Fix “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware”

author avatarTodor Pichurov Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

Before we dive in

Before we dive in, let's make sure you stay safe online. We created SpyHunter because your security matters to us.

Protect your computer today — download SpyHunter right here! Check out our top tips below to keep your computer safe and secure.

Download SpyHunter

If you’re a Mac user, you may have encountered the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error message when attempting to open some applications.

This message is a key part of Apple’s security measures to protect macOS from malicious software.

Understanding why this error occurs and how to bypass it safely can help you make informed decisions while ensuring the security of your system.

In this post, we will explore the causes of the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error, how to resolve it, and, most importantly, how to protect your Mac from unverified apps and other security threats.

This Article Contains:

Why some Mac apps cannot be opened or verified?

Mac OS includes various settings to protect users from unverified developers and unknown sources.

When you attempt to open an app downloaded from the Internet, especially from an unidentified developer, you might see a message that MacOS cannot verify that the app is malware-free.

This is because Apple has not been able to confirm the app’s source or the developer as part of its security protocols.

macos cannot verify that this app is free from malware warning

Mac apps on the App Store are constantly checked for malicious content and deemed safe for many Mac users. However, apps from outside the App Store may not always undergo the same scrutiny.

MacOS Catalina and later versions are even more stringent about opening apps from unidentified developers. While this feature is essential for protecting your system, it can sometimes block legitimate apps without Apple’s verification process.

What can cause the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error?

Several factors can trigger the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error when you open apps for the first time:

  • Unidentified Developer: When an app is created by a developer who isn’t registered with Apple or verified, the OS will flag the app as unverified.
  • Expired Certificates: Even legitimate apps can prompt this error if the app’s security certificates are outdated or no longer valid. This can happen if the developer fails to renew the certificates.
  • Downloaded from the Internet: macOS is built to prioritize software from the App Store or trusted sources, so if you download and install apps from third-party sites, you’re more likely to encounter this error.
  • Stricter Security Settings: The default settings limit the installation or opening of apps for those from identified developers. Apps from other sources automatically trigger the error message unless you adjust these settings.

This error message reminds us always to be cautious about where our apps come from and ensure the app we’re trying to open is from a trustworthy source.

Can I open an app macOS cannot verify?

Whether you should open an app that macOS can’t verify depends mainly on where you downloaded it.

If the app comes from a trusted source, like the Mac App Store or the developer’s official website, it’s generally safe to proceed despite the warning from Gatekeeper.

However, if the app was downloaded from an unfamiliar or unverified source, it’s best to be cautious and avoid opening it to protect your Mac from malicious software.

How to get rid of the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error?

When you encounter this warning, it’s essential to understand that macOS is trying to protect your system from potentially malicious software.

However, if you are sure the app is from a legitimate source, and unverified developers don’t necessarily mean the app is harmful, you can bypass this warning.

To open an app that macOS has blocked:

  1. Open Finder and locate the app icon of the blocked software.
  2. Control-click (or right-click) the app and click Open from the context menu. This method works differently from simply double-clicking it.
  3. When the error message reappears, you’ll now have the Open option.
  4. Enter your admin credentials (admin name and password) to authorize the action if prompted.
  5. The app will now launch, and macOS will remember this choice.
bypass macos cannot verify that this app is free from malware

By following these steps, you are instructing macOS to bypass the safety protocols for this specific app, enabling you to run it even if it isn’t from an identified developer.

Remember, bypassing this feature should only be done for apps that you are certain come from a trusted source.

How to open an app that macOS cannot verify is free from malware

If you’re looking to bypass the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error for specific apps, you’ll need to adjust your settings.

This can be useful if you regularly use apps from unidentified developers you trust. Here’s how you can modify the settings to allow apps that macOS cannot verify:

  1. Start by opening Finder and locating the app you want to open.
  2. Double-click the app icon, which will prompt the macOS security warning again.
  3. Next, go to the Apple menu and navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security.
  4. Under Allow apps downloaded from, you will see a notification regarding the blocked application.
  5. Click Open Anyway to override the security block.
  6. Enter your admin credentials (username and password) to confirm the action.
  7. The app will now open, and the device will no longer block it.
open anyway button for blocked app in system preferences

How to keep your Mac free from malware and viruses

To help prevent the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” message from appearing, it’s essential to use a dedicated security tool like SpyHunter.

SpyHunter is designed to keep your Mac optimized and secure by identifying and removing malware, adware, and viruses that can compromise your device.

The app thoroughly scans your Mac to locate and eliminate any hidden threats. Here’s how you can use it to protect your Mac:

  1. Download SpyHunter now and install it on your Mac.
  2. Open SpyHunter and run a full disk scan.
  3. Review any identified threats.
remove malware, trojans, and other threats with spyhunter
  1. Follow SpyHunter’s prompts to safely remove the selected threats from your Mac.
remove malware, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs with spyhunter for mac

More tips for protecting your Mac from malware and viruses

To enhance your Mac’s security and reduce the risk of encountering harmful software, consider these essential tips:

  • Download apps from trusted sources: Download apps from a reliable source like the Apple App Store or the official website of the app developer. Apps from unknown sources may contain potentially harmful software.
  • Keep macOS and your apps up to date: Regularly updating macOS and installed apps helps protect your Mac with the latest patches and improvements from Apple. These updates are designed to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.
  • Enable macOS Gatekeeper: Gatekeeper ensures that only programs from a registered developer or the App Store can run, reducing the risk of a malware attack.
  • Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown emails or websites, as they may lead to malware infections.
  • Craft strong passwords: Secure your Mac and online accounts with robust passwords and two-factor authentication to minimize unauthorized access.

Receiving the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error can be unsettling, but remember, this warning is Apple’s way of helping protect your Mac from potential security threats.

How to open unverified apps without compromising security?

Your Mac’s default settings aim to protect you by only allowing programs from the Apple App Store and identified developers.

However, you can adjust these settings to your personal needs:

  1. Open System Settings and click Privacy & Security.
  2. Under the Allow apps downloaded from, select Anywhere.
allow applications from anywhere in settings

Note: If you do not see the Anywhere option, you need to disable GateKeeper. To do this, open Terminal and type the following command: sudo spctl --master-disable. Press Return and enter your admin password when prompted. Now, you should see the third option.

Keep in mind that changing these preferences can potentially expose your system to risks, so do it at your own risk.

Share this post on your favorite social media
author avatar

Todor has over a decade of experience in creating content about cybersecurity. He specializes in making complex security topics understandable for all. As part of the SpyHunter team, Todor uses his expertise to educate users, empowering them to better understand and manage their digital environments securely and efficiently.

Keep Your Mac Fast and Secure
Optimize your Mac and stay malware-free with SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter For Free

For a better understanding of our policies, please review our Free Trial Offer below, EULA, and Privacy/Cookie Policy.

SpyHunter Free Trial: Important Terms & Conditions

The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac, offering comprehensive malware detection and removal functionality, high-performance guards to actively protect your system from malware threats, and access to our technical support team via the SpyHunter HelpDesk. You will not be charged upfront during the Trial period, although a credit card is required to activate the Trial. (Prepaid credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards are not accepted under this offer.) The requirement for your payment method is to help ensure continuous, uninterrupted security protection during your transition from a Trial to a paid subscription should you decide to purchase. Your payment method will not be charged a payment amount upfront during the Trial, although authorization requests may be sent to your financial institution to verify that your payment method is valid (such authorization submissions are not requests for charges or fees by EnigmaSoft but, depending upon your payment method and/or your financial institution, may reflect on your account availability). You can cancel your Trial by contacting EnigmaSoft’s payment processor (identified in your confirmation email) or EnigmaSoft directly no later than two business days before the 7-day Trial period expires to avoid a charge coming due and being processed immediately after your Trial expires. If you decide to cancel during your Trial, you will immediately lose access to SpyHunter. If, for any reason, you believe a charge was processed that you did not wish to make (which could occur based on system administration, for example), you may also cancel and receive a full refund for the charge any time within 30 days of the date of the purchase charge. See FAQs.

At the end of the Trial, you will be billed upfront immediately at the price and for the subscription period as set forth in the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details) if you have not timely canceled. Pricing typically starts at $72 for 3 months (SpyHunter Pro Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac). Your purchased subscription will be automatically renewed in accordance with the registration/purchase page terms, which provide for automatic renewals at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. Please see the purchase page for details. Trial subject to these Terms, your agreement to EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.

For payment on the automatic renewal of your subscription, an email reminder will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered before your next payment date. At the onset of your trial, you will receive an activation code that is limited to use for only one Trial and for only one device per account. Your subscription will automatically renew at the price and for the subscription period in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details), provided that you are a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. For paid subscription users, if you cancel, you will continue to have access to your product(s) until the end of your paid subscription period. If you wish to receive a refund for your then current subscription period, you must cancel and apply for a refund within 30 days of your most recent purchase, and you will immediately stop receiving full functionality when your refund is processed.

For CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS, please see the notice provisions:
NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS: Per the California Automatic Renewal Law, you may cancel a subscription as follows:

  1. Go to www.enigmasoftware.com and click the "Login" button at the top right corner.
  2. Log in with your username and password.
  3. In the navigation menu, go to "Order/Licenses." Next to your order/license, a button is available to cancel your subscription if applicable. Note: If you have multiple orders/products, you will need to cancel them on an individual basis.

Should you have any questions or problems, you can contact our EnigmaSoft support team by phone at +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA Toll-Free) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International) or by email at support@enigmasoftware.com.
How do you cancel a SpyHunter Trial? If your SpyHunter Trial was registered via MyCommerce, you can cancel the trial via MyCommerce by logging into the MyAccount section of MyCommerce (see your confirmation email for further details). You can also contact MyCommerce by phone or email to cancel. To contact MyCommerce via phone, you can call +1-800-406-4966 (USA Toll-Free) or +1-952-646-5022 (24x7x356). You can contact MyCommerce by e-mail at ordersupport@mycommerce.com. You can easily identify if your trial was registered via MyCommerce by checking the confirmation emails that were sent to you upon registration. Alternatively, all users may also contact EnigmaSoft Limited directly. Users can contact our technical support team by emailing support@enigmasoftware.com, opening a ticket in the SpyHunter HelpDesk, or calling +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International). You can access the SpyHunter HelpDesk from SpyHunter's main screen. To open a support ticket, click on the "HelpDesk" icon. In the window that appears, click the "New Ticket" tab. Fill out the form and click the "Submit" button. If you are unsure of what "Problem Type" to select, please choose the "General Questions" option. Our support agents will promptly process your request and respond to you.

———

SpyHunter Purchase Details
You also have the choice of subscribing to SpyHunter immediately for full functionality, including malware removal and access to our support department via our HelpDesk, typically starting at $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter Basic Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac) in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details). Your subscription will automatically renew at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase subscription and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user and for which you will receive a notice of upcoming charges before the expiration of your subscription. Purchase of SpyHunter is subject to the terms and conditions on the purchase page, EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy and Discount Terms.

———

General Terms
Any purchase for SpyHunter under a discounted price is valid for the offered discounted subscription term. After that, the then applicable standard pricing will apply for automatic renewals and/or future purchases. Pricing is subject to change, although we will notify you in advance of price changes.
All SpyHunter versions are subject to your agreeing to our EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. Please also see our FAQs and Threat Assessment Criteria. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.