[Guide] Untrusted Plugins on Mac

Discussion in 'Software' started by tzzsmk, Oct 23, 2025 at 10:04 AM.

  1. tzzsmk

    tzzsmk Audiosexual

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    Hi folks,

    since Apple is obsessed with security, running anything patched throws error due to default Quarantine/Codesigning,

    there are many ways to handle that, but this one is most official and doesn't involve Terminal commands or any additional app and should be foolproof+futureproof:

    if you run your DAW and on plugin scan MacOS throws (security) error, do this:

    1) make sure .vst + .vst3 + .component files are opened by default with your DAW app
    - go into MacintoshHD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins
    /VST
    /VST3
    /Components
    pick whatever plugin file you see, CMD+I (show info) and open always in app make sure it's your DAW
    (on pick dialog you may need to change recommended apps to all apps or else you won't be able to select your DAW)
    2) instead of opening your DAW, open (double-click) your new pesky plugin, you get error again, quit your DAW again
    3) in Mac OS Settings -> Security and Privacy, scroll down and you should see your pesky plugin file being blocked - click Allow and your DAW should reopen automatically (if you set default app for plugin format in step 1) and plugin should be fine
    4) repeat for any other plugin of any other plugin format
    (I don't think you can do it in batch, that would involve Terminal commands..)

    :chilling:
     
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