Gatekeeper Toggler icon
EFI & System Access Utility

Gatekeeper Toggler

Enable or disable macOS Gatekeeper security checks in one click.

Download Free

— downloads

macOS 11.0+ Universal Binary Free
Gatekeeper Toggler screenshot Gatekeeper Toggler screenshot
Disclaimer: disabling Gatekeeper doesn't harm macOS by itself, but if you run an infected or malicious app while it's off, your Mac's security is at risk. Only use Gatekeeper Toggler if you know what you're doing, and re-enable Gatekeeper as soon as you're done. Gatekeeper Toggler itself contains no malware — it simply runs Apple's own spctl commands for you.

Security checks, one switch

Gatekeeper Toggler flips macOS's Gatekeeper security checks on or off from a single switch, useful when testing unsigned builds or running tools that Apple hasn't notarized — no more retyping spctl flags from memory.

Gatekeeper checks that apps downloaded outside the Mac App Store carry a valid Apple Developer ID signature before letting them run. If an app is unsigned, tampered with, or from an unverified developer, Gatekeeper blocks it — which is usually the right call, but occasionally gets in the way of a tool you trust. (Apple has more detail in their official Gatekeeper support article.)

A green padlock means Gatekeeper is on; we strongly recommend switching it back on as soon as you've finished the task that required it disabled.

1-Click
Toggle Gatekeeper instantly
spctl-Free
No terminal commands needed
Admin-Gated
Password required to change
Visual Status
Green padlock means protected

Features

Security, on your terms

Gatekeeper Toggler makes flipping macOS security checks fast, visible, and safe.

One-Click Toggle
Flip Gatekeeper on or off from a single switch.
Visual Status Indicator
A green padlock shows at a glance whether Gatekeeper is currently active.
No Terminal Required
Skip memorizing or retyping spctl flags entirely.
Admin-Gated Changes
Every toggle requires your administrator password to confirm.
Instant App Access
Open or install unsigned/non-notarized apps the moment Gatekeeper is in your way.
Safety Reminder
Encourages switching protection back on as soon as you're done.

Guide

How to use Gatekeeper Toggler

  1. Open Gatekeeper Toggler — a green padlock means Gatekeeper is currently enabled.
  2. Click the slider to disable Gatekeeper, then enter your administrator password to confirm (click Cancel to back out without changing anything).
  3. Open or install the app that Gatekeeper was blocking; when the security prompt appears, click Open.
  4. Once you're done, return to Gatekeeper Toggler and switch it back on to restore full protection.

Technical Details

System requirements

macOS
Big Sur 11.0 or later
Architecture
Universal (Intel + Apple Silicon)
Privileges
Administrator password required
Price
Free
Gatekeeper Toggler

Security checks,
one click away.

Enable or disable Gatekeeper instantly — no spctl commands required.

Download Gatekeeper Toggler Free ← All Apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers.

What does Gatekeeper do?
Gatekeeper is a macOS security feature that blocks apps from unidentified developers. Gatekeeper Toggler lets you easily bypass this temporarily or permanently.
Is it dangerous to disable Gatekeeper?
Disabling Gatekeeper allows any app to run. You should only use Gatekeeper Toggler when you need to install a trusted app that is being blocked, and re-enable it afterward.
How do I open apps blocked by macOS Gatekeeper?
macOS Gatekeeper may flag apps from unidentified developers. To open them, right-click (or Control-click) the app icon and select "Open" from the context menu, or learn more here.