How to fix the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error
6 min read
The “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error is something many Mac users run into these days. It can be hard to figure out why this error occurs, and it often feels like hitting a roadblock when you’re just trying to open or install apps. Trying to fix it can be frustrating. In this article, we’ll explain why this message may appear and give you a few ways you can fix it.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why can’t some Mac apps be opened or verified?
Apple uses a built-in security feature called Gatekeeper to protect your Mac from potentially harmful software. Gatekeeper ensures that only legitimate apps run on your Mac, which is why you might sometimes see an error message when trying to open certain apps.
The safest place to get apps is the Mac App Store, where Apple reviews and signs each app to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. But when you download an app from the internet or directly from an app developer, Gatekeeper checks it for security threats before allowing the app to run. This way, it prevents malware or viruses from entering your Apple device.
What causes the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error?
Not all apps downloaded outside the App Store meet Gatekeeper’s strict security standards, even if they are safe. If Gatekeeper can’t confirm that an app is safe to install, you’ll see the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” message.
This situation can happen for several reasons. This error is most likely to appear if you’ve downloaded an app from a third-party source, but it can also happen if its digital signature is missing, invalid, or corrupted. When an app is created, it is digitally signed by its developer using a cryptographic key. This signature verifies that the software is authentic and has not been tampered with since it was signed.
If you’re sure the app is from a reliable source, you may be able to temporarily bypass the security settings to open it. Otherwise, a good next step is to check the App Store for an updated or alternative version.
Can I install and open apps that macOS cannot verify?
When macOS shows the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” message, it warns you that the app didn’t pass Apple’s security check. You may still install and open the unverified app that cannot be verified by macOS, but you do so at your own risk.
If you’ve downloaded the app from a trustworthy source, like the developer’s official website or the App Store, it’s likely safe to run even if you see the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error. However, if the blocked app came from an unfamiliar source, it’s safer not to open it because it can potentially expose your Mac to malicious software and other security threats. Always proceed with caution when bypassing security warnings.
How to get rid of the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error
You can fix the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error in several ways. You can adjust your computer settings, try opening the application using alternative methods, or if all else fails, disable Gatekeeper altogether.
Use the control-click method
One way you can bypass the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error is to launch the app using a control-click (or right-click). This way, you will be able to allowlist and open the app:
- Open up “Finder” on your Mac and go to “Applications.”
- Find the installer package of the app that’s causing the issue. Holding the “Control” key, click on the app.
- Click “Open” to run the app.
- Ignore the error message and click the “Open” button again.
- Follow the installation process as usual.
Once you do this, the unverified app should open without the error in the future. If the message reappears, you may need to try other solutions.
Adjust the Gatekeeper settings
macOS Gatekeeper prevents potentially malicious apps from running on your Mac. However, sometimes even safe apps can’t bypass its strict security measures. To resolve this issue, you can change the Gatekeeper settings on your Mac:
- Open up “System settings.”
- Find the “Privacy & security” tab on the left side and click on it.
- Scroll down to the “Security” section and look for “Allow applications downloaded from.”
- Choose the option saying “App Store and identified developers.”
Open the app using Terminal
Every app you download from the internet gets a specific attribute known as the quarantine attribute, which alerts Gatekeeper to verify it. This attribute triggers the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error. While this message means that Gatekeeper is just doing its job at keeping your Mac device safe, if you’re confident the app is safe, you can remove the quarantine attribute using Terminal:
- Start by opening Terminal on your computer. Click on the “Launchpad” icon, type “Terminal” in the search field, and select it. You can also find it in the “Utilities” folder under the “Applications” section in the “Finder.”
- Once you open Terminal, type in “xattr -d com.apple.quarantine filepath” and hit “Enter.” Make sure to replace “filepath” with the app’s actual path. Simply drag the app from its folder directly into the “Terminal” window, and it will fill in the path for you.
- You may need to enter your computer’s password. Type it in and hit “Enter.”
- Close Terminal and restart your Mac.
- Launch the app.
Disable Gatekeeper
If you’ve tried all other methods and they didn’t work, you can disable Gatekeeper, which will allow you to install the app that’s causing the error:
- Open Terminal by following the steps mentioned above.
- Type in “sudo spctl –master-disable.”
- If asked, type in your computer’s password and press “Enter.”
- Continue installing or opening the app you need.
This step will weaken your Mac’s security, so proceed with caution. Once you’ve successfully opened the app, it is best to re-enable Gatekeeper. To restore the security settings, type the following command into Terminal — “sudo spctl –master-enable.”
How to avoid getting malware and viruses on Mac
Following general cybersecurity practices will help protect your Mac from malicious software and other cybersecurity threats:
- Only download apps from a trustworthy source. Stick to the Apple App Store or download apps directly from the developer.
- Regularly update your computer software and apps. Updates often include security patches that protect against various cyber threats.
- Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources because they could potentially contain malware or viruses.
- Use threat protection tools. They can help monitor your system for potential security threats and block malicious activity before it affects your Mac.
- It’s important to create strong passwords for all your accounts to protect them from malware and viruses. Your password should combine letters, numbers, and symbols and include uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Avoid reusing passwords for multiple accounts. If you think you won’t be able to keep track of all your passwords, consider getting a password manager like NordPass.
- Secure your Apple account with two-factor authentication.