You’ve just downloaded a file or installed an app on your Mac, eager to use it, but then you hit a roadblock: “Can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.” This frustrating message can stop you in your tracks, especially when you’re not sure how to bypass or fix it. While this warning is meant to keep your device secure, it’s often triggered by things that may not be as dangerous as they appear.
In this article, we’ll explore why you see this message, what causes it, and, most importantly, how to fix it. Whether you’re facing this issue with downloaded apps or a program you’re trying to run, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow steps.
Why Does This Error Appear?
Apple’s Gatekeeper: Protecting Your Mac from Malicious Software
The “Can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software” message is part of Apple’s Gatekeeper feature, which is designed to protect your Mac from harmful apps and software. Gatekeeper ensures that the software you download is verified as safe, which means it only allows apps from identified developers or the App Store to run by default. When you try to open an app that doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll encounter the “can’t be opened” error.
This happens because macOS can’t verify the app or file against a developer’s signature or because the file was downloaded from an untrusted source. It’s a built-in security measure to prevent the installation of malware and apps that could harm your computer.
Common Scenarios Where This Error Occurs
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Third-party apps: Apps downloaded from the internet, outside of the App Store, often trigger this message.
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Old apps: Even apps that used to work perfectly may show this error after an update to macOS.
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Unverified or unsigned files: Some files and apps don’t have a developer signature, and Gatekeeper marks them as risky.
How to Fix the “Can’t Be Opened” Error
Luckily, there are a few methods to bypass or fix this issue without compromising your Mac’s security. Let’s walk through some of the most common and effective solutions.
Method 1: Open the App via System Preferences
The quickest way to bypass this error is by allowing the app to run from your Mac’s Security & Privacy settings.
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Go to System Preferences: Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
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Click on Security & Privacy: In the Security & Privacy panel, go to the General tab.
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Unlock Settings: Click the padlock icon at the bottom left and enter your password to make changes.
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Allow the App: Under the “Allow apps downloaded from” section, you should see a message about the blocked app. Click Open Anyway.
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Confirm: A popup will appear asking you to confirm that you want to open the app. Click Open.
This method should bypass the Gatekeeper warning and let you use the app.
Method 2: Using the Right-Click Option
If you don’t want to change your system preferences, you can also use this simple trick:
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Find the App: Locate the app in Finder.
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Right-Click and Select Open: Instead of double-clicking, right-click (or Control-click) the app and select Open from the context menu.
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Confirm: You’ll see the same warning message, but this time, you’ll have an option to Open the app anyway. Click Open to proceed.
This method is great for individual apps that you trust but don’t want to adjust system-wide settings for.
Method 3: Terminal Command to Bypass Gatekeeper
For more advanced users, you can use a Terminal command to disable Gatekeeper entirely for specific apps. This method is useful if you trust the app and want to run it without any interference.
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Open Terminal: Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
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Enter Command: Type the following command into Terminal and press Enter:
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Enter Password: You’ll be prompted to enter your administrator password to proceed.
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Re-enable Gatekeeper: Once the app is running, you can turn Gatekeeper back on by using:
This is a temporary fix, and it’s highly recommended to turn Gatekeeper back on after using the app.
What to Do If You Don’t Trust the App
While it’s tempting to bypass the warning and open an app, never ignore Gatekeeper for files or apps from untrusted sources. If you’re unsure about an app, follow these steps:
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Check Developer Information: Verify if the app is from a known developer by checking the developer’s website and reviews.
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Run an Antivirus Scan: Use a reputable antivirus tool to scan the app for potential threats.
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Check for Alternatives: If in doubt, look for alternative apps on the Mac App Store that are verified and trusted by Apple.
FAQ: Common Questions About This Error
1. Can I permanently disable Gatekeeper?
While you can disable Gatekeeper, it’s not recommended as it opens your Mac up to potential security risks. It’s better to bypass Gatekeeper on a case-by-case basis.
2. Why does this happen to apps I’ve downloaded before?
Apps that were signed with older certificates or haven’t been updated in a while may trigger this error. macOS updates its security standards regularly, and old apps may not be compatible with the latest security protocols.
3. Does this error indicate that the app is malware?
Not necessarily. This error simply means that the app cannot be verified by Apple. It could be safe, but it’s important to confirm the app’s legitimacy before proceeding.
4. Can I fix this error on older macOS versions?
Yes, the steps above apply to most recent macOS versions. However, some older macOS versions might have different settings or warnings, so make sure to check specific instructions for your macOS version if needed.
Conclusion: Fixing the “Can’t Be Opened” Error
Encountering the “Can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software” error on your Mac can be frustrating, but with the right steps, it’s easy to fix. Whether you use the Security & Privacy settings, the right-click method, or Terminal commands, you can get your app up and running again. Just remember to always be cautious and verify the source of any app before allowing it to bypass Gatekeeper.
For further tips on managing your Mac’s security or troubleshooting other macOS issues, feel free to check out our other articles.
