Troubleshooting: MacOS Blocked Applications

Tags macos

Why is My Application being Blocked?

Sometimes when trying to open an application, you will see a warning that it can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer or that it can't be checked for malicious software. More information can be found on Apple's support page "Open a Mac app from an unidentified developer".

Opening Applications that are Blocked

STOP: Only follow these instructions if the you are downloading from a trusted source.

There are two ways to go about opening a blocked application on a macOS machine.

Add a Permanent Exception for an Application

  1. Select System Preferences (macOS 11-12) or System Settings (macOS 13-14)  from the Apple Menu in the upper left corner of your screen.

  2. Click Security & Privacy and then the General Tab (macOS 11-12) or Privacy & Security (macOS 13-14)

    1. In the section Allow apps download from, click the Open Anyway button.

    2. On macOS 11-12 only: If Open Anyway is grayed out: click the lock, click “Open Anyway”, click the lock again.

    3. If nothing is listed in the Allow apps download from section, proceed to Open an Application via the Shortcut Menu.

  3. You may be prompted one again that the application is from an unidentified developer, but the buttons in the message box should be different. Click “Open”.

  4. After adding this exception to Security & Privacy (macOS 11-12) or Privacy & Security (macOS 13-14), the application should open normally the next time.

Open an Application via the Shortcut Menu

  1. In the Finder, locate the app you want to open.

  2. Right-click (or hold the control key and left-click) on the application. Select “Open”.

  3. You may be prompted that the developer cannot be verified. Click “Open”.

    1. If “Open”is not a choice, click “Cancel” and drag the Application to the Applications folder and try these steps again.

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Details

Article ID: 136386
Created
Mon 8/2/21 3:05 PM
Modified
Wed 9/27/23 2:17 PM

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