MacOS Catalina was introduced in 2019 with several significant modifications, including a focused approach on user privacy and security. The modifications are intended to provide complete control to the users over which apps can access their computers. Catalina introduces a Gatekeeper, which is important for running apps on MacOS. This feature, enabled by default, supports the computer determine if an app is trusted or not.
Many apps, particularly older ones, are not updated or signed to match Apple’s current security standards. In that case, you might face an error message while opening and running the app on MacOS Catalina. If you see this message, "App can’t be opened because Apple can’t check it for malicious software," then you need to make some adjustments in the system preferences to allow apps from unidentified developers.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To enable apps from unidentified developers to run on MacOS Catalina, you will need:
– An Apple desktop or laptop running MacOS Catalina
– Admin access to the system preferences
– The application you want to install
Note: Before you enable the option to allow unidentified developers, make sure the app is safe to use. Be cautious and verify the source of the application to avoid being vulnerable to possible viruses or malware.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
You should pay attention to the security risks in enabling applications from unidentified developers. Apps from unidentified developers can pose a threat to your computer’s security, and sometimes, they may be designed to steal your personal data or harm your device.
It is advisable to download apps directly from the Mac App Store or the official website of the app. If you need to use an app that is not available through these sources, download it from a trustworthy source.
Method 1: Allowing Apps from Unidentified Developers Temporarily
Before enabling the option to allow apps from unidentified developers permanently, you can enable it temporarily to run the app you need at the time. Here are the steps to allow apps from unidentified developers temporarily:
1. Hold down the Control key and click on the app you want to open.
2. Click on "Open" from the menu.
Pros:
– It provides temporary access to run the app without compromising the system’s security.
Cons:
– It is a temporary solution and must be repeated to open the app every time.
Method 2: Allowing Apps from Unidentified Developers Permanently
If you frequently use applications from unidentified developers, you may need to permanently enable the feature to avoid the security message each time you try to run the app. Here are the steps to allow apps from unidentified developers permanently:
1. Click on the Apple menu button and select "System Preferences."
2. Click on "Security & Privacy."
3. Click on "General."
4. Click the lock icon in the bottom left corner and enter your admin password.
5. Select "Anywhere" under "Allow apps downloaded from:"
6. Click the lock icon again to save the changes.
Pros:
– It allows you to run any app from an unknown developer without encountering any security issues.
Cons:
– It is risky and may cause harm to your computer since it opens the door for malicious apps to be installed.
Method 3: Terminal Command
This method requires the Terminal app. Before proceeding with this method, make sure that you have an admin account.
1. Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Copy and paste the following command:
sudo spctl –master-disable
Press "Enter."
3. Enter your admin password and press "Enter."
4. Open "System Preferences" > "Security & Privacy" > "General."
5. You should see the "Anywhere" option under "Allow apps downloaded from."
Pros:
– It is a secure method since the Terminal app checks apps against a trusted database of developers.
Cons:
– The command line can be complicated for some users.
Method 4: Ask Developer to Sign the App
This method requires contacting the developer and requesting them to update and sign the app according to Apple’s security standards. To request the developer to sign the app, follow these steps:
1. Contact the app developer and ask them to sign the app to meet the current security standards on MacOS Catalina.
2. Once the developer updates and signs the app, download it again and install it.
Pros:
– It is secure and follows the standard guidelines.
Cons:
– It is time-consuming and requires user intervention.
Why Can’t I Allow Apps from Unidentified Developers?
There could be several reasons why you can’t allow apps from unidentified developers. Here are three common reasons and fixes:
1. Security and Privacy settings are configured to only allow "App Store and Identified Developers." To fix this, go to "System Preferences" and change the setting as mentioned in Method 2.
2. The app you are trying to run may be corrupted or incomplete. Delete the app and try reinstalling it from a trustworthy source.
3. The app you want to run is not compatible with MacOS Catalina or newer versions. Check the app’s website, Mac App Store, or contact the developer to see if an update is available.
Suggestions
– To ensure safety, download apps from official websites or the Mac App Store
– Use updated versions of the apps that are compatible with the MacOS Catalina operating system.
– Always be cautious of malicious or incomplete apps.
5 FAQs
Q. 1. How do I know if an app is safe or not?
A. You can check the app’s digital signature, verify the developer’s identity, or see if the app is available only on the official website or Mac App Store.
Q. 2. How can I check the signature of an app?
A. Hold down the Control key and click on the app, then click on "Get Info." Scroll down and see if it has a valid signature.
Q. 3. Why does MacOS Catalina not allow apps from unidentified developers by default?
A. It is a security feature intended to protect users from malicious or corrupt apps.
Q. 4. Is it safe to allow apps from unidentified developers?
A. No, it is not safe to allow apps from unidentified developers due to potential security risks.
Q. 5. How can I maintain my privacy while using apps?
A. You can set restrictions on app usage, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and use a trustworthy, updated antivirus program.
Conclusion
Enabling apps from unidentified developers is a risky process that can make your computer vulnerable to security threats. It is important to download applications from official websites or the Mac App Store and use updated versions. In case you need to use an app from an unidentified developer, we recommend following one of the methods mentioned in this article to ensure your computer’s safety.