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.

DifficultyEasy
Time2 min
RiskLow
ReversibleYes
PlatformmacOS
UpdatedAug 18, 2026

Written and tested by emdottech

What that means

Low risk. This fix only checks things, or changes settings you can switch back in the same place. This change is reversible — you can return to the previous state without professional help or data loss.

Getting past Gatekeeper safely — right-clicking the app to open it, confirming in Privacy & Security with 'Open Anyway', only for apps from sources you trust, because unsigned software is where malware hides

Steps

01
- Right-click (or Control-click) the app in Finder → Open → confirm 'Open' in the dialog — this only works for that first launch
02
- If that option isn't there: System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll to the bottom → 'Open Anyway' next to the blocked-app message
03
- 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.

Still stuck? Diagnose my problem Browse all Mac fixes

Open apps blocked by Gatekeeper

Steps

✓How to verify the fix

!If this didn't fix it

Related fixes

How to verify the fix

If this didn't fix it