Fix 'Cannot Be Opened Because the Developer Cannot Be Verified' on Mac | Complete Guide

That moment hits hard. You download an app you genuinely need, double-click excitedly, and BAM - that nasty yellow warning gatekeeper smacks you down: "cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified." Instant frustration. Why won't Apple let you run this app? Is it dangerous? Are you out of luck? Trust me, I've slammed my head against this wall more times than I care to admit, especially with niche open-source tools. It's infuriating when you know the software is safe but Apple blocks you anyway. Let's cut through the jargon and fix this.

Why Your Mac Blocks Apps with "Cannot Be Opened Because the Developer Cannot Be Verified"

Apple isn't just being difficult (though it feels like it). This block is part of Gatekeeper, macOS's security bouncer. Gatekeeper checks two key things:

So, when you see cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified, Gatekeeper basically says: "I have no proof who made this, and Apple hasn't scanned it, so I'm not letting it run." It happens most often with:

• Small developers & indie apps: ($50-$99/year cost for Apple Developer ID deters some)
• Older software: (Pre-dating Apple's stricter notarization rules)
• Open-source / command-line tools: (Often distributed without signing)
• Apps downloaded outside the Mac App Store: Especially direct from developer websites.

Here's the kicker: Many blocked apps are perfectly safe. Annoying, right? Apple's playing it ultra-safe, sometimes too safe.

How to Bypass "Cannot Be Opened Because the Developer Cannot Be Verified" (Safely)

Don't panic. You have options. I'll start with the safest and easiest, moving down to the more drastic measures. Always try Method 1 first!

The Right-Click Workaround (Quick & Recommended)

This is the golden ticket 95% of the time. Apple provides a hidden pathway:

1. Find the app you downloaded (usually in your Downloads folder or Applications).
2. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the app icon.
3. Select "Open" from the menu.
4. Look for the warning dialog again, BUT now you'll see an "Open" button! Click it.

Why does this work? Right-clicking "Open" tells macOS, "Yes, I know the risks, I insist." It's Apple's way of giving you control while forcing an explicit user action. Much better than the scary first message. The app will usually launch normally after this. You typically only need to do this once per app.

Adjusting Security Settings (Use Only If Right-Click Fails)

Sometimes the right-click trick doesn't work (rare, but happens with certain app types). If you're absolutely sure the app is safe, you can temporarily relax Gatekeeper:

1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
2. Click the General tab.
3. Look near the bottom for a message about the blocked app. It might say something like: "[App Name] was blocked because the developer cannot be verified."
4. Click "Open Anyway".
5. A final confirmation window pops up. Click "Open".

Warning: Only do this if you completely trust the app's source! Lowering security gates isn't ideal. Honestly, I feel a bit uneasy suggesting this one, but sometimes it's necessary for legitimate tools Apple hasn't caught up with.

Dealing with Apps That Won't Launch After Bypassing

You clicked "Open Anyway," but... nothing? Crash? Weird error? Try these:

• Check for Updates: The developer might have released a signed/notarized version. Visit their website.
• Re-download: Your download file might be corrupt. It happens.
• Verify Compatibility: Is the app built for your macOS version (Ventura, Sonoma, etc.)? Older apps struggle on new macOS.
• Consult Developer Documentation: Look for known issues or install notes.

Advanced Fixes: Terminal Power User Edition

If you're comfortable with Terminal, these offer more control. Warning: Use with caution!

Removing the Quarantine Flag (Best Advanced Fix)

Gatekeeper slaps a "quarantine" flag on apps downloaded from the internet. This triggers the security check. You can remove it:

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
2. Type (or paste) this command, but DON'T hit enter yet: xattr -d com.apple.quarantine
3. Drag the problematic app icon from Finder directly into the Terminal window. This pastes its full path.
4. The command should now look like: xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/YourAppName.app
5. Press Enter. If successful, no message appears. Try opening the app normally now.

This removes macOS's record of the app being "downloaded from the internet," often bypassing the developer verification entirely. It's my go-to for stubborn command-line tools downloaded via curl/wget.

Forcing Gatekeeper to Allow It (Use Sparingly)

The nuclear Terminal option is disabling Gatekeeper's specific check for that app:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type: sudo spctl --master-disable → Enter → Type your admin password (hidden).
3. INSTALL YOUR APP NOW.
4. Immediately re-enable Gatekeeper: sudo spctl --master-enable

Massive Caveat: This globally disables Gatekeeper for a moment. Only do this for microseconds to install *one* specific blocked app you utterly trust, then re-enable immediately. Leaving Gatekeeper off is reckless.

Why Does This Happen So Often? Developer's Perspective

As someone who dabbles in development, I get both sides. Apple's process costs money ($99/year for Developer ID) and time. For small freeware devs or open-source projects, it's a hurdle. Notarization adds another step. Sometimes tools fail the automated scan for cryptic reasons, delaying releases. It's a balancing act between security and friction. Honestly, Apple could streamline this better for smaller players.

FAQs: Your "Cannot Be Opened" Questions Answered

I keep getting "cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified" for the SAME app I've used for years after updating macOS. Why?

Apple regularly tightens Gatekeeper rules. An older signature might become invalid if Apple revokes trust in the certificate (developer didn't renew), or if new macOS versions require stricter notarization standards the old app doesn't meet. Check the developer's site for an updated version.

Is it safe to bypass "cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified"?

It depends entirely on where you got the app. If it's directly from a reputable developer's official website (like a well-known open-source project), bypassing is generally safe. If you downloaded it from a random forum, torrent site, or suspicious pop-up ad, DO NOT BYPASS. It's likely malware. When in doubt, don't open it.

Can I permanently stop this error?

Not safely. Apple designed Gatekeeper to protect you. You can change the default Gatekeeper setting to allow apps from "App Store and identified developers" (System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General) – this is the recommended setting. Setting it to "Anywhere" (which requires Terminal commands to reveal) is highly discouraged as it leaves your Mac wide open.

Why does the app work for my friend but I get "developer cannot be verified"?

A few possibilities:

• Your friend is on an older macOS version with looser rules.
• They already bypassed it once (right-click open).
• They downloaded a different version (signed vs. unsigned).
• Some enterprise apps require profiles installed first.

I'm getting this error on files that aren't apps (.prefPane, .plugin, etc.). Help?

The same Gatekeeper rules apply to macOS system extensions and preference panes. The right-click method often works for these too. Find the file (e.g., in Library folders), right-click, select "Open," then confirm.

Beyond the Error: Security Best Practices

While bypassing cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified is sometimes necessary, stay vigilant:

• Source Matters: Only download software from official developer websites or trusted repositories (like Homebrew for command-line tools).
• Keep macOS Updated: Security patches matter.
• Use Antivirus? Top-tier Mac AV like Bitdefender or Malwarebytes can provide an extra layer scanning *before* Gatekeeper blocks something outright. Free versions exist.
• Be Skeptical: If an app promises free stuff that seems illegal or too good to be true, it's probably malware trying to sneak past Gatekeeper.

When All Else Fails: Contacting the Developer

If you've tried everything and still face cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified, reach out to the app maker. Politely inform them their app is triggering Gatekeeper on macOS [your version]. Good developers want their software used and will prioritize getting it properly signed and notarized. I've done this with small utility developers, and they often fix it quickly once they know. Look for a "Support" or "Contact" link on their website.

Final thought? This error is a pain, but it stems from Apple trying to keep your Mac secure. By understanding *why* it happens ("who made this?" and "did Apple scan it?") and using the safe bypass methods (especially the trusty right-click!), you can get legitimate apps running without sacrificing security. It's a macOS rite of passage. Good luck!