• Mac App Can't Download Google Chrome

Safari User Guide

Safari can download most types of files, but if you have trouble with a file, try these suggestions.

• If Safari is still downloading the file, wait for it to finish. You can’t open a file while it’s being downloaded.

• If the download is paused, resume it. Show the downloads list by clicking the Show Downloads button , then click the Resume button for the paused download.

• If you see a message that the app can’t be opened because it’s from an unidentified developer or wasn’t downloaded from the Mac App Store, you can open the app by overriding the settings in Security & Privacy preferences.

• Sometimes a download is incomplete because the file was damaged. Try downloading it again.

• Make sure you have the app needed to open the file. If you do, the file may have been corrupted during the download. Delete it, then try downloading it again.

• The downloaded file may be a compressed archive or disk image that contains the file you want. If the file is from a trusted site, double-click it to decompress it.

All Mac OS versions run on a technology called Gatekeeper, It’s designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on your Mac. If the software you are trying to open is not certified you will see a message like this “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”

One more side note is that, Apple designed this Gateway method is for protecting your Mac from malicious malware. When you install Mac apps, plug-ins, and installer packages from outside the App Store, macOS checks the Developer ID signature to verify that the software is from an identified developer (Uninstall Program on Mac). Download the software from Mac App Store If you are on Mojave you might think you have to stick to downloading the new software via Software Update, but you can still grab the download via the Mac.

Top Examples

• “mysqlworkbench” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

Note: Allowing apps to be installed manually brings potential risk from malware. Programs like Source Tree are legit, however try to make sure you are downloading the latest version of the software and from an authorized website before proceeding.

Bypass “Can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”

Most applications can be easily opened by this method:

Time Needed :2 minutes

“Can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”

1. Method 1

   System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> click “Open Anyway”.

2. Method 2 – Right Click App

   Instead of double clicking on the app, just right click and press Open.
   You will get a notice “Can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.” however you will still get the option to open the program

3. Method 3 “Works for Mac OS Catalina”

   Open “Terminal” App — Applications > Terminal. Use xattr to remove the app from quarantine. Source Reddit
   $ xattr -d com.apple.quarantine <app-path>

Materials

• Mac OS Catelina, Mojave and Older

Apple has removed the option allow all third Party Applications.

Since the release of the Mac OS Catalina apple has removed the option in the Security and Privacy settings to allow programs from “Anywhere” to be downloaded. From now on only individual programs can be given permission to be installed.

1. Why do I get the message “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.”

   Many programs have a notarization issue since the Catalina Update. Apple has tightened its privacy policies and has limited certification to apps only in the app store. Even though there are workarounds most users might feel an unease to install such programs.

Most Common “can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.” Errors

• “java 8 update 251” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “jdk 8 update 251.pkg” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “runescape” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “mongodb compass” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.
• “mysqlworkbench”
• “Origin”
• “macperformance”
• “appium”
• “nox app”
• “install”

“mysqlworkbench” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

“mysqlworkbench” refers to MySQL Work Bench is a legitimate program and it should not be considered malware. It is a unified visual tool for database architects, developers, and DBAs. MySQL Workbench also provides data modeling, SQL development, user administration, backup, and much more. MySQL Workbench compatible with most version of Mac OS X, including the latest version Mac OS 10.15.5

“sourcetree” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

Sourcetree most definitely is not malicious. It interacts with your Git repositories and visualizes and manages your repositories through Sourcetree’s simple Git GUI. It is a Free Git client that is compatible with both Mac OS 10 and Windows 10. Make sure you have downloaded the latest version of SourceTree for Mac

“java 8 update 251” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

“Java 8 Update 251” (8u251) refers to the latest version of Java 8.0. This is not malicious software however you cannot download the software from the app store therefore the pop up message will show up in all cases. If you are interested in what the latest updates includes you can check out the official update release for Java here.

mysql-8.0.21-macos10.15-x86_64.pkg

The latest MySQL package for mac is appearing to have the same problem. Installing it directly from the official MySQL page will still lead to the same message “mysql-8.0.21-macos10.15-x86_64.pkg” can’t be opened because apple cannot check it for malicious software.

Alternative messages

Some users have been receiving a similar message “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware”. It is again related to gatekeeper technology where the application is not verified by apple. Many reputable applications have such a message when trying to install on a mac.

Cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer mac

Mac App Can't Download Google Chrome

In this case MacOS is not mentioning that this application is potentially dangerous. This is somewhat confusing as many unidentified developer apps for Mac do receive a message that it cannot be checked for malicious software. If you do however get this message you can still bypass and open the app with the same instructions above.