macOS · Mac · Everyday fixes

Open apps blocked by Gatekeeper

'Cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified' usually means a small indie app, not malware. Here's the safe way past it.

  • Difficulty Easy
  • Estimated time 2 min
  • Platform macOS
  • Last updated
Open apps blocked by Gatekeeper — schematic diagram

Before you start

Low risk. This change is reversible — you can return to the previous state without professional help or data loss.

Steps

  1. Right-click (or Control-click) the app in Finder → Open → confirm 'Open' in the dialog — this only works for that first launch
  2. If that option isn't there: System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll to the bottom → 'Open Anyway' next to the blocked-app message
  3. Only do this for apps you actually trust from a source you know — Gatekeeper exists because unsigned software is where malware hides

How to verify the fix

The app opens on first launch via right-click → Open (or Open Anyway), and runs normally afterwards.

If this didn't fix it

The app still won't open or behaves oddly — don't force it; an untrusted source is exactly where malware hides.

Next stop: the related fixes below, or start a guided diagnosis.

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