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Stop App Verifying

This tip describes how to stop an app verifying when it is launched.

When you run a new app, or an update to an existing app, for the first time the computer will verify that it is intact and not a risk. This verification process can take a bit of time (up to a minute or maybe more) the first time the app runs. After that, it should launch immediately. Unfortunately, sometimes this check doesn't "stick" and you have to wait that extra time every time the app launches.

Here's how to fix this by telling the system that the app is safe. Note that you should make completely sure that the app really is safe before doing this, because you are bypassing a useful safety check.

Open the Terminal app (it is in the Utilities folder).
Run this command: xattr -d com.apple.quarantine APPNAME
Where APPNAME is the path to the app, like "/Applications/Preview.app"

Note 1: You can type "xattr -d " (without the quotes, but note the space on the end), then drag the app icon into the Terminal window to get the full path instead of typing it.

Note 2: If you see a message saying you don't have enough privileges, type: sudo xattr -d com.apple.quarantine APPNAME, then provide an administrator password (on most Macs, the main user is an administrator).

Note 3: The xattr command allows you to work with "extended file attributes". The -d option indicates you are deleting the com.apple.quarantine attribute which is set on the app. Any file with the extended attribute of com.apple.quarantine set will be verified.