You can bypass the unidentified developer block quickly by holding the
Control key and clicking (or right-clicking) the app/installer icon, then selecting Open. This brings up an override menu where you can click Open Anyway and enter your password. [1, 2]For the step-by-step breakdown and permanent settings adjustment, use the approaches detailed below.
Method 1: The One-Time Override (Recommended)
- Attempt to open the software or installer and let the "unknown developer" error appear.
- Click OK or Cancel to dismiss the warning.
- Locate the app file, hold the
Controlkey, and click (or right-click) the app icon. - Choose Open from the top of the menu.
- Click Open Anyway in the prompt.
- Enter your Mac's login password to confirm. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Method 2: Allowing it via System Settings
- Go to the Apple Menu and open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
- Scroll down and click on Privacy & Security in the sidebar.
- Scroll down to the Security section.
- Look for the message stating that the app was blocked because it is not from an identified developer and click Open Anyway.
- Enter your password and click OK / Allow. [1, 2, 3, 4]
When All Else Fails
If you are dealing with a heavily restricted work computer, or if the "Open Anyway" button is missing, advanced troubleshooting options are available:
- The "Allow Anywhere" Terminal Hack: You can use the Terminal command
sudo spctl --master-disableto bring back the "Allow apps downloaded from: Anywhere" option in your Security settings. Note that doing this permanently lowers your system's built-in defenses. - Remove Quarantine Flag: Running
xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/app.appin Terminal removes the downloaded-file warning for that specific package. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
