Have you ever tried to open a Mac app only to be met with a warning that it “cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer”? This message can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to use a new program. MacOS includes this security feature to protect your computer from potentially harmful software, but you can bypass it if you trust the app’s source.

The warning appears because Apple aims to keep your Mac safe from malware. Apps from the Mac App Store or signed by known developers are allowed to run without issue. For other apps, you’ll need to take extra steps. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s a valuable safeguard against malicious software.

You have options to open these apps safely. You can override the security settings for individual apps or adjust your overall security preferences. Before doing so, ensure you trust the app’s source. It’s crucial to balance convenience with maintaining your Mac’s security.

Security Level	Description	Recommended For
App Store Only	Highest security, only allows App Store apps	Most users
App Store and identified developers	Moderate security, allows verified apps	Advanced users
Anywhere (not recommended)	Lowest security, allows all apps	Developers, power users

“Cannot Be Opened Because It Is From an Unidentified Developer” (Mac) — How to Fix It

If you see the message:

“App can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.”

on your Mac, it means macOS Gatekeeper is blocking the app for security reasons. This usually happens when the app:

• Was downloaded outside the Mac App Store
• Isn’t notarized by Apple
• Comes from a developer without an Apple Developer ID

Here’s how to safely open it.

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✅ Method 1: Open the App via Right-Click (Safest Option)

This is the easiest and safest way to bypass the warning for a trusted app.

1. Locate the app in Finder (Applications or Downloads).
2. Right-click (or Control-click) the app.
3. Select Open.
4. Click Open again when prompted.

✅ This permanently allows that specific app to run.

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✅ Method 2: Allow the App in System Settings

If you already tried opening the app and got blocked:

On macOS Ventura or later:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down to the Security section.
4. You’ll see a message saying the app was blocked.
5. Click Open Anyway.
6. Confirm by clicking Open.

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On macOS Monterey or earlier:

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Go to Security & Privacy.
3. Under the General tab, look for the blocked app message.
4. Click Open Anyway.
5. Confirm.

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✅ Method 3: Temporarily Allow Apps From Anywhere (Advanced Users)

⚠️ Not recommended unless necessary.

macOS hides the “Anywhere” option by default. To enable it:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter:

sudo spctl --master-disable

3. Enter your admin password.
4. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
5. Select Allow apps downloaded from: Anywhere.

To re-enable Gatekeeper later:

sudo spctl --master-enable

✅ Only use this method if you understand the risks.

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✅ Method 4: Remove Quarantine Attribute (Terminal Method)

Sometimes the file has a quarantine flag.

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type:

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/app.app

3. Replace /path/to/app.app with the actual app path. (You can drag the app into Terminal to auto-fill the path.)
4. Press Enter.

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⚠️ Important Security Warning

Only bypass this message if:

• You downloaded the app from a trusted website
• You verified the developer
• You scanned it for malware (optional but recommended)

If you’re unsure about the app’s origin, do not override the warning.

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Why This Happens

Apple uses Gatekeeper to:

• Prevent malware
• Block unsigned applications
• Protect users from malicious downloads

Many legitimate apps from small developers trigger this warning simply because they haven’t paid for Apple’s notarization process.

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If the App Still Won’t Open

You may see other errors like:

• “App is damaged and can’t be opened”
• “Apple cannot check it for malicious software”

In these cases:

• Re-download the app
• Make sure it’s compatible with your macOS version
• Check if the developer offers an updated version

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Quick Summary

Situation	Fix
First-time block	Right-click → Open
Already blocked	Privacy & Security → Open Anyway
Advanced override	Terminal command
Security concern	Don’t open the app

Understanding MacOS Security Features

MacOS incorporates robust security measures to protect users from potential threats. These features work together to create a safer computing environment while allowing flexibility for advanced users.

Role of Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is a key security feature in MacOS. It checks apps for known malicious content and verifies developer credentials. When you try to open an app from an unknown source, Gatekeeper displays a warning.

This tool helps prevent unintended installation of harmful software. It scans apps and files for potential risks before allowing them to run. You can adjust Gatekeeper settings in System Preferences to match your security needs.

Gatekeeper offers three levels of security:

1. App Store only
2. App Store and identified developers
3. Anywhere (least secure)

Mac App Store and Identified Developers

The Mac App Store is the safest place to download apps. Apple reviews all submissions for security and functionality. This process helps ensure you get reliable software.

Identified developers are those registered with Apple. They digitally sign their apps. This signature allows MacOS to verify the app hasn’t been tampered with since its creation.

Apps from identified developers can be installed even with strict Gatekeeper settings. You may need to right-click and select “Open” the first time you run these apps.

System Preferences Configuration

You can customize MacOS security settings in System Preferences. Navigate to “Security & Privacy” to access these options.

Key settings include:

• Gatekeeper configuration
• Firewall options
• FileVault disk encryption

Setting	Function
Allow apps downloaded from	Controls Gatekeeper behavior
Firewall	Manages incoming network connections
FileVault	Encrypts your entire drive

Adjusting these settings lets you balance security and usability. Consider your needs and risk tolerance when configuring these options.

Remember to keep your system and apps updated for the latest security patches.

Managing Security and Privacy Settings

Mac security settings help protect your device from potential threats. Adjusting these settings allows you to control which applications can run on your system while maintaining a balance between security and usability.

Adjusting Settings in System Preferences

To manage security settings on your Mac, start by opening System Preferences. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.

In the System Preferences window, look for the “Security & Privacy” icon. It typically appears in the top row and features a house-shaped icon. Click on this to access various security options for your Mac.

The Security & Privacy pane is divided into four tabs: General, FileVault, Firewall, and Privacy. For managing app permissions, focus on the General tab.

Allow Applications Downloaded From

The “Allow applications downloaded from” section in the General tab is crucial for controlling which apps can run on your Mac. You’ll see three options:

1. App Store
2. App Store and identified developers
3. Anywhere (hidden by default)

Option	Security Level	Flexibility
App Store	Highest	Lowest
App Store and identified developers	Medium	Moderate
Anywhere	Lowest	Highest

Choose “App Store and identified developers” for a good balance between security and flexibility. This setting allows you to run apps from the App Store and developers registered with Apple.

Unlocking the General Tab

To make changes to these settings, you’ll need to unlock the General tab. Look for a lock icon in the bottom-left corner of the Security & Privacy window.

Click the lock icon. You’ll be prompted to enter your admin username and password. This step prevents unauthorized users from changing important security settings.

After entering your credentials, the lock icon will change to an open state. You can now modify the “Allow applications downloaded from” settings.

Remember to click the lock icon again after making changes to secure your settings.

Handling the ‘Cannot Be Opened’ Alert

When you encounter the unidentified developer warning on your Mac, several options allow you to open the app safely. These methods balance security with user control, letting you access trusted software while maintaining system protection.

Identifying Unidentified Developers

The “unidentified developer” message appears when you try to open apps from sources outside the App Store. macOS uses Gatekeeper to prevent potentially harmful software from running. This security feature checks for a valid developer certificate.

Apps without this certificate trigger the warning. It doesn’t always mean the app is unsafe. Many reputable developers don’t have Apple-issued certificates. Before proceeding, verify the app’s source and reputation.

Warning Sign	Action
Unknown source	Research developer
Suspicious name	Double-check legitimacy
Unexpected alert	Scan for malware

Using the ‘Open Anyway’ Option

If you trust the app, you can override the warning. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. Look for a message about the blocked app. Click “Open Anyway” to launch it.

This method adds an exception for that specific app version. Future updates might trigger the warning again. Use this option for apps you’ve researched and trust.

Remember, this temporarily lowers your Mac’s security. Only use it for necessary, verified apps.

Control-Click to Open Apps

A quicker method to bypass the warning is the Control-click technique. Right-click on the app icon and select “Open” from the menu. A dialog box appears with an “Open” button.

This method works for individual instances without changing system preferences. It’s useful for one-time app launches or testing. The app opens without further warnings in the future.

Use this approach for apps you need occasionally but don’t want permanent exceptions for. It maintains overall system security while giving you flexibility.

Advanced Solutions for Opening Apps

For users seeking more technical approaches, there are powerful methods to open apps from unidentified developers. These solutions involve using Terminal commands and manipulating system settings.

Using Terminal Commands

Terminal offers a direct way to bypass Gatekeeper restrictions. Open Terminal from the Applications folder. Navigate to the app’s location using the ‘cd’ command. Type ‘xattr -cr’ followed by the app’s name and extension. Press Enter.

This command removes quarantine attributes, allowing the app to run. Be cautious when using this method. Only use it for apps you trust completely.

Here’s a quick reference table for common Terminal commands:

Command	Function
cd	Change directory
xattr -cr	Remove quarantine attribute
ls	List files in directory

Disabling Gatekeeper via Sudo Spctl

You can temporarily disable Gatekeeper system-wide. This lets you open any app regardless of its source. Open Terminal and type ‘sudo spctl –master-disable’. Enter your admin password when prompted.

This command turns off Gatekeeper. You can now open apps from unidentified developers freely. Remember to re-enable Gatekeeper after installing your desired apps. Type ‘sudo spctl –master-enable’ to turn it back on.

Use this method sparingly. It reduces your Mac’s security while active. Only disable Gatekeeper when necessary and for short periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mac users often encounter issues with unidentified developer warnings. These questions address common concerns and provide practical solutions for running applications safely.

How can I open an application from an unidentified developer on macOS?

To open an app from an unidentified developer, right-click the application icon and select “Open”. A dialog box will appear. Click “Open” again to launch the app.

This method works for most third-party apps that trigger the warning.

What steps should I take to resolve the ‘unidentified developer’ error when installing software on a Mac?

First, try the right-click method mentioned above. If that doesn’t work, you can adjust your security settings temporarily.

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Click the lock icon to make changes. Select “Allow apps downloaded from: App Store and identified developers.”

Is there a way to safely bypass the ‘unidentified developer’ warning to run applications?

Yes, you can bypass the warning safely. Use the Control-click method to open the app. This lets you run the app without changing system settings.

Remember to download apps only from trusted sources to maintain security.

Can I modify my Mac’s security settings to prevent the ‘unidentified developer’ alert?

You can adjust your security settings, but it’s not recommended. Keeping the default settings helps protect your Mac from potential threats.

If needed, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Under “Allow apps downloaded from,” select “Anywhere.”

What are the risks associated with running applications from unidentified developers on Mac?

Running apps from unidentified developers can pose security risks. These may include malware, viruses, or data theft.

Always research the app and its developer before bypassing security warnings. Stick to trusted sources for software downloads.

How do system administrators handle exceptions for ‘unidentified developer’ prompts in a managed Mac environment?

System administrators can use tools like profiles or MDM solutions to manage exceptions. They can whitelist specific apps or adjust Gatekeeper settings across multiple devices.

This approach allows for centralized control while maintaining security standards in corporate environments.

Method	Difficulty	Security Level
Right-click and Open	Easy	High
Adjust Security Settings	Moderate	Medium
Use MDM Solutions	Complex	Customizable