How to fix 'Application cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer' on macOS

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix 'Application cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer' on macOS. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Apple uses a security feature called Gatekeeper to ensure that only trusted software runs on your Mac. When you download an application from a developer who is not registered with Apple or from a source outside the Mac App Store, macOS may block the app from launching to protect your organisation's data. If you are certain the software is legitimate, you can manually override this restriction.

Quick Fix Steps

The fastest way to bypass this warning without changing your global security settings is to use the Right-Click method:

1. Open Finder and locate the application in your /Applications folder or Downloads folder.
2. Right-click (or hold Control and click) the application icon.
3. Select Open from the shortcut menu.
4. A dialogue box will appear asking for confirmation. Click Open again.
5. The application will now be registered as a trusted app, and you can open it normally in the future.

Detailed Instructions via System Settings

If the right-click method does not work, or if you have already tried to open the app and received the error message, follow these steps to authorise the software through your system preferences.

For macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia

1. Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
2. In the sidebar, click Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down to the Security section.
4. You will see a message stating: "[App Name] was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer."
5. Click the Open Anyway button.
6. Enter your Mac administrator password or use Touch ID when prompted.
7. Click Open on the final confirmation dialogue.

For macOS Monterey and Older

1. Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.
2. Open the Security & Privacy pane.
3. Ensure you are on the General tab.
4. Click the Lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your password to make changes.
5. Under the Allow apps downloaded from section, look for the notice regarding the blocked application.
6. Click Open.

Troubleshooting

The 'Open Anyway' button is missing

If the option to open the app does not appear in System Settings, try the following:

• Ensure you have attempted to launch the application immediately before checking the settings. The prompt only appears for a short window of time.
• Check if the application is stored in the /Applications folder rather than running it directly from a .dmg disk image.

The application still won't launch

In rare cases, the app may be corrupted or incompatible with your version of macOS. If you have followed the steps above and the app still fails to open, please Open a Ticket so our technical team can analyse the software logs for you.

Still Having Issues?