What to do if your Mac “cannot verify that this app is free from malware”

The message “macOS cannot verify that this app is free of malware” means that Gatekeeper doesn’t trust the software and is blocking it. However, if you're confident it’s safe, I’ll share some tips on how to bypass the security block on your Mac. These methods are tried and tested — I use them regularly when testing different apps.

Why can't some Mac apps be opened or verified?

Malware is any malicious program created to damage a computer system and compromise user privacy and security. Gatekeeper verifies downloaded apps before allowing them to run, reducing the likelihood of accidentally letting viruses into the system.

Because Apple’s authorization process is rigorous, many legitimate apps have a hard time passing it. Although Gatekeeper is key to making your user experience safe and secure, it can sometimes cause inconveniences when it prevents you from opening an app you know is safe.

There are two main issues you may notice:

1. “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware.” If you attempt to open an app on your Mac and the system shows this error message, it means that Apple Store hasn't authorized this app and it might not be safe to use.
2. “Cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified.” Since macOS only allows users to install apps from Apple-verified developers, the system will prevent you from installing a program if the developer hasn’t been registered with Apple.

Oftentimes, a Mac cannot verify that this app is free from malware if the program has been created prior to the introduction of the Gatekeeper developer ID registration, which is now required for an app to be authorized by Apple. 

Is it safe to open an app macOS cannot verify?

Apps go through a multi-step process to show Apple that their software is free of any suspicious code. Those that end up on the App Store have been notarized and are safe to use.

If you encounter a “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” warning, it means that either the app is outright dangerous, or that perhaps a credible developer didn’t bother to go through Apple’s review process.

Whether it’s safe to open an app that triggered the macOS Gatekeeper should be decided on a case-by-case basis. In general, however, it’s best to avoid any software that a Mac cannot verify.

How to get rid of “Apple cannot check it for malicious software”

While cyber safety is now one of our basic necessities, sometimes certain macOS features can seem a little overprotective. If you know the app to be clean, there’s a way to override the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” warning. Here’s how:

1. Go to System Settings ➙ Privacy & Security.
2. Scroll down to the Security Section.
3. Look for “(App Name) was blocked from opening because it’s not from an identified developer” and click Open Anyway.

Follow these steps only when you’re absolutely sure that the app you’re trying to open is safe. To avoid mistakes in this sensitive process, use CleanMyMac, a powerful app designed to clean, optimize, and protect your Mac.

CleanMyMac offers a real-time malware monitor that’ll instantly signal if any malicious software finds its way onto your device. The app’s Protection tool will neutralize potential virus threats and quickly get rid of them before they can do any damage. Apart from providing premium protection, CleanMyMac speeds up your Mac by helping you get rid of large or unwanted files and uninstalling apps you no longer use.

What is the cause of the “cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified” error on Mac?

In an effort to create a safer environment for its users, Apple introduced a developer ID system and app review process to reduce the risk of viruses infecting macOS.

Before any app can get on the App Store, both the program and the creator are reviewed and approved by Apple. So if you try to install an app from an unverified developer, or an app from a registered developer, but one that hasn’t been reviewed, you’ll see a corresponding error message.

How to open an app from an unverified developer

Seeing an error message is often annoying and sometimes even frustrating, but when it comes to security, there can never be too many warnings. If your Mac signals an app cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified, it’s preventing you from potentially installing harmful elements or vulnerabilities.

If you’re a casual user, it’s tough to know whether a piece of software is truly safe to open but there are a few steps you can take to avoid downloading malicious software.

• Check that the app came from a reliable source.
• Research the developer’s history.
• Ensure that the software is known and trusted.
• Research any issues reported about the product.

Do all these steps sound great but way too time-consuming? There’s another way to find out whether an app is safe to use, and that’s to turn to professionals.

As I've already mentioned, CleanMyMac has a Protection tool specifically designed to scan apps for vulnerabilities and quickly remove the ones with harmful traits. Using a regularly updated database of known bugs and viruses, CleanMyMac performs an in-depth check of your Mac, including apps by unverified developers.

Bypass security block when you need to

Security is important, but sometimes protection software can be a bit too cautious. Now you know how to bypass Apple’s security system when needed while keeping your Mac safe by regularly scanning for malware with CleanMyMac. 

All the apps I mentioned here are available to you right now at no cost, along with more than 250 best-in-class macOS and iOS apps that can elevate your user experience. Go on a 7-day trial of Setapp, and you’ll never look back!