Do you see “macOS cannot verify that this app is free of malware, “”The app cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified” or “Apple cannot be opened because Apple cannot scan it for malware»Messages while trying to install apps on your Mac? Well, this usually happens when Apple cannot check if an app is safe and therefore does not allow you to install it on the machine. It can also happen with apps from unknown developers that are not available in the App Store. If you have such a problem on your Mac, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are simple ways to fix macOS cannot verify this app is malware free.
Related | 3 Ways to Run Unverified, Unidentified Developer Apps on Mac
Fixed “macOS cannot verify this app is malware free” issue
macOS comes with a built-in security technology called GateKeeper. It is designed to ensure that only trusted software is running on your Mac. This helps prevent malware and potentially dangerous applications on the device. However, sometimes you might want to install apps from third-party developers that are not on the App Store.
When you try to install packages outside of the App Store, macOS checks the Developer ID signature to verify that the software is from an identified developer and has not been modified. macOS Catalina and later also require that the software be notarized as an additional security measure.
This is the main reason behind the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free of malware”Warning when attempting to install unknown applications. Either way, if you are sure about the safety of the app and want to run it on your computer, any of the methods below can be used to bypass the warning and install the software.
1. Using Control-Click
- To open Searcher on your Mac computer.
- Look for the app that notified you of the “macOS cannot verify this app is malware-free” error. You’ll find it in the Applications or Downloads folder.
- Control-click on the application to open the context menu.
- Click on To open to run the application.
This will whitelist the app and allow it to run on your Mac without displaying “macOS cannot verify this app is free of malware” or “developer unidentified” warning.
2. Open anyway
- Open the Apple menu and go to System Preferences.
- Head toward Security and confidentiality and press the General tongue.
- Here you will see a “Open anyway»For the problematic application. The button would only be available for an hour after trying to open the stuck app.
- Click on Open anyway to replace the block. You will be asked to enter administrator credentials.
- Tap To open when prompted to run or install the blocked application on your Mac.
3. Activate the applications from “Anywhere”.
Previously, macOS had a dedicated option called “All over” in System Preferences> Security and Privacy. It allowed users to install apps from anywhere instead of just the App Store or identified developers. However, the toggle was removed later.
The good thing is that you can bring it back using a simple terminal command. Open the terminal and enter sudo spctl –master-disable. Now go to System Preferences> Security & Privacy; the “All overThe option ”should now be activated and automatically selected. Now you can install and run apps anywhere.
If you want to revert to the default settings, use the command sudo spctl –master-enable. This will disable the option.
Conclusion: Solved macOS cannot check the app for malware
Here are three quick ways to fix “macOS cannot verify this app for malware free” on your Mac. Try them out and let me know which one worked for you in the comments below. With that said, always make sure the app is from a trusted developer and source before installing it to avoid any issues on your machine.
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