Why am I seeing the error message ‘macOS cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified’ when trying to open an app?
Why am I seeing the error message ‘macOS cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified’ when trying to open an app?
I just downloaded a new application that I’m excited to use, but when I try to open it on my Mac, I receive an error message stating ‘macOS cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified.’ This is frustrating because I trust the source of the app, and I’m confident it’s safe. I understand that macOS has security measures to protect my system from potentially harmful software, but this restriction is preventing me from using an app I need. I wonder why macOS provides such stringent checks and how it determines which developers can be verified or not. Is there a specific criterion that apps need to meet for macOS to trust them? I’m really concerned about managing my workflow since I rely on using a variety of applications. Plus, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to deal with this kind of warning message, and I need to understand why it keeps happening.
5 Answers
You’re seeing the ‘macOS cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified’ message because macOS employs Gatekeeper to enhance user security. This feature ensures that apps from non-verified developers are flagged before execution. This isn’t just to annoy you but a safeguard against malicious software that could compromise your data. If you want to proceed with running the app anyway: 1. Head to ‘System Preferences.’ 2. Click ‘Security & Privacy,’ then the ‘General’ tab. 3. You will see a note about the blocked app; click ‘Open Anyway.’ 4. Confirm the action, and you should be good to go. Take caution, though—download apps from reputable sources to limit security risks.
This error message appears because of Apple’s Gatekeeper security, which ensures applications are from trusted developers and haven’t been tampered with. If an app isn’t recognized, it gets blocked. Here’s how you can open the app: 1. Find the app in Finder. 2. Control-click or right-click the app. 3. Select ‘Open’ from the context menu. 4. Click ‘Open’ again in the dialog box that appears. Once you do this, macOS will remember your choice and won’t prompt this message again for the same app. Just ensure that you really trust the app source before bypassing Gatekeeper.
Encountering the error ‘macOS cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified’ is due to Apple’s security feature, Gatekeeper. The primary function is to safeguard your system by ensuring only apps from authenticated developers run on macOS. Gatekeeper uses a method called ‘notarization,’ where developers must submit their apps to Apple for a security check before users can install them. If you still want to run the application: 1. Open Finder and locate the app. 2. Right-click the app and select ‘Open.’ 3. Confirm by clicking ‘Open’ again. This action adds an exception for the app, allowing it to run. Remember, modifying these settings increases risk if the application’s credibility is not firmly established.
One possible reason you’re seeing the ‘macOS cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified’ message is due to Apple’s Gatekeeper. This security feature prevents unverified or potentially dangerous applications from running on your system. Gatekeeper verifies the developer’s identity using a digital certificate. If an app doesn’t have this certificate, it will be blocked automatically to protect your system. To bypass this restriction and open the app: 1. Navigate to ‘System Preferences.’ 2. Select ‘Security & Privacy.’ 3. Locate the message about the app and click ‘Open Anyway.’ This should allow the app to run, but be cautious about the potential risks of unverified software.
When macOS indicates that ‘macOS cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified,’ it’s a part of its robust security mechanism via Gatekeeper. Gatekeeper ensures that only apps from identified developers run on your Mac. To address this issue for a specific app: 1. Open ‘System Preferences.’ 2. Click on ‘Security & Privacy.’ 3. Go to the ‘General’ tab and click the lock icon to make changes, entering your admin password if prompted. 4. Change the setting under ‘Allow apps downloaded from’ to ‘App Store and identified developers.’ 5. Attempt to open the app again. You should proceed with caution, as compromising these settings can expose your system to unsecured applications. Always prefer verified developers for enhanced security.