macOS checks apps downloaded outside the App Store before letting them run. If the alert says Apple cannot check an app, you may be able to approve that app individually—but only after verifying its source and integrity. If macOS says the app will damage your computer or identifies known malware, do not override the warning.
Why macOS checks downloaded apps
Gatekeeper helps protect your Mac by checking software obtained outside the App Store. Apple says macOS checks Developer ID signatures on apps, plug-ins, and installer packages to verify who signed the software and whether it has been altered. On macOS Catalina and later, apps also generally need to be notarized by Apple. The first time you open downloaded software, macOS asks you to approve it. Apple explains these checks and warnings in its Mac security guidance.
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These checks help assess whether software is from an identified developer and whether it has been altered or flagged. They are not a guarantee that an app is harmless, and an approval prompt does not mean macOS has found malware.
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Identify which warning you received
The wording matters: an inability to check an app is not the same as a malware detection. Apple distinguishes among several warning situations:
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| Warning situation | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A downloaded app asks for first-open approval | macOS is asking you to confirm that you intended to open software from an identified developer. | Proceed only if you recognize the app and meant to open it. |
| “Apple cannot check [app] for malicious software” | Apple could not check the app. This message alone does not say that malware was found. | Contact the developer, check for an App Store update or choose an alternative. Consider an exception only if you trust the source and know the app has not been tampered with. |
| “Developer cannot be verified” or the app is not notarized | macOS cannot verify that the app is free of malware. | Prefer an App Store version or another app. Only consider an exception when you have independently verified the source and integrity. |
| “[App] will damage your computer” or known malware is reported | macOS has detected malicious content or revoked authorization. Known malware may be blocked and moved to the Trash. | Do not override. Seek a clean copy from the developer or use an alternative. |
| “App is damaged” | The app could be broken, corrupted, modified, or tampered with. | Get a clean copy from a trusted source or contact the developer. |
Apple’s guidance on safely opening apps describes these warning types and recommended responses. Treat a malware or damage alert differently from an “Apple cannot check” message.
Try the safer options first
- Look for the app in the App Store, or check whether the developer offers an updated, notarized version.
- Contact the developer if Apple cannot check the app; confirm that the download came from the developer’s genuine site and has not been altered.
- If macOS reports malware or says the app will damage your computer, do not try to get around the warning. Use a clean, trusted version or choose another app.
Apple’s Mac User Guide cautions: “Overriding security settings to open an app is the most common way that a Mac gets infected with malware.” Apple’s guide to overriding security settings likewise recommends using an App Store version or an alternative when possible.
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How to use Open Anyway for an app Apple cannot check
Apple documents a per-app exception for an unchecked or unidentified-developer warning. Use it only if you have independently established that the app comes from a trustworthy source and has not been tampered with. Do not use these steps to dismiss a warning that macOS reports malware or says the app will damage your computer.
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- Try to open the app so macOS displays and records the warning, then dismiss the alert.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security.
- In the Security section, select Open Anyway for the app. Review the warning that appears and confirm only if you are still certain the app is trustworthy. macOS may ask for your password.
- Open the app again by double-clicking it. macOS saves the decision as an exception for that app.
According to Apple’s Mac User Guide, Open Anyway is available for about an hour after the attempted opening. Labels and screen locations can differ across macOS versions. The broader “Allow apps downloaded from” controls may be unavailable on Macs managed by an administrator or IT department; Apple describes the available choices as App Store only, or App Store and identified developers.
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When not to override a macOS warning
Do not treat Open Anyway as a general bypass or as proof that an app is safe. If macOS says an app will damage your computer, reports known malware, or identifies a damaged app, stop and obtain a clean, trusted copy or contact the developer. For a message that Apple cannot check the app, an exception remains a risk decision: if you cannot verify the source and integrity, do not open it.
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