By default, macOS allows users to install only approved apps from verified sources. If the developer of the app has not registered with Apple or skipped the verification process, you will see the error “cannot open because the developer cannot verify” when installing the application.
Why does the “cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer” error message appears? Since the application has not been registered, you receive the “cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified” error message.
Apple has a developer ID system and application review process to reduce the frequency of being infected by the malware on macOS. Developers must register with Apple and must submit their review applications. If the application has no malicious code such as malicious code, the application has been signed and approved.
Now, let’s see how to get rid of the “can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer Mac.
Way 1: Find a Newer Version of the Application
To fix the “cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified” issue, you can find a newer version of the application. Check the Mac App Store and see if the application is available.
Way 2: Override the Security Settings
If you trust the application, you can override the security settings and install it on your Mac. Here is how to do that:
Step 1: Open Finder.
Step 2: Locate the application you want to open. Control and click it to select open.
Step 3: The app should be saved as an exception in your security settings and then it should be allowed to be opened.
Way 3: Bypass the Block in the Security and Privacy Settings
If the previous methods are not working to get rid of the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” issue, it’s recommended to bypass the block in the security and privacy settings. Here is how to do that:
Step 1: Go to Apple menu > Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Step 2: Then, click the General tab and click lock.
Step 3: Enter your username and password when prompted, and click Unlock.
Step 4: Click App Store and Identified Developers.
Step 5: Find (App Name) was blocked from opening because it is not from an identified developer and click Open Anyway. Try rerunning the app.
Way 4: Use Safari to Download the Application
The last method for you to fix the “cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified” issue is to use Safari to download the application.
Step 1: Delete the application from your Mac.
Step 2: Download the application from Safari.
Final Words
These are common solutions to fix “cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified” in macOS. If you have any other useful methods to remove this error, leave a comment below to let us know.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Position: Columnist
She was graduated from the major in English. She has been the MiniTool editor since she was graduated from university. She specializes in writing articles about backing up data & systems, cloning disks, and syncing files, etc. She is also good at writing articles about computer knowledge and computer issues. In daily life, she likes running and going to the amusement park with friends to play some exciting items.
Originally published at https://www.minitool.com on November 16, 2021.
