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Mac computers are famous for their reliable security features that prevent any third-party apps from being installed. However, there are several apps that can be very useful for Mac users but are not available on the App Store. Fortunately, Mac users can now download these third-party apps through the advanced feature of allowing 3rd party apps on Mac.
In this blog post, we will walk through the process of allowing 3rd party apps on Mac. We will provide several methods with easy to follow steps that even beginners can understand. Additionally, we will also share some valuable tips and tricks to make your Mac experience more convenient and efficient.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Allow 3rd Party Apps on Mac
There are many reasons why you might need to use third-party apps on your Mac. Some third-party apps can enhance your productivity, and others can be valuable tools for your work. However, to use these apps on a Mac computer, you need to allow 3rd party apps.
If you’re a developer, you may need to install third-party apps to make your work smoother. Sometimes, Mac-exclusive software may not be available on the App Store, such as games or specific tools. These apps need to be downloaded from third-party websites.
Method 1: Allow 3rd Party Apps on Mac via App Store
This is the easiest way to allow 3rd party apps on your mac. Follow the simple steps given below:
1. Go to the Apple menu and click on System Preferences.
2. In System Preferences, click on "Security & Privacy".
3. Select the "General" tab.
4. Click on the lock icon to make changes.
5. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
6. Check the box labeled "Allow apps downloaded from: App Store and identified developers".
Pros:
– This method is the safest way to allow 3rd party apps on Mac, as it only allows apps from Apple’s trusted vendors and developers.
Cons:
– Sometimes, important apps may not be available on the App Store.
Method 2: Allow 3rd Party Apps on Mac via Terminal
This method requires some knowledge of using the terminal application on macOS.
1. Open the "Terminal" application on your Mac computer.
2. Type "sudo spctl –master-disable" and press enter.
3. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
4. Close the terminal app, and your Mac will now allow 3rd party apps from any source.
Pros:
– This method is faster than the first one.
Cons:
– If you are not familiar with terminal commands, this method may be challenging.
Method 3: Allow 3rd Party Apps on Mac via Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper is a built-in feature that is responsible for allowing or blocking Mac apps. This process of allowing apps on Gatekeeper is safe and efficient.
1. Go to the Apple menu and click on "System Preferences".
2. In System Preferences, click on "Security & Privacy".
3. Select the "General" tab.
4. Click on the lock icon to make changes.
5. Enter your administrator password.
6. Select the option "Allow apps downloaded from: App Store and identified developers".
7. Click on the "Open Anyway" button when you get this prompt "App cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer."
Pros:
– This method is simple and straightforward.
Cons:
– The "Open Anyway" button may not show up on some macOS versions.
What to Do If You Can’t Allow 3rd Party Apps on Mac
If you can’t allow 3rd party apps on Mac, it may be because your Mac is an older version, which does not have the option to allow third-party apps or because it is locked by an administrator.
If you have an older version of macOS, and you can’t find the option to allow third-party apps, it’s best to update your system to the latest version.
If your Mac is locked by an administrator, you can ask the admin to unlock it or allow you to install third-party apps temporarily.
Bonus Tip
You can use an application named "Unarchiver" to open any archive files, such as .zip, .rar, and others.
5 FAQs
Q1. Why can’t I download or install third-party apps on my Mac?
A1. Mac computers are highly secure devices that only allow apps available on the App Store. Therefore, you need to make some adjustments to your security settings to allow third-party apps on your Mac.
Q2. Why is it important to allow third-party apps on a Mac?
A2. Allowing third-party apps on a Mac gives you access to a broader range of applications. Sometimes, third-party apps may offer more features than the apps available on the App Store.
Q3. How do I know if the third-party app is safe to download?
A3. The security settings of your Mac should prevent any malware-infected installations. Make sure you download the third-party app from a trusted website. Check the user reviews and see if there are any warnings or red flags.
Q4. What should I do if my Mac is running slow after installing a third-party app?
A4. Try removing the app you recently installed. If it continues to slow down, you may need to check your computer’s memory usage or disk space.
Q5. How do I uninstall an application installed from a third-party source?
A5. Go to the application folder and locate the app. Drag the application icon to the trash and empty the trash. It will uninstall the application from your Mac.
Final Thoughts
Allowing third-party apps on a Mac is easy, but you need to be careful and download only trusted apps. By following the simple methods described above, you can easily make adjustments to your security settings and allow third-party apps on your Mac. This post aimed to assist you in allowing third-party apps on your Mac and hope you have found this post helpful.