Bypassing the macOS Malware Verification Message

[nerdslife_team]

Ever downloaded an app on your Mac and seen the “macOS Cannot Verify That This App is Free from Malware” message? This is Gatekeeper doing its job, protecting you from potentially harmful software. But sometimes, you might be sure an app is safe and want to open it anyway. Here’s how you can get past that warning.

Important Note: Only proceed if you absolutely trust the app you’re trying to open. It’s crucial to verify its legitimacy and read up on the developer to make sure it’s not malicious.

Method 1: Using the context menu to open the app

This method allows you to bypass the warning and open the app directly using a simple right-click.

1. Open Finder and find the app you’re trying to use. It’s often in the ‘Applications’ or ‘Downloads’ folder.
   

   

2. Instead of double-clicking, right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the app’s icon and select “Open” from the menu.
   

3. You’ll see a warning dialog about macOS not being able to verify the developer. This time, you’ll get the option to “Open” the app. Click it to continue.
   

The app should now open without further issues.

Method 2: Adjusting Privacy & Security settings

This approach involves changing your Mac’s security settings to allow the app to open.

1. Open the ‘System Settings’ app on your Mac.
   

2. On the left sidebar, select ‘Privacy & Security’.
   

   

3. Scroll down to the ‘Security’ section. Look for a message stating that “[App Name] was blocked because it is not from an identified developer.” Then, click ‘Open Anyway’.
   

   

4. You might be prompted for your user account password. Enter it and click ‘Modify Settings’.
   

   

The app should now be able to open.

Method 3: Re-downloading the app

If the above steps don’t work, the app file might be corrupted or have an invalid signature.

1. Delete the current version of the app from your Mac.
2. Go to the official app developer’s website and download the latest version.
3. Try opening the app again, using either of the previous two methods.

Method 4: Disabling Gatekeeper completely (not recommended)

This is a last resort and isn’t advised as it significantly reduces your Mac’s security. But, if you need to, you can use Terminal to disable Gatekeeper.

1. Open Finder, and navigate to ‘Applications’.
   

   

2. Navigate to the ‘Utilities’ folder.
   

3. Open ‘Terminal’. You can also use Spotlight Search (Cmd + Space) and type ‘Terminal’.
   

   

4. In the Terminal, enter the following command and press Enter:

sudo spctl --master-disable

5. You’ll be asked for your administrator password. Type it in (it won’t be visible) and press Enter.
   

This will disable Gatekeeper, and an additional option labeled ‘Anywhere’ will show up in the ‘Allow apps downloaded from’ section in your security settings.

Note: Disabling Gatekeeper removes a key security feature, exposing your Mac to potential threats. Only proceed if you are fully aware of the risks involved.

To turn Gatekeeper back on, use this command in the Terminal:

sudo spctl --master-enable

This re-enables Gatekeeper, and the ‘Anywhere’ option will disappear from your settings.

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Remember, Gatekeeper is there to protect your Mac. While these steps can help you open apps you trust, be careful about disabling security features.