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How to Install a Quarantined Application on macOS Using Terminal

Updated 4 months ago · 1 min read

MacOS includes built-in security features that help protect your device from unverified applications downloaded from the internet. In some cases, when installing third-party software, you may encounter a warning that prevents the application from opening or installing properly.

For example, if the DrawMeApp Software still cannot be installed after entering your password or after following the steps provided in the Quick Start Guide here: Quick Start Guide, the issue is usually caused by macOS tagging the application as a “quarantined” app.

Common Warning Messages

You may encounter messages such as:

  • “App cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.”
  • “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware.”
  • “Application is damaged and can’t be opened.”

If you trust the source of the application, you can remove the quarantine restriction using the Terminal.

How to Remove Quarantine Using Terminal and Proceed Installation

Step 1: Open Terminal

  1. Press Command + Space
  2. Type Terminal
  3. Press Enter

Step 2: Run the Quarantine Removal Command

Type the following command in Terminal:

sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine

After the space at the end of the command, drag and drop the application file into the Terminal window.

Example:

sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/YourApp.app

Step 3: Enter Your Mac Password

  1. Press Enter
  2. Input your Mac administrator password
    • The password will not appear while typing, which is normal.
  3. Press Enter again

Final Step

Once the command completes successfully, try opening the application again. The app should now launch without the quarantine warning.

For better compatibility, it is recommended to move the application into the Applications folder before running the command.

Important Reminder

Only remove quarantine restrictions for applications downloaded from trusted and verified sources. Disabling security protections for unknown software may expose your Mac to security risks.


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