How to Open a File Apple Can’t Verify

Apple’s built-in security features are designed to keep your Mac safe from malware and unverified software. But what happens when you try to open a file and see a message saying Apple can’t verify it? For many users, this warning feels like a dead end. In reality, it’s a safeguard—not a barrier—and there are safe, legitimate ways to move forward if you trust the file’s source.

TL;DR: If Apple can’t verify a file, it usually means the developer isn’t registered with Apple or the app hasn’t been notarized. You can safely open trusted files by adjusting your Security & Privacy settings, using the right-click “Open” method, or temporarily overriding Gatekeeper. Always confirm the file’s source before proceeding. Apple’s security system is protective, but it doesn’t have to be restrictive once you understand it.

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Why Apple Blocks Certain Files

When you download an app outside the Mac App Store, macOS uses a feature called Gatekeeper to check whether the software is from an identified developer and whether it has been notarized by Apple. Notarization is a process where Apple scans the app for malicious content and approves it for distribution.

If the file hasn’t gone through this process, you’ll likely see one of these messages:

“App can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.”
“App cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified.”
“This app is damaged and can’t be opened.” (sometimes misleading)

This doesn’t necessarily mean the file is harmful. It often simply means the developer hasn’t paid for Apple’s developer program or skipped notarization.

Before You Override: Important Safety Checks

Before bypassing macOS security, take a moment to verify that the file is safe.

Ask yourself:

Did I download this from the official website?
Was the link provided by a trusted source?
Does the developer have online reviews or a legitimate presence?
Is the file type appropriate for what I expected?

You can also scan the file using reputable antivirus software for an extra layer of assurance. Taking these steps ensures you’re overriding Gatekeeper for a good reason—not because of a phishing email or malicious download.

Method 1: Use the Right-Click “Open” Trick

This is the simplest and safest method for opening a file Apple can’t verify.

Locate the file in Finder.
Control-click (or right-click) the file.
Select Open from the menu.
You’ll see a warning dialog again—but this time with an Open option available.
Click Open.

After doing this once, macOS will remember your choice, and you won’t need to repeat the process for that same app.

Why this works: Right-clicking signals to macOS that you are consciously choosing to open the file despite the warning.

Method 2: Allow the App Through System Settings

If the right-click method doesn’t work, you can enable the app manually in System Settings.

Here’s how:

Try opening the app normally.
When the warning appears, click OK.
Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Go to Privacy & Security.
Scroll down to the Security section.
You should see a message saying the app was blocked.
Click Open Anyway.
Confirm by clicking Open in the dialog box.

This method permanently whitelists the specific app on your system without weakening overall security.

Method 3: Removing Quarantine Attribute (Advanced)

For technically inclined users, macOS marks downloaded files with a quarantine attribute. This triggers the verification warning. You can remove it manually using Terminal.

Important: Only use this method if you are absolutely sure the file is safe.

Open Terminal.
Type the following command:

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/file

Drag the file into the Terminal window to automatically insert the correct path.
Press Return.
Try opening the file again.

This removes the quarantine flag, allowing the app to launch normally.

Method 4: Temporarily Adjust Gatekeeper Settings

In older macOS versions, you could allow apps downloaded from “Anywhere” by adjusting Gatekeeper settings directly. In newer versions, this option is hidden but can still be enabled through Terminal.

To show the “Anywhere” option:

sudo spctl --master-disable

You’ll be prompted to enter your administrator password. After doing so:

Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security
Select Anywhere under app download options

When finished installing your trusted app, it’s wise to re-enable protection:

sudo spctl --master-enable

Note: This temporarily lowers your Mac’s defenses. Always restore the setting once you’re done.

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Why Developers Skip Apple Verification

It’s natural to wonder why some apps aren’t verified in the first place.

Common reasons include:

The developer distributes software for free and doesn’t want to pay Apple’s annual fee.
The app is open-source or experimental.
The developer is independent or new.
The app is designed for internal business use only.

Lack of notarization doesn’t automatically equal danger. Many reputable indie developers distribute safe apps outside Apple’s ecosystem.

Understanding “App Is Damaged” Errors

Sometimes macOS shows the message:

“App is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.”

This message can mean:

The download was corrupted.
The app has been modified after signing.
Apple revoked the developer’s certificate.
The quarantine flag is causing a false positive.

Before trashing the app, try re-downloading it from the official source. If the issue persists, contact the developer.

How to Stay Secure While Opening Unverified Files

Overriding Apple’s verification should always be done responsibly. Here are best practices to maintain security:

Keep macOS updated to receive the latest security patches.
Use trusted antivirus software for additional file scanning.
Verify checksums if provided by the developer.
Avoid pirated software, which frequently contains malware.
Backup your system before installing unknown software.

Security is layered. Gatekeeper is only one piece of Apple’s broader defense system.

When You Should Never Override the Warning

While it’s possible to bypass verification, there are situations where you absolutely shouldn’t:

If the file came from an unsolicited email.
If your browser warned you about malware.
If the developer website looks suspicious or poorly constructed.
If the app requests unexpected system permissions.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

The Balance Between Security and Freedom

Apple’s ecosystem is built on a philosophy of curated safety. Unlike some platforms that allow unrestricted software installation, macOS carefully evaluates applications before letting them run. This protects millions of users from ransomware, spyware, and data theft.

However, power users, developers, and curious explorers often need flexibility. Fortunately, Apple doesn’t lock the door completely—it just asks you to turn the handle deliberately.

The key is understanding that the warning isn’t an accusation against the app. It’s simply macOS saying, “I don’t recognize this developer. Are you sure?”

Final Thoughts

Opening a file Apple can’t verify isn’t complicated once you know your options. Whether you use the right-click method, adjust settings in Privacy & Security, or temporarily disable Gatekeeper, the solution is usually only a few clicks away.

The real challenge isn’t technical—it’s judgment. Knowing when to override a security warning is just as important as knowing how.

Used wisely, these methods give you the best of both worlds: Apple’s strong built-in protection and the freedom to install trusted software from anywhere. And that balance is what makes macOS both secure and versatile.