Disabling Gatekeeper in macOS

Gatekeeper is a security feature of macOS. It ensures that only trusted software runs on your Mac. If the app you are trying to launch has been modified, you will see a message that it is damaged.

A damaged app cannot be opened without disabling Gatekeeper or bypassing Quarantine (this procedure is often called de-quarantine).

Solution 1: Automatic Script

Use the Auto Fix script for an automatic fix. Download it from the link provided with your download.

Solution 2: De-quarantine

This option bypasses Quarantine for a specific app. Note that the command includes the path to the app or disk image (.dmg).

1. Open Terminal.
This is a built-in utility — no extra installation needed. You can find Terminal via Spotlight.

2. Use the command sudo xattr -r -c, add a space, and drag the damaged app into the Terminal window. The path will be appended automatically.

sudo xattr -r -c 

Important: The command does not work on files inside a mounted .dmg. Copy the damaged app to your Desktop (or Applications) and run the command on that copy. In some cases, you can apply the command to a .dmg file before mounting it.

3. Press Enter and enter your administrator password.
The password is not displayed while typing, but it is being entered.
If no password is set, create one.

4. Launch the damaged app.
Wait for the verification to finish — then you can click Open.
Verification may take up to 30 minutes.

Solution 3: Disable Gatekeeper

This command disables Gatekeeper and restores the setting that allows apps from Anywhere in System Settings > Privacy & Security.

1. Open Terminal and run the command for your macOS version:

For macOS 10.12 – 10.15.7:

sudo spctl --master-disable

For macOS 11 and later:

sudo spctl --global-disable

2. Press Enter and enter your administrator password.

2.1 On macOS Sequoia, Terminal displays a message that you must confirm the action in System Settings.

2.2 Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, find the Security section below, and change Allow apps downloaded from to Anywhere.

2.3 Enter your Mac login password — the same password you use to sign in.

2.4 Confirm the change by clicking Allow Anywhere.

3. Launch the damaged app.

Solution 4: Manual Unlock via Privacy & Security

For example, when opening an app, game, or file, you may see a dialog like this:

• Open System Settings.

• Go to Privacy & Security.

• Find the Security section.

• You will see a message: “Fix” was blocked to protect your Mac. — click Open Anyway on the right.

• Enter your Mac login password (the same one you use to sign in).

• A new dialog will ask whether you are sure you want to open the app, game, or file. Click Open Anyway.

Done! Your app, game, or file should now open.

Example:

Learn more about Gatekeeper on support.apple.com or wikipedia.org or developer.apple.com.

Learn more about extended attributes and the xattr command on wikipedia.org or real-world-systems.com or ss64.com.