Install Unverified Apps on macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia keeps your Mac safer by only allowing apps from the App Store and identified developers by default. This guide shows you how to open an app that was downloaded from the internet but isn’t notarized or is from an unidentified developer, using the built-in right-click method and the Privacy & Security settings. You won’t need any special tools or terminal commands for the standard approach.

What You’ll Need

A Mac running macOS Sequoia (14.x or later)
The app you want to install, downloaded and saved to your Mac (usually in the Downloads folder or as a .dmg file)
Your Mac’s login password or Touch ID for the security prompt

Step-by-Step

Download the app. Use your browser to download the app file. It will typically be a .dmg (disk image) file or a .pkg (installer package). If it’s a .zip, double-click it to extract the app.
Mount the disk image (if applicable). If you downloaded a .dmg, double-click it. A window will open with the app inside and often an Applications folder shortcut. If you downloaded a .pkg or a standalone .app file, skip to step 4.
Drag the app to Applications. Drag the app icon from the .dmg window into the Applications folder shortcut. This copies the app to your Mac. If the app is already a standalone .app file, just drag it to the Applications folder in Finder.
Try to open the app normally. Go to the Applications folder and double-click the app. On Sequoia, you’ll usually see a popup saying “Cannot open because it is from an unidentified developer” or “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware.” Don’t click “Move to Trash.” Click “Done” or “Cancel” to dismiss the dialog.
Open with the right-click method (the easiest way). In the Applications folder (or wherever the app is), right-click (or Control-click) the app icon. From the context menu, select Open. A new dialog will appear, different from the first one. It will say: “[App Name] is from an unidentified developer. Are you sure you want to open it?”
Confirm the override. Click Open in that dialog. You may be asked for your password or to use Touch ID. The app will now launch. This right-click override is a one-time action; next time you can double-click it normally.
Alternative: Use System Settings. If the right-click method doesn’t work (some apps block it), go to Apple menu → System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click on Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Scroll down to the Security section. You should see a message at the bottom: “[App Name] was blocked from opening because it is not from an identified developer.” Next to it, click the Open Anyway button. Confirm by clicking Open in the popup, then enter your password or use Touch ID.
If the app is a .pkg installer. Double-click the .pkg file. A standard installer window will open. If it’s blocked, right-click the .pkg file and select Open from the context menu, then click Open in the confirmation dialog. Proceed through the installer steps.
Eject the disk image (if used). After you’ve installed the app, you can eject the .dmg by right-clicking its icon on the desktop and selecting Eject, or by dragging it to the Trash.

Common Mistakes

Clicking “Move to Trash” on the first error. The first popup is just a warning. If you click “Move to Trash,” the app is deleted. Always click “Done” or “Cancel” first, then use the right-click method.
Running the app from the .dmg without installing. Some apps run directly from the disk image. This can cause issues with permissions and updates. Always drag the app to the Applications folder first.
Forgetting to eject the .dmg. Leaving the disk image mounted isn’t harmful but can cause confusion if you try to update the app later. Eject it after installation.
Using Gatekeeper bypass on the wrong file. The “Open Anyway” option in System Settings only appears after you’ve tried to open the app once and it was blocked. If you don’t see it, try the right-click method first.
Disabling Gatekeeper entirely. Running the terminal command sudo spctl --master-disable turns off all app security. This is strongly discouraged because it makes your Mac vulnerable to malware. Use the per-app override instead.

Tips

Check the app’s source. Only bypass Gatekeeper for apps you trust from reputable developers. If you downloaded it from a random website, be cautious.
Look for a notarized version. Many developers offer a notarized version for download. Notarized apps open without any override. Check the developer’s website for a version that says “notarized” or “for macOS Sequoia.”
Use the right-click method first. It’s faster than digging through System Settings and works for most apps.
Keep the app updated. Unverified apps may not auto-update. Check the developer’s site periodically for new versions to ensure compatibility and security.
Scan with antivirus. If you’re unsure about the app, run a quick scan with a reputable antivirus tool before opening it.

Troubleshooting

The “Open” option doesn’t appear when I right-click. This usually means the app is quarantined by Gatekeeper. First, try double-clicking the app to trigger the block, then right-click and select Open. If it still doesn’t show, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and look for the blocked message there.
I see “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” and no “Open Anyway” button. This can happen if the app is severely damaged or not signed at all. Try downloading the app again from a different source. If it’s a .dmg, make sure you’ve extracted the .app file correctly.
The app opens but crashes immediately. This is often a compatibility issue. Check if the app has a version specifically for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) if you have one. Also, try running it with Rosetta if it’s an older Intel app (right-click the app, select Get Info, and check “Open using Rosetta”).
The “Open Anyway” button in System Settings is grayed out. This can happen if you’ve already clicked it for this app, or if the app is from an even more restricted source. Try the right-click method again. If that fails, the app’s code signature may be invalid, and you may need to re-download it.
I get “The application cannot be opened” with no further details. This often means the app is corrupted or the download was incomplete. Re-download the file and try again. Also, check your Downloads folder for a partial download.
The app is a .pkg installer but the installer itself is blocked. Right-click the .pkg file and select Open. If that doesn’t work, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and look for the blocked installer message there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to open unverified apps?

Not always. The warning exists because the app hasn’t been checked by Apple. Only open apps from developers you trust. If you’re unsure, research the app online before bypassing Gatekeeper.

Will I have to do this every time I open the app?

No. The override is a one-time action. After you confirm once, the app will open normally with a double-click in the future.

What’s the difference between “unidentified developer” and “unnotarized”?

An “unidentified developer” means the app has no valid Developer ID signature at all. “Unnotarized” means it has a signature but hasn’t been scanned by Apple’s notary service. Both trigger warnings, but the right-click method works for both.

Can I install apps from the terminal instead?

Yes, you can use the xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/app command to remove the quarantine flag. However, the GUI methods described above are safer and simpler for most users. Terminal commands require admin rights and can be risky if mistyped.

Why does my Mac still block the app after I clicked “Open Anyway”?

This can happen if the app is damaged, or if your Mac’s security settings are managed by an organization (like a school or employer). Check if a configuration profile is enforcing stricter rules. Otherwise, re-download the app.

Does this work for apps downloaded from the App Store?

No. Apps from the App Store are already verified and installed through the App Store app. This guide is only for apps downloaded directly from the web or other sources.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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