Open a Program From Unidentified Developer on MacOS

Updated: 03/25/2024

Objective

Open a program from an unidentified developer on macOS.

Applies To

  • macOS

Procedure

This can be done by one of two ways, through System Preferences or bypassing the security on macOS.

System Preferences

  1. Open System Preferences.
  2. Select Security & Privacy.
  3. On the General tab, under Allow apps downloaded from, select App Store and identified developers.
    macos-mojave-system-preferences-security-general-require-disable-dark.jpg

Bypassing Security Settings

Alternatively, to override your security settings and open the app anyway:
  1. In the Finder, locate the app you want to open. Note: Don’t use Launchpad to do this. Launchpad doesn’t allow you to access the shortcut menu.
  2. Press the Control (CTRL) key, then select the app icon.
  3. Select Open from the shortcut menu.
  4. Select Open.
The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you will be able to open it in the future by double-clicking it, just like any registered app.

Additional Information

To learn more, visit Apple Support.