Unblocking the installer in Security & Privacy preferences
In macOS, when an app fails to install, it should appear in System Preferences > Security & Privacy, under the General tab. If there is a message saying that an app from Sonarworks SIA (or sometimes can come up as an ‘Unidentified developer’) was blocked, then click Open Anyway to continue installation of the app.
You might have to click on the Lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your passwords to make changes.
NOTE: this warning should also show up if the installation hasn't started but macOS blocked the software from opening because it cannot be verified:
Overriding security settings
If you do not get the message about the software being blocked in Security & Preferences there is also another way to override security settings to open the app. To do that, please follow these steps:
- Open Finder on your Mac and locate the app or the software installer you want to open. Tip: If you are opening an app, don’t use Launchpad to do this. Launchpad doesn’t allow you to access the shortcut menu
- Control-click the app icon, then choose Open from the shortcut menu
- Click Open. The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can open it in the future by double-clicking it just as you can any registered app
5 comments
I had to restart my Mac in order for the "System software from developer "Sonarworks SIA" was blocked from loading" to appear in Security and Privacy. Had to restart again in order for the calibration to take effect on the UA Apollo Twin.
Additionally, found it confusing that, there wasn't any feedback telling me what was supposed to happen with the app was running the test on the calibration ("Left", "Right"), and it kind of died silently without an error message.
Am really excited to finally have it working and to begin a relationship with you all.
Hi, I'm trying to install SonarWorks and every time it's says that "SONARWORKS SIA was blocked" I try to give it permission but nothing happens. I have followed the steps that you provided, but the message never disappears and I cannot continue with the installation.
Any help?
This is not working for me. Can someone please contact me urgently.
Hey all,
Thanks for commenting and apologies for the late attendance!
Matt's case was resolved in a support ticket - Sonarworks did appear as Blocked in Security and Privacy settings after all (after the first unsuccessful installation). Matt was then able to follow the instructions above to complete the process successfully. If anyone else is still having an issue with this, please submit a support ticket and we'll have a closer look.
In general terms, installing third-party kernel extensions (like the one for the Reference 4 Systemwide app) has become increasingly challenging on Mac. user permissions-related install issues are to be found often (both old and new) and macOS has become increasingly difficult to work with, in regards to kernel extensions. Since Apple has already announced that they are moving away from working with third-party kernel extensions completely, we are already working on the new 'Userspace' driver format, it is already available in Beta with macOS Big Sur compatibility. See install instructions for v4.4.7.34 Beta here: Beta software releases
Hopefully, the new Userspace driver will allow for a lot less permissions-related installation issues!
Hi,
I'd just like to leave my experience here. I have a brand new MacBook Pro M1 in front of me. The installation wouldn't go through and I've tried all the ways that are supposed to work.
When I gave up and moved on to install other applications, I was notified by MacOS that Rosetta wasn't installed yet. After it installed through another programs installation process the SoundID Reference installation also went through.
Hopefully this helps someone.
Cheers,
Cedric