Run An Unsigned App On Mac or Open Blocked Apps in macOS

Why does macOS block the LiteAI app?

macOS has a built-in security feature called Gatekeeper. By default it only opens apps that are signed with an Apple Developer ID and notarized by Apple. Signing and notarizing requires a paid Apple Developer Program membership and an automated review by Apple for every release.

The LiteAI app is currently distributed without that paid signature, so Gatekeeper shows a generic warning: "Apple could not verify the app is free of malware." This message does not mean the app is malicious. It only means Apple has not reviewed it.

What the warning means

The app has no Apple Developer ID signature or notarization ticket, so macOS can't verify the developer.

What it does NOT mean

It does not mean a virus was found. macOS did not scan and flag the app. It just can't confirm who made it.

lteai.me is totally safe

✔ No malware, no spyware, no hidden trackers or ads in the LiteAI app.
✔ No access to your files or personal data beyond what you explicitly use inside the app.
✔ The only official download source is lteai.me.
✔ Many trusted open-source and indie Mac apps are distributed unsigned for the same reason.

Safety tip: Only bypass Gatekeeper for apps you downloaded from a source you trust. Always download LiteAI directly from lteai.me, never from third-party mirrors.

How to open a blocked app on macOS

Follow these 5 steps (macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia and later).

Try to open the app and see the warning

Double-click the app. macOS shows "App.app" Not Opened — Apple could not verify it is free of malware. Do not click Move to Trash. Click Done to close the dialog.

macOS dialog saying the app was Not Opened because Apple could not verify it is free of malware, with Done and Move to Trash buttons

Open System Settings

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and choose System Settings….

Apple menu in the macOS menu bar with System Settings highlighted

Go to Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway"

In the sidebar select Privacy & Security, then scroll down to the Security section. You will see "App" was blocked to protect your Mac. Click Open Anyway.

The button only appears for about an hour after you tried to open the app. If it's missing, repeat Step 1.

System Settings Privacy and Security page showing the blocked app message and the Open Anyway button

Confirm with "Open Anyway"

A final confirmation asks Open "App"? Since you downloaded LiteAI from lteai.me, click Open Anyway.

macOS confirmation dialog asking Open the app with Move to Trash, Open Anyway and Done buttons

Enter your password or Touch ID

Authenticate with Touch ID or click Use Password… and enter your Mac administrator password. The app now opens, and macOS remembers your choice, so you won't see this again.

Privacy and Security prompt asking for Touch ID or administrator password with Use Password button

Alternative: use Terminal

If you prefer the command line, remove the quarantine flag from the app:

Terminal

$ xattr -cr /Applications/my_app_name.app_

Adjust the path if you installed the app elsewhere.

FAQ

Is it safe to click "Open Anyway"?

Yes, for LiteAI downloaded from lteai.me. Only do this for apps from sources you trust.

I don't see the "Open Anyway" button.

Open the app once first so macOS registers the block, then check Privacy & Security right away. The button stays for roughly one hour.

Will I need to do this every time?

No. After the first approval macOS stores an exception for that app. A new version may ask again.