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Fix: Safari not working on Mac

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  • 5 min read

Safari is known for its speed, efficiency, and seamless integration with macOS. For Mac users, Safari is often the go-to for internet browsing due to its user-friendly interface and excellent performance. However, like any software, Safari can encounter issues that might disrupt your browsing experience.

In this article, we have discussed the causes of Safari not working on Mac issue and a few ways to help you fix the issue.


What are the causes of Safari not working on Mac issue?

We have mentioned a few possible reasons that might be causing issues with the Safri on your Mac.

  • Poor internet connection.
  • System glitch.
  • Corrupt website data.
  • Extensions causing problems.
  • Outdated version of Safari.

Also read: Fix: This connection is not private error in Safari


How to fix the issue?

If you cannot use Safari on Mac properly, we have explained a few troubleshooting methods to help you resolve the issue.

Check the internet connection

Unstable internet connections can lead to Safari performance issues. Ensure that your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is stable and capable of handling the browsing demands. Restart the WiFi router and reconnect and try using Safari again.

Photo: DG Studio / Shutterstock.com
Photo: DG Studio / Shutterstock.com

Restart the device

Restarting the device is a simple yet effective method to resolve various software-related issues, including Safari problems. When you restart your Mac, it clears temporary system files and refreshes system processes, which can often resolve glitches affecting Safari.

Also read: 3utools error code 16: Quick Fix


Force quit Safari

If the Safari is not responding, you can force quit the Safari app and run it again. To do that, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Click on the Apple menu, then click on the Force Quit option in the dropdown menu.

Step 2: If Safari is running on your Mac, you will see it in the Force quit applications screen. Select Safari and then click on the Force Quit button at the bottom.

We have used a different app for the example.
Click here to know more about how to force quit on Mac

Remove website data using Finder

Sometimes corrupted cache and history can cause issues with the proper functioning of Safari. To delete the website data using Finder, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Click on Go, and then in the dropdown menu, click on the Go to Folder option.

Step 2: Type ~/Library/Safari and hit Enter.

Step 3: Delete LastSession.plist file and all the files with History.db in the name.

When you use Safari again, it will make more of these files. Therefore, it’s okay to delete them now.

Also read: Why does my phone randomly vibrate?


Disable Safari extensions

Extensions can sometimes cause Safari to stop working on your Mac. They might interfere with how the browser functions. To check if an extension is causing the problem, disable all extensions and restart Safari. To do that, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Click on Safari in the menu bar and then click on Settings in the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Click on Extensions and then uncheck the box beside the extension you want to disable.


Update Safari

Apple regularly releases software updates to improve the performance of its software and fix any existing issues. So, if Safari isn’t working properly on your Mac, check if your Safari browser is up-to-date.

Since Safari is the default web browser on macOS, it gets updated automatically when you update your macOS. To check for an update, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Click on the Apple menu, then click on the System Settings option in the dropdown menu.

Step 2: In system settings, click on the General option in the sidebar and then click on the Software Update option on the right.

Step 3: If you have any available macOS updates, install them.

Also read: What does Command+R do on Mac?

Akash Singh

Akash Singh

Akash is a law graduate who likes to go for bike rides on the weekends soul-searching for answers to his many existential questions. You can contact him here: singhakash95@pm.me

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