macOS does a lot to keep your Mac safe from vulnerabilities and malware. Sometimes, though, it can be frustrating since it does not allow you to open the apps you need. One such instance is the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error message. In this article, we’ll explain why some Mac apps can’t be opened or verified, what causes this notification, whether it is okay to open a certain app that macOS cannot verify, and how to fix it.

Why can some Mac apps not be opened or verified?

More and more lately, Macs have become increasingly popular, and with that popularity comes an increased risk of malware and viruses. Apple has responded by adding security measures to its operating system, including Gatekeeper, which checks apps for potential security issues prior to letting them run on your computer. However, this security measure can also prevent you from opening apps that do not come from the App Store or are not approved by Apple.

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

The “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error occurs when Gatekeeper cannot verify that an app is alright to open. Here’s why it pops up: 

  • The app is downloaded from a third-party website.
  • The app’s digital signature is corrupted or invalid.
  • The app has not been notarized — Apple has not checked it for malware and marked it as safe to open. 
  • You’re downloading and installing an app for your business that was made in-house, meaning that some proper certificates and digital signatures are lacking.

Can I open an app that macOS cannot verify?

If you downloaded the app from a trusted source, such as the developer’s website, it is likely safe to open, even if Gatekeeper cannot verify it. But make sure that you first conduct some research on the trustworthiness and safety of the developer. For example, google whether an app you’re trying to download is notarized by Apple.

However, if you downloaded the app from an unknown or untrusted source, it is best to err on the side of caution and not open it.

How to avoid Mac getting infected with malware and viruses

One way to avoid encountering the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error in the future is to download apps from the App Store or trusted developers only. Another way to do it is to scan your Mac for malware. Even better if you do it before opening any third-party apps downloaded from unknown developers. 

We recommend using an app like CleanMyMac. It comes from MacPaw — a known developer of Mac software that’s been developing apps for more than 15 years now. CleanMyMac has also been notarized by Apple, so it is safe to install and use. It is designed to optimize your Mac’s performance, help you get rid of malware and viruses that could additionally be slowing your Mac down, and find and remove junk files.

Start your free CleanMyMac trial and follow these steps:

  1. Open CleanMyMac.
  2. Go to Protection from the sidebar and click Scan.
  3. If CleanMyMac finds any malware, click Remove.

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

There are several ways to get rid of the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error, depending on the cause of the error. Here are some potential solutions:

  • Disable Gatekeeper: If you want to open a particular app that Gatekeeper won’t let you open, you can disable Gatekeeper temporarily. To do this, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, and under the Allow apps downloaded from section, select “Anywhere.”
Tip

If there’s no “Anywhere” option like in newer macOS versions, open Terminal from Applications > Utilities and type in the following command: sudo spctl --master-disable. Now, press Return and repeat the steps above. Note that this step may significantly undermine the security of your Mac, so take it at your own risk. It is also better to have Gatekeeper enabled back again after opening the app.

  • Open the app anyway: If you downloaded an app from a trusted source but still can’t open it because of the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error, press and hold Control and click the app, then select “Open” from the context menu. Now, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway if the app has appeared under Security.
  • Redownload the app: If the digital signature of the app is invalid or corrupted, you can try redownloading the app from the developer’s website.
  • Use a different app: If you can’t get the app to work, consider using a different app that provides similar functionality.

Additional tips for avoiding malware and viruses on your Mac

If you’d like to take a few more steps to protect your Mac from malware and viruses, here are some tips:

  • Only download apps from trusted sources: Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the App Store or the developer’s website.
  • Keep your Mac and apps up to date: Make sure to keep your Mac and all of your apps up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
  • Be careful what you click: Be wary of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or untrusted sources, as they may contain malware or viruses.
  • Use strong passwords: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your Mac and online accounts from unauthorized access.

Encountering the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error can be a source of anxiety and confusion for Mac users. However, it is important to understand that this error message is a security measure put in place by Apple to protect your computer from potential security threats such as malware and viruses.

When you receive this error message, it is important to take steps to protect your Mac from potential harm. One of the most important things you do is to only download apps from trusted sources. Apps downloaded from the Apple App Store or from the developer’s website are generally safe, while apps downloaded from unknown or untrusted sources can potentially contain malware or viruses.

In addition, keeping your Mac and apps up to date is essential to maintaining your computer’s security. Apple regularly releases updates to its operating system and apps to address security vulnerabilities and fix bugs that could potentially be exploited by hackers. By keeping your Mac and apps up to date, you can ensure that you have the latest security patches and updates installed, reducing the risk of malware and viruses infecting your computer.