How to Manage Gatekeeper Security on macOS

Learn how to safely manage Gatekeeper settings on your Mac to install verified applications while maintaining system integrity.

1. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. 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.