Usually, this happens because the app was made by someone who Apple doesn’t recognize or it’s missing a special security check called a notarization ticket, which is required by Gatekeeper. Starting with macOS Catalina, Apple added these checks by default to help protect your Mac. Even safe and useful apps, like installers, productivity tools, or open-source programs, can show this warning. If you’re using a Mac from work or school, first make sure your company allows you to install the particular app. Warning: Always double-check that you trust the source and safety of an app, especially when bypassing security warnings. Avoid putting your Mac at risk for the sake of convenience.
1. Open the Application by Right-Clicking It
You can sometimes bypass the warning by right-clicking and choosing ‘Open.’
2. Move the Application to the Applications Folder
Dragging the app to the Applications folder can sometimes help.
3. Install from the Mac’s Desktop
Sometimes, moving the installer to your desktop can help solve permission or security issues, even if it doesn’t always fix the warning.
4. Allow Apps from the App Store and Identified Developers
If your Mac is set to only let you install apps from the App Store, you might see this warning when you try to open apps from outside the App Store, even if they are from a known developer. Changing this setting can fix the problem.
5. Use the “Open Anyway” Option
macOS includes a built-in ‘Open Anyway’ button if it blocks an unknown app or if the app’s authentication fails.
6. Download the Latest App Installer
Sometimes, the app installer you have is outdated and won’t work with your current version of macOS. Getting the latest installer often solves this.
7. Update macOS and Related Applications
Having an outdated macOS or older related apps can also cause these problems. It helps to ensure both your system and your installed apps are up to date.
7.1. Update Related Apps
7.2. Update macOS
8. Reinstall the Application
If opening or using the app always triggers the warning, the installation may be corrupted. Reinstalling often fixes this.
9. Use the Pacifist Utility
If you’re still having trouble, Pacifist lets you open and install app packages (DMGs) manually. Only use Pacifist with apps from sources you trust.
10. Remove Adware Files
Adware can create launch agents that trigger warnings about malicious software. Removing these unwanted files usually solves the prompts. Be careful—only delete files you are confident are related to malware or adware. When unsure, look up the file names online.
11. Use Terminal Commands
If nothing else works, you can use Terminal commands to solve the problem.
11.1. Remove the Quarantine Attribute
11.2. Sign the Application with Codesign
11.3. Temporarily Disable GateKeeper
If you’re still seeing this issue after all the above, try booting your Mac into safe mode and checking if the problem goes away. Also, review your startup items. If you have third-party antivirus software running, try disabling or uninstalling it. As another step, create a new admin user account on your Mac and try installing the app from there. If none of these steps fix the issue, you might need to reset your system settings or reinstall macOS. If you continue to have trouble, contacting Apple Support or reaching out to the application’s developer is highly recommended.
