The Mac’s default preferences stop you from opening applications from unidentified developers. Apple does this to keep the Mac safe from malware – software that can harm your computer and jeopardize security. Still, it’s possible to download software from an unidentified developer that’s totally legitimate. Here are instructions for what to do if you have such an app you’d like to use.
Let me just emphasize at the outset that these security restrictions are in place for a reason. Malware is a huge problem on all computers, including the Mac. Fortunately there’s a way to open individual apps without changing the Mac’s default security settings. This way you can keep your Mac safe and run the apps you need.
In this example, I’m opening an application called Tweeten. It’s a desktop Twitter client app based on TweetDeck. For whatever reason, its developers don’t have a signed digital certificate from Apple. I’m not sure why, exactly, but I’m not terribly worried about it, since I know Tweeten is a legitimate app. But the first time I try to open it when I download it, I see this error message:
“‘Tweeten’ can’t be opened because because it is fromm an unidentified developer.
- If you have the 'Mac App Store and identified (trusted) developers' option selected, then when you download an app without a Developer ID and try to open it, you'll get the following warning. 'App Name' can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.
- To override your security settings and open the app anyway follow these steps: In the Finder on your Mac, locate the app you want to open. Don’t use Launchpad to do this. Launchpad doesn’t allow you to access the shortcut menu. Control-click the app icon, then choose Open from the shortcut menu.
One of the security features of OS X 10.8 “Mountain Lion” is to only allow Apps from the “Mac App Store” or by an identified developer to run on your Mac. This brief tutorial will show you how to run those Apps anyway, or the disable the new “feature” entirely. As illustrated in the screenshot How to Open OS X Apps That Are “From An Unidentified Developer” Read More ». If it fails to meet the requirements, the app won’t be allowed to run on your computer. So, below are the two workarounds to open apps from unidentified developers in Mac OS X Yosemite and above. There are 2 ways you can allow apps from unidentified developers on Mac OS X and below, we’ll discuss both.
Why Won't An App Open
Mac For Developer
“Your security preferences allow installation of only apps from the App Store and identified developers.”
Windows 10 App Store Won't Open
Your only option is to click on OK button, which won’t open the app. So how do you do it?
The trick is to hold down the Control key on the keyboard. Click the app icon. Then choose Open from the shortcut menu.
The Mac will ask if you’re sure you want to open the app. Click on the Open button to continue.
My Mac Won't Open Applications
The Mac will save the information about that app as an exception to your security settings. That way, when you double-click on it next time, it’ll open just like any other app.
You can also modify your Mac’s security settings to open apps from any developer by opening the Security & Privacy system preference. I strongly caution you not to do this, however. Apple’s set up the system the way it works for a reason – to protect you. The method I’ve described above lets you set up exceptions to the rule, but keeps security intact otherwise.
If you try to open an app that isn’t registered with Apple by an identified developer, you get a warning dialog. This doesn’t necessarily mean that something’s wrong with the app. For example, some apps were written before developer ID registration began. However, the app has not been reviewed, and macOS can’t check whether the app has been modified or broken since it was released.
This issue may happen if you are downloading a known good application for Syracuse University. To override your security settings and open the app anyway follow these steps:
- In the Finder on your Mac, locate the app you want to open. Don’t use Launchpad to do this. Launchpad doesn’t allow you to access the shortcut menu.
- Control-click the app icon, then choose Open from the shortcut menu.
- Click Open. The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can open it in the future by double-clicking it just as you can any registered app.
Note
- To open this pane on your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, then click General.