To open an unsigned app, you need to right-click or Control-click the app and select “Open”. This works on macOS Sierra as well as previous versions of macOS. You’ll be warned that the app is from an unidentified developer–in other words, it isn’t signed with a valid developer signature. If you trust the app, click “Open” to run it. You can open a file by dragging it onto an app icon, either in a Finder window, or in the Dock. If that app can open the file, it will launch (if it’s not already running) and display the file. Open Files from the Keyboard. You can also open a file from the keyboard. Select a file in a Finder window or on the Desktop, and press Command-down-arrow.
All Mac OS versions run on a technology called Gatekeeper, It’s designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on your Mac. If the software you are trying to open is not certified you will see a message like this “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”
Top Examples
- “mysqlworkbench” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
- “sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
Note: Allowing apps to be installed manually brings potential risk from malware. Programs like Source Tree are legit, however try to make sure you are downloading the latest version of the software and from an authorized website before proceeding.
Bypass “Can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”
Most applications can be easily opened by this method:
Time Needed :2 minutes
“Can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”
- Method 1
System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> click “Open Anyway”.
- Method 2 – Right Click App
Instead of double clicking on the app, just right click and press Open.
You will get a notice “Can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.” however you will still get the option to open the program - Method 3 “Works for Mac OS Catalina”
Open “Terminal” App — Applications > Terminal. Use
xattr
to remove the app from quarantine. Source Reddit$ xattr -d com.apple.quarantine <app-path>
Materials
- Mac OS Catelina, Mojave and Older
Apple has removed the option allow all third Party Applications.
Since the release of the Mac OS Catalina apple has removed the option in the Security and Privacy settings to allow programs from “Anywhere” to be downloaded. From now on only individual programs can be given permission to be installed.
- Why do I get the message “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”
Many programs have a notarization issue since the Catalina Update. Apple has tightened its privacy policies and has limited certification to apps only in the app store. Even though there are workarounds most users might feel an unease to install such programs.
Most Common “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.” Errors
- “java 8 update 251” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
- “jdk 8 update 251.pkg” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
- “sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
- “runescape” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
- “mongodb compass” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
- “mysqlworkbench”
- “Origin”
- “macperformance”
- “appium”
- “nox app”
- “install”
“mysqlworkbench” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
“mysqlworkbench” refers to MySQL Work Bench is a legitimate program and it should not be considered malware. It is a unified visual tool for database architects, developers, and DBAs. MySQL Workbench also provides data modeling, SQL development, user administration, backup, and much more. MySQL Workbench compatible with most version of Mac OS X, including the latest version Mac OS 10.15.5
“sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
Sourcetree most definitely is not malicious. It interacts with your Git repositories and visualizes and manages your repositories through Sourcetree’s simple Git GUI. It is a Free Git client that is compatible with both Mac OS 10 and Windows 10. Make sure you have downloaded the latest version of SourceTree for Mac
Mac Os Unidentified Developer
“java 8 update 251” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
“Java 8 Update 251” (8u251) refers to the latest version of Java 8.0. This is not malicious software however you cannot download the software from the app store therefore the pop up message will show up in all cases. If you are interested in what the latest updates includes you can check out the official update release for Java here.
mysql-8.0.21-macos10.15-x86_64.pkg
The latest MySQL package for mac is appearing to have the same problem. Installing it directly from the official MySQL page will still lead to the same message “mysql-8.0.21-macos10.15-x86_64.pkg” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
Alternative messages
Some users have been receiving a similar message “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware”. It is again related to gatekeeper technology where the application is not verified by apple. Many reputable applications have such a message when trying to install on a mac.
Cannot Open Mail App On Mac
Cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer mac
Cannot Open Photos App On Mac
In this case MacOS is not mentioning that this application is potentially dangerous. This is somewhat confusing as many unidentified developer apps for Mac do receive a message that it cannot be checked for malicious software. If you do however get this message you can still bypass and open the app with the same instructions above.