Opening Unidentified Apps in macOS Sierra. First, download the DMG or ZIP file containing the app. Then, copy the app into your Applications folder. Once you have done that, simply go to. You will be greeted with an alert box asking you if you’re sure that you want to open the app. So if your trust the app and its unidentified developer, then there is a really easy way to open that app. And it’s surprising how simple this method is and basically involves a single click. To selectively bypass Gatekeeper, just Control Click (or Right Click) and choose Open from the menu options.

Introduction: How to Open Third-Party Apps From Unidentified Developers in Mac OS X Yosemite, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks

In order to protect you from malicious apps on your computer in Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, and Yosemite, Apple has built in a setting you need to know about. The setting, called Gatekeeper, allows apps installed directly from the Mac App Store, but it prevents installation of apps from anywhere else. I wanted to download RStudio and was able to download, but not open because of Gatekeeper. I was positive I trusted the developer, even though Apple does not, so I decided to change my settings to allow it. This is how I did it and how you can do it too from any app developer that you trust.

Step 1: Open Settings to Install Unidentified App You Trust

How To Open Unidentified Apps On Mac

In this case, I want to open an app that I download from the internet, RStudio, but because Apple does not trust this developer, I need to change my settings. First thing I do is determine this is an app developer I trust. Then, I open settings and click the 'Security and Privacy' icon.

Step 2: Click on General and Unlock

How To Open Unidentified Developer Apps On Mac

After you click on the General button to the top left of the security window, you will see a portion that is locked called, 'allow apps downloaded from.' You want to unlock this portion so you will need to click on the lock icon on the bottom left corner of the privacy and security window. You will be prompted to enter your password.

Step 3: Click to Allow From Anywhere, Open Your App

Click the option 'Anywhere,' that removes Gatekeeper's blocking capabilities on your Mac, allowing you to download and open any app of the internet from an app developer you trust. I recommend only downloading from sources you trust so you don't wind up with an app downloaded with malware backed in.

After changing my settings, I was able to open and run RStudio with no problem.

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If you try to open an app that isn’t registered with Apple by an identified developer, you get a warning dialog. This doesn’t necessarily mean that something’s wrong with the app. For example, some apps were written before developer ID registration began. However, the app has not been reviewed, and macOS can’t check whether the app has been modified or broken since it was released.

This issue may happen if you are downloading a known good application for Syracuse University. To override your security settings and open the app anyway follow these steps:

1. In the Finder on your Mac, locate the app you want to open. Don’t use Launchpad to do this. Launchpad doesn’t allow you to access the shortcut menu.
   
2. Control-click the app icon, then choose Open from the shortcut menu.
   
3. Click Open. The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can open it in the future by double-clicking it just as you can any registered app.
   

Note

How To Open Applications Mac

1. To open this pane on your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, then click General.