Open Apps From Anywhere on macOS Sierra

macOS Sierra (10.12) tightened the security around app installation, so by default it only lets you open apps downloaded from the App Store or identified developers. If you’ve downloaded a program from a website that isn’t notarized, you’ll see a warning that the app “can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.” This guide shows you how to bypass that restriction safely and open apps from anywhere, using the built-in Gatekeeper controls.

What You’ll Need

• A Mac running macOS Sierra (10.12) or later.
• The app file you want to open (usually in your Downloads folder).
• Administrator password if you change the global security setting.

Step-by-Step

1. Locate the app you downloaded. It will usually be in your Downloads folder, either as a .app file or inside a .dmg disk image. If it’s a .dmg, double-click it to mount it, then drag the .app file to your Applications folder (or anywhere you like).
2. Try to open the app normally. Double-click the app icon. If you see the “unidentified developer” warning, don’t click “Move to Trash” — click “Cancel” or press Esc.
3. Use the right-click (or Control-click) method. Right-click (or Control-click) the app icon and select Open from the context menu. A dialog will appear, but this time it will have an Open button. Click it.
4. Enter your administrator password if prompted. If you’re logged in as an admin, you may need to provide your password. The app will launch, and from now on you can open it normally by double-clicking.
5. If the right-click method doesn’t work, change the global security setting. Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General tab.
6. Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner to make changes, then enter your administrator password.
7. Look for the “Allow apps downloaded from” section. You’ll see three options: Mac App Store, Mac App Store and identified developers, and Anywhere. If you don’t see “Anywhere,” it’s because that option is hidden unless you’ve tried to open an unidentified app recently.
8. Select “Anywhere.” Click it and confirm the warning. This will allow apps from anywhere to open without the Gatekeeper check. After this, you can double-click any app and it will open.
9. Revert to a safer setting when done. Once you’ve opened the app you need, go back to Security & Privacy and select “Mac App Store and identified developers” again. This keeps your Mac safer while still allowing the app you already opened to run.

Common Mistakes

• Clicking “Move to Trash” when the warning appears. This deletes the app, and you’ll have to download it again.
• Not right-clicking. Simply double-clicking an unidentified app will only give you the warning, not the option to open it. You must right-click (or Control-click) and choose Open.
• Forgetting to unlock System Preferences. If you don’t click the lock icon, you can’t change the security setting.
• Leaving “Anywhere” enabled permanently. This weakens your Mac’s security. It’s safer to switch back after you’ve opened the app.
• Thinking the app is broken when it’s just quarantined. The “unidentified developer” warning is normal for apps downloaded from outside the App Store, not a sign of malware.

Tips

• Check the app’s source. Only bypass Gatekeeper for apps from developers you trust. If you’re unsure, search the app’s name plus “macOS Sierra” to see if others have used it without problems.
• Use the right-click method first. It’s the least invasive and doesn’t change your global security settings.
• Keep your Mac updated. Even if you use “Anywhere,” install security updates to patch vulnerabilities.
• If the app is in a .dmg, drag it to Applications before opening. Running it directly from the disk image can cause issues with permissions.
• Consider using the “Open” option every time. If you don’t want to switch to “Anywhere,” you can right-click and choose “Open” each time you launch the app. It will remember the app after the first time, so subsequent double-clicks will work.

Troubleshooting

• The “Anywhere” option is missing. This happens if you haven’t tried to open an unidentified app recently. Try the right-click method first, then go back to Security & Privacy. The “Anywhere” option should appear.
• The right-click “Open” doesn’t show an “Open” button. Make sure you’re right-clicking the actual .app file, not a shortcut or alias. Also, if the app is still inside a .dmg, mount the .dmg and drag the app to your Applications folder first.
• The app opens but immediately crashes. This could be a compatibility issue with Sierra or a missing component. Check the developer’s website for updates or support forums.
• You get “The application can’t be opened” even after selecting “Anywhere.” Try restarting your Mac, then open the app again. If it still fails, the app may be damaged or not compatible with Sierra.
• You changed the setting but the warning still appears. Make sure you selected “Anywhere” and clicked the lock to save changes. Also, verify you’re looking at the correct user account (the one you’re logged in as).
• You can’t find the app after downloading. Check your Downloads folder, and also look in the Applications folder. If you downloaded a .dmg, you might need to double-click it to mount it and then drag the app out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to open apps from anywhere?

It depends on the app’s source. Apps from unknown developers can contain malware, so only do this for software you trust. After opening, it’s best to switch back to the stricter setting.

Why don’t I see the “Anywhere” option?

Apple hides it by default in macOS Sierra. It appears after you attempt to open an unidentified app using the right-click method. If it still doesn’t show, restart your Mac and try again.

Will the app open every time after I bypass the warning once?

Yes, after you right-click and choose “Open” once, the app is added to your allowed list, and you can open it normally by double-clicking thereafter.

What if I accidentally clicked “Move to Trash”?

You can restore it from the Trash (right-click the app in Trash and select “Put Back”), or simply download it again. Then use the right-click method to open it.

Does this work for apps downloaded from the internet, like from a browser?

Yes, this applies to any app downloaded from outside the Mac App Store, whether from a browser, email, or other means.

Can I use this method for apps that are not .app files, like .pkg installers?

For .pkg installers, you’ll need to right-click and select “Open” on the installer package, or use the “Anywhere” setting. The steps are the same, but the installer will run its own setup process.

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