Last Updated on May 11, 2023

If you attempt to open an app on your Mac and the system shows the notification “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware”, it means that the Apple Store hasn’t authorized the application and it might not be safe to use. However, some legitimate apps can also have issues with Apple’s authorization. In this article we will show you how to fix “app can’t be opened because the developer cannot be verified” error.

Why Does My Mac Say “macOS Cannot Verify That This App Is Free from Malware”?

Mac has a built-in security feature called Gatekeeper. It allows the Mac to check if the app developer is legitimate and that their apps are safe to run on Mac. This is a good way to ensure no malicious apps can be installed by unauthorized publishers. If you try to install an app from a third-party developer that is not on the App Store, Gatekeeper won’t be able to recognize the app publisher and at the same time won’t be able to verify that this app is free from malware.

Is It Safe to Open an App macOS Cannot Verify?

There are risks involved in opening apps from unverified publishers, however, if you have the knowledge and you trust the publisher, then feel free to open and install the app. In a corporate world, it is common that your company administrators will create customized apps for your Mac: if this is the case, go ahead and install it.

In cases where you do not know the app publisher, you should be very careful when installing it since it might cause damage to your Mac — and you might be installing a malicious app or a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

Before open an app, you can use Trend Micro Check to check if it is a malicious app.

How to fix “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from Malware”

Option 1: Using Control Click

1. Open Finder on your Mac.
2. Select the app with “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error.
3. Control-Click on the application to open the shortcut menu.

4. Click on Open to run the app. Doing this adds the app to the whitelist, thus you won’t see the error “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” or “unidentified developer” warning.

Option 2: Open Anyway

1. On the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
2. Click Security & Privacy and tap the General tab.
3. You should see an “Open Anyway” button for the unverified app. This option only stays for about an hour after you try to open the blocked app.

4. Click Open Anyway to open the app. You will be asked to enter the admin credentials. Type in the admin credentials to proceed.
5. Click Open when asked to run or install the blocked app.

How to Check for Malware

Antivirus One is one of the best Mac malware scanner and removers currently on the Apple Store. It thoroughly checks for malware on your Mac and provides information on what viruses and other threats it has detected.

To check if the app you are trying to install is malicious, you can also scan it using Antivirus One:

1. Download and install Antivirus One from the App Store from clicking this link below:
https://apps.apple.com/app/applestore/id1068435535?pt=444218&ct=pHCTPH210411D&mt=12

2. After installing, open your Antivirus One. On the upper-right corner of your screen, near the sound controls and the system clock, click the Antivirus One icon on the Menu bar.

3. Click the Smart Scan button.

4. You can choose any of the three scan options available. Click the Scan tab, then click the type of scan you want to run.

• Full Scan:
  Select this option to scan all the files on your macOS device. This generally takes longer than other types of scans, but it checks every file on your Mac thoroughly.

• Quick Scan:
  Select this option if you only want to check the files that are most likely to contain malicious software. This scan is quicker than the Full Scan and will generally detect the same malware.

• Custom Scan:
  Select this option if you want to check specific files or contents of folders on your Mac.

We hope this guide has helped solve the issue! As ever, if this article’s been of use and/or interest to you, please do SHARE with friends and family and help keep the online community informed and protected — and remember to give Antivirus One a go..