How to Manage Gatekeeper Security on macOS

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open Privacy & Security settings

   Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. Navigate to the Privacy & Security tab in the left-hand sidebar to view your security configurations.

2. 1 min

   Examine current Gatekeeper status

   Scroll down to the Security section. View the Allow applications downloaded from setting to see if your Mac permits apps from the App Store only, or the App Store and identified developers.

   Note: The App Store and identified developers setting is the recommended default for most users.
3. 1 min

   Bypass Gatekeeper for specific apps

   If you attempt to open an app that fails Gatekeeper verification, do not change your global settings. Instead, locate the app in Finder, hold the Control key, click the app icon, and select Open from the context menu.

   Note: This creates a one-time exception for that specific executable without weakening your entire system.
4. 30 sec

   Confirm the security exception

   Click Open in the subsequent dialog box that appears. macOS will save this exception, allowing the application to launch normally in the future.

5. 1 min

   Check Gatekeeper via Terminal

   Launch Terminal from your Applications folder. Type 'spctl --status' and press Enter to view the current system-wide assessment status. A return of 'assessments enabled' confirms Gatekeeper is active.

   Note: Avoid using 'sudo spctl --master-disable' unless you are a developer testing unsigned code.