How to Install Downloaded Apps on macOS Safely

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Verify the application source

   Only download software from official developer websites or trusted repositories. Check the URL in your browser to ensure it matches the official domain before clicking the download link.

   Note: Avoid downloading from third-party file hosting sites or unofficial mirrors.
2. 30 sec

   Mount the disk image

   Locate the downloaded .dmg file in your Downloads folder and double-click it. This mounts the disk image to your desktop and opens a Finder window containing the application or an installer package.

3. 30 sec

   Inspect the application package

   Right-click the application icon or the .pkg installer file within the mounted disk image. Select Get Info from the contextual menu and confirm the developer name matches your expectations in the General section.

   Note: Command + I
4. 1 min

   Bypass Gatekeeper for unsigned apps

   If you receive a prompt stating the app cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer, do not click OK. Instead, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll to the Security section, and click Open Anyway to authorize the specific file.

   Note: Only perform this action if you are certain the application source is legitimate.
5. 1 min

   Move the app to Applications

   Drag the application icon from the disk image into the Applications folder alias provided in the window, or drag it directly to the Applications folder in your Finder sidebar. This installs the app to your system directory.

6. 30 sec

   Eject the disk image

   Once the installation is complete, drag the mounted disk image icon from your desktop to the Trash to eject it. Alternatively, click the Eject button next to the drive name in the Finder sidebar.

   Note: Always delete the original .dmg file after the installation to save disk space.