I’m trying to open an app, but my Mac won’t let me because it says ‘Apple cannot check it for malicious software.’ I need help understanding what this means and how I can safely open the app since it’s important for my work. Any advice or solutions to bypass this error?
Oh, Mac’s Gatekeeper strikes again! So basically, when you see “Apple cannot check it for malicious software,” it just means the app comes from an “unidentified developer” that hasn’t gone through Apple’s notarization process. It’s not necessarily dangerous, but Apple doesn’t want you trusting random apps without some hoops.
If you’re sure this app’s legit and you need it, here’s how you can technically bypass:
- Locate the app in Finder. Don’t double-click it yet (patience is key here).
- Instead, right-click (or Control + Click) on the app and hit “Open.”
- A little popup will say the same Gatekeeper warning, but now there’ll be an “Open” option you can click. BAM! The app will launch.
If this doesn’t work the first time or you’re dealing with something really sus, you might have to adjust your Mac’s security settings. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General tab, and unlock changes if needed. Toggle that “App Store and identified developers” thing for a sec, then retry the right-click method above.
BUT (and this is the part people ignore)—if you got this app from some sketchy corner of the internet, maybe reconsider?? Apps that haven’t been verified could still be malicious, and bypassing Gatekeeper means you’re manually opening the door. Just a friendly reminder, cuz malware on MacOS sucks.
Anyway, be safe out there! Or, you know, roll the dice. It’s your Mac.
You know, @jeff has a decent explanation, but I always feel like people jump to bypassing Gatekeeper too quickly. Sure, the steps they laid out work, but let’s think bigger picture for a second.
First of all, why hasn’t this app been notarized by Apple? It’s 2023—developers know users are gonna get this scary warning if they skip Apple’s process. If they didn’t bother, is it incompetence, or are they trying to dodge scrutiny? Feels shady, doesn’t it? If this app didn’t come straight from an official and credible source (and no, “someone sent me the .dmg file” doesn’t count), maybe don’t give it a free pass.
If you’re still 100% convinced you need this app for your work and are ready to risk it, fine, but take a proactive approach. At minimum, scan the app with antivirus software or use VirusTotal (drag and drop the file into their site) to see if it’s flagged. And keep your backups current, because if this app tries to nuke your Mac, you’ll be crying over your unencrypted documents. Not asking you to trust Apple blindly, but let’s not trust random developers blindly either.
Also, small tip: instead of fiddling with your security settings and potentially leaving the door open for other unidentified software, you can selectively grant this one app permission by permanently adding it to your allowed list. That way, every app out there isn’t like, “Oh hey, I’m legit too—let me through!” Wannabe hackers love an overly trusting user.