MacOS is known for its strict security protocols, which include restricting the sources from which apps can be downloaded. However, there are times when you may need to download an app from Safari on your Mac. For instance, if you need to download an app that’s not available on the Mac App Store, you’ll need to download it from Safari. Whatever your reason may be, this post will show you how to download apps from Safari on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Download Apps from Safari on Mac
The Mac App Store is the go-to source for Mac users looking to download apps. However, there are times when you may need to download an app from Safari on your Mac. Some reasons why you may need to download apps from Safari include:
- You need to download an app that’s not available on the Mac App Store.
- You need to download an app that’s only available on a specific website.
- You want to download a specific version of an app that’s no longer available on the Mac App Store.
Method 1: Using the “Allow Apps Downloaded From” Option
The first and easiest way to download apps from Safari on your Mac is to use the "Allow Apps Downloaded From" option. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the Apple menu on the top left corner of your screen.
- Select System Preferences.
- Click on Security & Privacy.
- Click on the lock icon on the bottom left corner of the window and enter your password.
- Select the General tab.
- Click on the "Allow apps downloaded from" option and select "Anywhere."
- You’ll get a warning message; click on "Allow From Anywhere."
Pros:
- It’s the easiest way to download apps from Safari on your Mac.
- You don’t need to install any additional software.
Cons:
- It weakens your Mac’s security by allowing apps from anywhere to be downloaded.
- You may unknowingly download malicious apps.
Method 2: Using a Trusted Source
If you don’t want to weaken your Mac’s security but still need to download an app from Safari on your Mac, you can use a trusted source. Here’s how to do it:
- Find a trusted source for the app you want to download.
- Download the app from that source.
- Open the downloaded .dmg file.
- Drag the app icon to the Applications folder.
Pros:
- You can still download apps from Safari on your Mac without compromising its security.
- It ensures that you only download apps from trusted sources.
Cons:
- You need to find a trusted source for the app you want to download.
- You may not be able to download certain apps from trusted sources.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App Store
If you’re not comfortable with either of the two methods mentioned above, you can use a third-party app store. One of the most popular third-party app stores for Mac is Homebrew. Here’s how to use Homebrew:
- Open Terminal on your Mac.
- Type "ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"."
- Hit Enter.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
- Type "brew install cask."
- Hit Enter.
- Type "brew search [name of app you want to download]."
- Hit Enter.
- Type "brew cask install [name of app you want to download]."
- Hit Enter.
Pros:
- You can download apps from a third-party app store without compromising your Mac’s security.
- It’s a great option if you’re not comfortable with downloading apps from Safari or don’t want to use the Mac App Store.
Cons:
- You need to install Homebrew, which may not be easy for beginners.
- You may not be able to find some apps on Homebrew.
What to Do If You Can’t Download Apps from Safari on Your Mac
If you’re unable to download apps from Safari on your Mac, you can try the following fixes:
- Check your internet connection.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Restart your Mac.
- Update MacOS to the latest version.
- Reset your Safari browser.
- Disable any browser extensions that may be causing the issue.
Bonus Tip
If you’re still having issues downloading apps from Safari on your Mac, you can try using a different browser. Some popular browsers for Mac include Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I download apps from Safari on my Mac?
A: There could be several reasons why you can’t download apps from Safari on your Mac, including a poor internet connection, browser cache issues, browser extensions, or security settings.
Q2: Is it safe to download apps from Safari on my Mac?
A: It can be safe to download apps from Safari on your Mac, but you need to be careful about the sources you download the apps from. If you download apps from untrusted sources, you may unknowingly download malicious apps.
Q3: Can I install apps on my Mac without using the Mac App Store?
A: Yes, you can install apps on your Mac without using the Mac App Store. You can download apps from trusted sources or use a third-party app store like Homebrew.
Q4: What is Homebrew?
A: Homebrew is a popular third-party app store for Mac that allows you to download and install apps from the command line.
Q5: How do I reset my Safari browser?
A: To reset your Safari browser, click on Safari in the menu bar, select "Reset Safari," and then select the options you want to reset.
Final Thoughts
Downloading apps from Safari on your Mac may not always be straightforward, but there are several methods you can use to do it. Whether you choose to use the "Allow Apps Downloaded From" option, a trusted source, or a third-party app store like Homebrew, it’s essential to be careful about the sources you download apps from to avoid downloading malicious apps.