How will I know if an app not safe on Mac was already installed?
We will tackle the different scenarios on how to install third-party apps, how to tell if an app not safe on Mac is really bad, and of course how to completely delete the unsafe app and its related files from Mac.
Apple is famous for its capabilities to protect their devices from other developers. Unlike Android and other operating systems where it is open source, MacOS is different. It is so picky and nosy when it comes to apps.
You are only allowed to download apps from the App Store by default and unless you change your preferences. However, not all third-party apps are not good for Mac, in fact, there are thousands more that are very good to use in Mac but the only thing is that it is not signed with Apple.
However, not all third-party apps are not good for Mac, in fact, there are thousands more that are very good to use in Mac but the only thing is that it is not signed with Apple. So how to do when app not safe on Mac?
Contents: Part 1. Are Mac App Store Apps Safe?Part 2. How Do I Trust An App on Mac?Part 3. How to Remove App Not Safe on Mac?Part 4. How Do I Completely Delete An App Not Safe on Mac?Part 5. Summary
Part 1. Are Mac App Store Apps Safe?
Among the many things we do not want to do on our devices is to install and download malware-related apps especially on Mac. macOS is known for its superpowers in terms of device protection and security. It uses advanced technologies to monitor, update and block suspicious apps and software. You can only be 100% sure that the App Store apps are safe. However, no matter how overprotective Apple can be there is still an app not safe on Mac.
How to Identify If An App Not Safe on Mac?
The catch is Mac blocks all apps that Apple did not sign with. So even if the app is safe yet Apple did not vet for it, then surely it is not allowed. How to tell if an App not safe on Mac? Before you go ahead and install any third-party apps which you think is good for your needs, then consider the following points:
- Download from Certified and Reliable Developers
Before you download and install an app, make it a habit to check if the developer is certified and has all the legalities of selling online. All apps should have all the necessary certificates, identifications and must be reliable at all times.
- Read App Reviews
Reviews coming from people who have already purchased the app are also a big plus when it comes to considerations. Weigh both the good and bad points and if
- Verify the App Permissions
Most apps require access to your personal information such as location, notifications, and more. If you think the app is asking for more then better think twice before downloading the said app.
- Contact Developer
In case you got several concerns about the app, don’t hesitate to email the developer. They will be able to assist you better in terms of technicalities, and more app details.
- Update your Anti-virus software
Apart from the above considerations, make it a habit to update your software security or anti-virus to ensure that you don’t get hacked with unsafe apps.
Part 2. How Do I Trust An App on Mac?
If your Mac is blocking you from installing apps from unidentified companies, then we will give you the steps on how to simply download and install it.
- Go to System Preferences
- Find and click on Security &Privacy
- Change the setting for 'Allow apps downloaded from' to 'App Store and identified developers'
However, some apps are still banned from being installed on Mac, if you experience this, then simply follow these steps:
How to open apps on Mac from unidentified developer:
- Click System Preferences
- Go to Security & Privacy
- Under ‘Allow Apps Downloaded from’, you will see the override button ‘Open Anyway’.
- Confirm the action
This will now prompt Mac to allow the download and install of the unidentified app.
Part 3. How to Remove App Not Safe on Mac?
When you have already installed apps and you realized it is not safe, then better do something at the earliest to remove the app not safe on Mac.
Here are the steps on how to remove apps on Mac:
- Locate the app in the Applications folder
- Drag and drop the app into the trash folder or click and choose Move to trash
This is where Apple is more advanced than Windows, security. macOS does not easily let you download and install apps from third-party developers but the latter allows you to do so in any given situation and at your own risk.
Part 4. How Do I Completely Delete An App Not Safe on Mac?
Of course, it isn’t that easy to install malware apps in case you did. Some of its codes are spread somewhere in the system’s folders. This is a big headache when you are unable to locate its related files elsewhere. Your privacy and vital information are susceptible to infections.
Good thing there is a program dedicated to clean up these kinds of apps and malware-related software. iMyMac PowerMyMac is an effective solution that cleans and speeds up the Mac system and it's totally Notarized by Apple. All you need is to download the program and follow its click-through based on screen instructions.
Here’s a quick view on how to use PowerMyMac:
- Free download and launch PowerMyMac, choose App Uninstaller then click SCAN.
- After scanning, preview and select the unsafe apps.
- Click CLEAN to remove the unsafe app and all its related files.
Part 5. Summary
Mac still rules supremacy when it comes to security and protection. Only a few hackers have been able to get through yet still intercepted by Apple. You have the power to keep up with this protection or break the rules and give way to the app not safe on Mac to be downloaded.
If there is a need to install third-party apps not listed or vetted by Apple then consider the points we mentioned above before doing so. If you think you already downloaded and installed app/s not safe then use PowerMyMac to thoroughly check the entire system and clean up your Mac easily. It will even remove the app completely including its related files.