatekeeper also restricts in-house or self-signed applications that don't have proper certification, further ensuring that only verified applications are installed on the system. Consequently, these measures contribute to a more secure operating environment by minimizing the risk of malware and other security threats.
While macOS security features like Gatekeeper are designed to protect users from untrusted applications, they can hinder the operation of applications that users believe to be safe. To bypass security warnings for these trusted applications, users can right-click (or control-click) the application in Finder and select the “Open” option. A prompt will appear, allowing the user to confirm their decision to run the application.
Additionally, another method involves moving the app to the /Applications folder, right-clicking it there, and selecting “Open” again to bypass the warning.
For applications that continue to present challenges, users can navigate to the Security & Privacy settings in System Preferences and select the “Open Anyway” option for specific trusted applications.
For more advanced users, it's also possible to use the Terminal to remove the quarantine flag from applications. However, it's critical to only apply this method to applications that the user is certain are safe, as removing security checks indiscriminately may expose the system to potential risks.
macOS Gatekeeper is a security feature designed to help prevent the installation of malicious software by limiting the applications that can be opened on a Mac.
However, there are situations where users may need to bypass this feature when they encounter blocks on applications from trusted sources.
To override these restrictions, users can utilize Terminal commands. The command `xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/file` can be employed, where the placeholder `/path/to/file` should be replaced with the specific path of the application file in question. This command removes the quarantine attribute that Gatekeeper applies to downloaded files in order to verify their safety before allowing them to run.
It is important to verify the origin of the application before proceeding with this command, as bypassing Gatekeeper's protections can expose a system to potential security threats.
Users should ensure that the syntax of the command is accurate to avoid misconfiguration. After executing the command, users should be able to launch the application without encountering further warnings from Gatekeeper.
If you find using Terminal commands complex or would like a more straightforward method, you can modify your application security settings directly through the System Settings on macOS.
To begin, click on the Apple menu and select System Settings. From there, navigate to Privacy & Security and locate the section labeled "Allow apps downloaded from." This section allows you to specify your preferences regarding the sources of applications you trust, such as restricting access to only the App Store or allowing apps from identified developers as well.
If you encounter an unverified application and wish to open it, you can select “Open Anyway” and provide your administrator password for confirmation.
It's important to note that any adjustments you make to the app security settings will be saved, which helps to prevent recurring prompts when attempting to open those specific applications in the future.
This method offers a user-friendly way to manage application security without resorting to command-line tools.
Even cautious Mac users can encounter risks from malware or unverified applications. To enhance the security of your device, it's advisable to take specific measures.
Download software exclusively from trusted sources, such as the Mac App Store or websites belonging to reputable developers. Adjust the Gatekeeper security settings to permit only applications from the App Store or identified developers, thereby preventing the installation of unverified apps.
It's also essential to keep macOS and all applications updated, as regular updates help protect your system from potential threats. Utilizing reliable antivirus software can add an additional layer of protection, and scheduling routine malware scans can assist in identifying and addressing issues.
Furthermore, consistently monitoring your system for unusual activity enables prompt responses to potential threats, contributing to a more secure computing environment.
When you see the “Can’t open app because Apple can’t check it for malicious software” message, don’t panic. You’ve got several easy ways to open trusted apps, whether that’s right-clicking to bypass Gatekeeper or tweaking your Mac’s security settings. Just make sure you only do this for applications you trust. Staying cautious and aware keeps your Mac safe and secure, even as you take control of what software gets to run on your device.