https://github.com/jimpresting/macos-open-external-apps
Allow external/unsigned apps to run on macOS by disabling Gatekeeper. Fix "can't be opened from unidentified developer" errors.
https://github.com/jimpresting/macos-open-external-apps
blocked-apps developer-tools external-apps gatekeeper macos macos-fix macos-sequoia security spctl system-settings terminal unsigned-apps
Last synced: about 1 month ago
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Allow external/unsigned apps to run on macOS by disabling Gatekeeper. Fix "can't be opened from unidentified developer" errors.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/jimpresting/macos-open-external-apps
- Owner: JimPresting
- Created: 2025-05-27T11:07:08.000Z (about 1 year ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-05-27T11:14:12.000Z (about 1 year ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-06-07T18:54:48.577Z (12 months ago)
- Topics: blocked-apps, developer-tools, external-apps, gatekeeper, macos, macos-fix, macos-sequoia, security, spctl, system-settings, terminal, unsigned-apps
- Homepage:
- Size: 3.91 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
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README
# How to Disable Gatekeeper on macOS
Complete guide to allow apps from unidentified developers on macOS.
## The Problem
When you try to open an app downloaded from the internet, macOS shows:
- "App can't be opened because it is not from an identified developer"
- App bounces in dock but never opens
- "Allow Anyway" button doesn't work or doesn't appear
## The Solution
### Step 1: Disable Gatekeeper via Terminal
1. Open **Terminal** (press `Cmd + Space`, type "Terminal")
2. Run this command:
```bash
sudo spctl --master-disable
```
3. Enter your **admin password** when prompted
4. You'll see: `"Globally disabling the assessment system needs to be confirmed in System Settings"`
### Step 2: Confirm in System Settings
1. Open **System Settings** → **Privacy & Security**
2. **Navigate away** from Privacy & Security (click "Lock Screen" or any other section)
3. **Navigate back** to **Privacy & Security**
4. Scroll down to the **"Security"** section
5. Find **"Allow applications downloaded from:"**
6. Select **"Anywhere"** (this option only appears after Step 1)
7. A dialog will appear asking "Allow From Anywhere?"
8. Click **"Allow From Anywhere"** button
9. Enter your **admin password** to confirm
### Step 3: Test Your App
Your previously blocked app should now open normally. Double-click to launch it.
If the app still doesn't open, try:
- Right-click the app → **"Open"**
- Or go back to System Settings → Privacy & Security and look for a message about the blocked app with an **"Allow Anyway"** button
## Notes
- This disables macOS security checks for all downloaded apps
- Only do this if you trust the apps you're installing
- You can re-enable Gatekeeper anytime with: `sudo spctl --master-enable`