Fixed! Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software [2025]

You can install apps on your Mac from sources other than the Mac App Store. However, sometimes, you may receive a message saying, “ XX can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software” when you attempt to open that application. Following that message, it says, “This software needs to be updated. Contact the developer for more information.” This warning is like a safeguard mechanism implemented by Apple to protect Mac users from potential threats.

In this post, we will reveal when macOS is likely to trigger this warning and introduce several ways to get rid of it. No matter whether it merely occurs in a specific macOS or it’s just because it’s a third-party software, you can find 6 proven ways to open and regain control over your favorite applications on Mac.

Why Can’t Apple Check App for Malicious Software?

macOS triggers this warning when it finds an app that is not downloaded from the App Store. This mechanism is designed to warn you of a potential risk. While you know that these apps are legitimate and safe, you also see a pop-up window when you start them up.

Here is a list of the possible reasons why you may receive the message:

• If you downloaded an app outside the Mac App Store and it‘s not signed by a registered developer or is not verified by Apple, macOS would refuse to open it.
• Even if an app was approved, Apple could withdraw its approval if the developer’s certificate is later found to have potential malware.
• If the app’s code has been changed, like through an incomplete download, macOS identifies a mismatch in the digital signature of the app.
• Older versions of macOS may not interact well with newer software. If the app is old and doesn't work with the current version of macOS you’re running, then it can’t be verified.
• Both Apple’s XProtect (the built-in malware scanner in macOS) and Malware Removal Tool (MRT) rely on the frequent updates of macOS. If your system is not up to date, it can begin to mistrust newly installed apps.
• At times, you might be protected by an intensive firewall or other protective software. They can disrupt the verification process and trigger the warning.
• Sometimes, the error may appear due to temporary glitches or issues in the system's security settings or the app’s metadata.

How to Fix the "Apple Can't Check App for Malicious Software" Issue

It can be quite frustrating when you fail to open the application even if you know the app is safe. Alternatively, you can take other measures to launch it. Also, you can change the related settings to bypass the strict check. In this part, we’ll learn several ways to help Apple verify your applications and bypass the warning.

Open the Application in Finder

Finder is a good place to work around a macOS security check that causes the warning to appear. If you download an app from somewhere other than the Mac App Store, macOS may recognize it as unverified. However, if you launch the software in Finder, you will bypass the system’s default security mechanism. In this way, you can manually verify that you trust the app. Of course, the precondition is that you should download applications from trustworthy sources, as bypassing security checks can leave you open to possible threats if the app isn’t on the up-and-up.

1. Open Finder from the Dock.
2. In the sidebar, click on Applications.
3. Find and open the app.

Drag the App into the Applications Folder

Drag the app into the Application folder to install and launch it there. This action can trigger macOS to re-evaluate the app’s status. When an app is dragged to the Applications folder, macOS will think it is a trusted app, especially if you downloaded it from the Mac App Store or another trusted location. This can cause the system to retry and rescan the digital signature and notarization status of the app. Besides, by moving the app to the Applications folder, you can successfully bypass temporary glitches or problems with macOS.

Uninstall & Reinstall the Latest Version of the App

An order or corrupted version of apps might not be compatible with the current version of macOS. As the following message says, this software needs to be updated. By uninstalling the old version and reinstalling the newest version of the application, you can ensure that it aligns with the latest security requirements.

To make this, you should ensure you’ve completely deleted the app. BuhoCleaner can help you locate and uninstall the app in one click. Afterward, you can go to the official website to reinstall the latest version of the application.

1. Free install BuhoCleaner and open it on your Mac.
2. On the left menu, choose the App Uninstall option.
3. Select the app you want to uninstall, then click the Remove button.

Allow Any Apps to Open

When you see this message, macOS’s Gatekeeper feature blocks the app from opening. This is because your app hasn’t been digitally signed or because it’s from an unidentified developer. If you are sure that the app is from a reputable place and hasn’t been modified, you can bypass the security checks by enabling the “Open Anyway” feature in Settings.

1. Click on the Apple menu and open System Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security.

   

3. Scroll down to Security, then click the Open Anyway button next to "XX" was blocked to protect your Mac.

   

4. Enter your login password and click the OK button.

Also, you can allow any apps to open via Terminal:

1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
2. Enter the command: sudo spctl --master-disable.
3. Hit return and enter the admin password.
4. Quit Terminal and go to “System Settings”
5. Navigate to Privacy & Security and Security.
6. Click the dropdown menu next to “Allow applications from:” and select “Anywhere”.

Check for and Disable Adware

As indicated, Adware will interfere with the security features of macOS and cause false alarms. Developers often bundle adware within programs, and it can change system settings or add intrusive code that triggers security alerts. Scanning and removing suspicious processes and adware-related files can help eliminate these unwanted elements from the system. Once you’ve removed the adware, macOS can open up the app successfully.

Conclusion

The message “Apple cannot check it for malicious software” may restrict you from using your favorite apps. But don’t worry. You can try to launch it in an alternative way or help Apple get it verified. Although it’s easy to bypass the security checks, you should always make sure to download software from trusted developers and platforms.