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Last active February 15, 2025 02:30
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Fix error launching unsigned apps on macOS Sequoia
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fix-unsigned-app-error.md

Apple has been getting a bit carried away with limiting what users can run on their Macs. This is under the guise of security. This is due to the operating system setting a quarantine bit on downloads from random websites. When you launch the app it will report that there is a security problem with the download and will offer to let you move the application to the trash.

Don't do that. Do this:

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine <filename>

Example:

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/FreeTube.app

This will clear the quarantine bit and allow you to launch the application.

Another option will restore the missing option "Anywhere" in System Settings->Privacy and Security->Allow applications from:

sudo spctl --master-disable

The opposite

sudo spctl --master-enable

Will remove the "Anywhere" option again.

I've read in some places that the disable option will be reset after a few days. I am not sure if this is true or not.

Both of these currently work as of macOS Sequoia 15.3.1.

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