safari cannot open secure connection

How to Fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error (6 Solutions)

When you’re browsing the web, the last thing you want is to run into an error message. If you’re a macOS user, one of the issues you might come across is: “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” error.

While it may seem intimidating at first, this is a relatively common problem with a few simple solutions. All it usually takes is a little bit of troubleshooting before you’re able to effectively (and safely) access the site.

This post will explain what this Safari error message is and some of its common causes. Then we’ll provide you with six easy ways to fix the problem.

Let’s get started!

What’s the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error?

Some of the best features of Mac devices are their built-in security settings . Apple has created an experience designed to keep you and your device safe, especially while browsing the web.

This is why its native browser, Safari, will sometimes prevent you from accessing a website that it doesn’t deem as secure. When this happens, you’ll likely see an error message that says, “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server.”

The specific wording of the error may vary. For example, as you can see in the image above, you might also come across a notification letting you know that “Safari Can’t Open the Page.”

In a nutshell, this error message means that the browser doesn’t trust the encrypted data on the site. Alternatively, Safari could not access and verify the information successfully. For example, this might happen when a site doesn’t have a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate  properly configured.

Using SSL and Secure Shell Access (SSH)  is critical for websites today. This is especially true when you have a site that handles sensitive customer data, such as a WooCommerce store .

However, if you know the site that you’re accessing is secure, the problem is likely with Safari. Many people experience this error message when accessing popular websites, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Google.

What Causes “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error?

There are many different reasons you might be seeing this error message. As we mentioned, the main explanation is that Safari can’t verify that the website you’re trying to access is secure enough to protect your data.

However, it’s essential to understand  why it deems the site unsecured to know how to resolve it. Sometimes, you may not know what the culprit is until you try troubleshooting it.

With that said, there are a handful of common causes behind the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” message. For example, the issue may be attributed to a third-party extension or add-on you have installed on your browser. It could be something as simple as having outdated cache data. However, it could be a more complicated problem, such as the Internet Protocol (IP) version you’re using.

How To Fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error (6 Solutions)

Now that we understand more about the issue and its potential causes, it’s time to look at how to fix it. Below are six solutions you can use to resolve the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” error.

1. Clear Your Browser Data

When you visit websites, Safari will store some of the information in the browser cache and cookies. If this data includes outdated details relating to the site’s SSL or encryption , it can be the reason you see the error message.

Therefore, one of the quickest and simplest methods you can use to resolve this error is to clear your browser cache . To do that in Safari, you can start by opening up the browser.

Next, click on Preferences  > Privacy , then select Remove All Website Data .

After it finishes loading (it may take a minute or two), you can decide which websites to clear the data from. For example, you can select them all or simply the one you’re having trouble accessing.

When done, click on the Done  button at the bottom of the screen.

Next, to clear your entire browsing history, you can navigate to  Safari  > History  > Clear History .

When finished, try revisiting the site that was showing the error message. If it’s still there, you can move on to the next solution.

2. Check Your Device’s Date and Time

While it may seem odd, sometimes having the incorrect date and time on your Mac device can cause some issues within Safari. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that yours is set to the correct time zone and date.

To get started, you can click on the Apple icon, then navigate to System Preferences  > Date & Time .

From here, you can verify that you’re using the right date and time.

Under the  Time Zone tab, you can also enable your device to sync to your current location automatically. When you’re done, you can exit the window and try re-accessing the site.

3. Change Your DNS Settings

If the error is still there, you might want to check out your Domain Name Server (DNS)  settings. In a nutshell, your DNS acts like a phonebook that allows devices and sites to reach each other. Safari uses your DNS settings to connect to websites.

If there are issues with your DNS settings, it might be why you see the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” message. To see if this is the case (and resolve it), you can try changing your DNS addresses. For example, you could use Google’s Public DNS.

To get started, browse to Apple  >  System Preferences  > Network .

From this window, select your connection, then click on the Advanced tab, followed by DNS . Next, click on the (+) icon next to IPv4 or IPv6 addresses .

Then you can enter the new DNS IP addresses. For example, if you want to use Google’s Public DNS, you can enter “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4”.

When you’re finished, click on the OK  button. Recheck the website to see if this process removed the error message.

4. Uninstall or Disable Your Browser Extensions

As we mentioned earlier, an extension or add-on in your browser may be conflicting with Safari’s ability to connect to a site securely. Sometimes, this is common with anti-virus programs and security-related extensions.

Therefore, the next step is to try deactivating all your browser extensions. To do this, you can open Safari, then navigate to Preferences  and click on the Extensions  tab.

A list of your extensions will display in the left column. You can click on the checkmark next to the add-on name to disable it.

Once you’re done, try revisiting the site. If this solves the problem, you’ll need to pinpoint which extension was to blame. You can do this by systematically enabling each add-on and visiting the site after each time.

5. Disable IPv6

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that controls how data moves across the internet. IPv6 is a newer protocol version. However, some websites still use the older version, IPv4. If this is the case, it might be why you’re running into the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” message.

Therefore, you can try disabling IPv6 on your network. To do so, navigate to System Preferences > Network once again, then click on your network connection, followed by the Advanced  button.

Under the TC P/IP tab, click on the dropdown menu under  Configure IPv6  and select Manually .

When you’re done, click on the OK button. This should resolve the issue if IPv6 were the problem. If not, there’s one last solution you can try.

6. Make Sure Keychain Trusts the Certificate

Earlier, we mentioned how Safari could sometimes present the connection error message if it cannot verify the validity of the site’s SSL certificate. If this is the case, you can bypass the issue by configuring settings in your macOS’s Keychain Access app.

Keychain Access is the application that stores your passwords , account details, and application certificates. It keeps your data secure and can control which sites are trusted by your device. As such, you can tell it to accept a site’s SSL certificate moving forward.

To do this, you can go to the website showing the error message, then click on the lock icon to the left of the address bar, followed by View/Show Certificate  > Details .

With the Details panel expanded, click Control + Space Bar . A Spotlight Search bar will appear in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Enter “Keychain” in the search field.

Next, on the left, click on System Roots . Search for the website’s certificate. Once you locate it, go to the Trust section. Then click on the dropdown menu next to When using this certificate section  and select Always trust :

That’s it! You should now be able to access the site successfully.

Trying to access a website only to be met with an error message can be highly frustrating. While Safari is simply trying to keep your data protected, sometimes it can get misconfigured. In this case, the browser may unnecessarily present a security notification such as “Safari can’t establish a secure connection.”

There are six methods you can use to fix this issue when it happens:

• Clear your browser data, including the cache and cookies.
• Check your device’s data and time.
• Change your DNS settings.
• Uninstall or disable your browser extensions and add-ons.
• Disable IPv6.
• Make sure Keychain trusts the SSL certificate.

Do you have any questions about fixing the Safari secure connection issue? Let us know in the comments section below!

Content & Marketing Editor at Kinsta, WordPress Web Developer, and Content Writer. Outside of all things WordPress, I enjoy the beach, golf, and movies. I also have tall people problems ;).

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Tried as much of this as possible, and Safari still doesn’t work. Couldn’t try some things, because I’m running it on a PC, and not on a Mac.

However, I am able to access all sites with FireFox, so teh problem does seem to be with Safari. Too bad.

Thank you so much!!! My date was wrong and it fixed the issue thank u ❤️👍

I tried all six of the fixes you offered. All seemed to work – except I did not fully grasp the extensions one. Also cannot get to the lock on the website I’m trying to open (gov.uk) because that website won’t open so no lock is shown.

Fixing date and time worked for me

Great information. I went through every step and got to the SSl certificate section. There is no certificate for the site I’m attempting to visit. Safari will not allow me to visit many sites. So it isn’t just the one site.

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7 Ways to Fix Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection on Mac

With Privacy Reports and iCloud Private Rely , Safari continuous to be one of the most secure browsers in the Mac ecosystem. However, those added security protocols can be too much for some websites out there and users might face Safari can’t establish a secure connection on Mac. If the error is bothering you, read along to learn how to fix Safari can’t establish a secure connection on Mac.

Fix Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection on Mac

Safari showcasing can’t establish a secure connection should be an indicator to not trust the website you are trying to visit. However, if you are sure about the website’s authenticity and want to bypass the limitation then the error might be bothersome to you. Let’s fix the issue.

Before we go ahead, let’s understand why it’s happening in the first place.

Why Can’t Safari Establish a Secure Connection

Most modern websites use encryption to protect user data and identity from hackers. If the website you are trying to browse doesn’t offer encryption, you might face the Safari can’t establish a secure connection error.

That way, Safari is advising you against visiting the website with personal info as the information will be available in plain text for others to steal.

The browser also checks the SSL certificate of a website. If it’s expired then, you will face an error while browsing the website. We recommend you learn more about SSL certificates and other security settings .

1. Check Web URL Again

You must have heard of hackers stealing information from users by creating scam website versions of the original and popular websites. They cleverly change a word or two and send you to a fake website to steal your login, password, card details, and other info.

Let’s say, you are trying to visit adidas.com and make a single mistake and visit abidas.com instead. Most of these fake websites don’t follow security protocols and you might end up facing Safari can’t establish a secure connection error.

Check the address bar at the top and inspect the web URL again. If there are any typos, then fix them and try to visit the original website again.

2. Check Current Date and Time

You might be surprised but using the wrong date and time on your Mac might lead to Safari can’t establish a secure connection error on Mac. Here’s how to fix it. Click on the little Apple icon in the upper left corner.

1. Click on the System Preferences menu.

2. Select Date & Time .

3. Enable Set date and time automatically toggle.

Make sure Mac is displaying the correct time and date. Open Safari and try to browse the same website again.

3. Disable iCloud Private Relay

For iCloud+ subscribers, the Private Relay automatically enables the Safari browser. iCloud Private Relay shields your online location and routes the traffic from an Apple-branded server. That way, the website provider won’t have your actual location through the IP address.

The behavior might mess up the experience where your actual location is needed to visit the website. You should disable iCloud Private Relay from the System Preferences menu.

Open the System Preferences menu on Mac and click on Apple ID . Disable Private Relay from the following menu.

4. Disable Private Relay for a Wi-Fi Connection

You can also disable iCloud Private Relay on Mac for a specific Wi-Fi connection. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open the System Preferences menu on Mac and go to Network .

2. Select your connected Wi-Fi connection and disable Use iCloud Private Relay toggle.

Now go ahead and try browsing the web again.

5. Change DNS

DNS acts like a phone directory on your Mac to check the location of the website. You can change the default DNS settings to Google’s public DNS and browse the web without any issues.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Open the System Preferences menu and click on Network .

2. Go to Advanced > DNS menu.

3. Click on the + icon at the bottom and add Google’s public DNS servers.

Here are they.

6. Disable Antivirus

If you are using any antivirus on Mac, then disable it and try to browse Safari again. Normally, you don’t need an antivirus on Mac, but even if you are using it on Mac, you should turn it off for a time being.

7. Disable IPv6 for Your Network

Internet Protocol version (IP) identifies and locates everything that’s connected to the internet. The previous version was IPv4 and the latest one is IPv6. Some websites still use the IPv4 protocol and that might trigger the error in the Safari browser.

You need to temporarily disable IPv6 on your Mac. Here’s how to do it. Go to System Preferences > Network and select the Advanced menu at the bottom. From the following menu, click on TCP/IP and select Manually from the Configure IPv6 menu.

Hit ok at the bottom and start browsing the web in Safari.

Wrapping Up: Fix Safari Can’t Establish Secure Connection on Mac

Sometimes, due to a sketchy internet connection, Safari fails to check the SSL certification of the website. You can simply reload the webpage and try again. Before you switch to a Safari alternative , Go through the tips above and fix the issue.

Parth previously worked at EOTO.tech covering tech news. He is currently freelancing at TechWiser, Android Police, and GuidingTech writing about apps comparisons, tutorials, software tips and tricks, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

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How to Fix Can’t Establish Secure Connection Error in Safari

That nagging feeling of someone looking over your shoulder is quite discomforting. The same is being replicated by the nasty ad trackers that track your browsing activities and and the way you consume content. As much as I wish not to spook you, you need to be aware of what is really going on with your favorite websites.

Thankfully, Apple is cracking down on the creepy websites that track your behavior whether you click on their site or not. Besides that, Apple’s latest version of Safari incorporates the Intelligent Tracking Protection 2.0, which scrutinizes and wards off third-party as well as first-party cookies with a potential of tracking your browsing activities.

That’s why Safari may throw errors while opening a suspicious or improperly designed page. If you have been facing the “Can’t Establish Secure Connection” error with your frequently visited sites, then you are not alone. Here are the best working solutions to help you fix that error and continue browsing peacefully.

1. Check for Proper Certificate

To keep it simple, make sure you are accessing the correct website by clicking on the address bar. You should scrutinize the URLs, and look for the green lock icon in front of the site address. If it appears grey, then it is possibly a smartly crafted phishing site with the exact logo and layout of a bank or another website you frequently visit.

2. Clear the Browser History

Safari’s option to clear the Browser History is like a double-edged sword. Usually, the Clear Browser History option would remove the list of websites you visited. However, the latest iteration of Safari removes the related data such as cookies and content of the respective sites. So tread with caution.

Step 1: In Safari, click on History form the menu options at the top of the window.

Step 2: From the drop-down menu next to the word Clear, select All History. Then click Clear History.

3. Uninstall Suspicious Extensions and Plugins

Extensions, Plugins, and Add-ons are like little helpers that speed up the process of undertaking specific tasks with a click or two. However, installing too many of them does affect Safari’s performance. So, it is only wise for you to remove the unwanted and unused plugins or extensions.

Step 1: Click on the Safari menu and select Preferences.

Step 2: From the pop-up window, click on Extensions to view the list of extensions you have installed for Safari. I did not install any extensions. However, if you see any, then select and remove them.

4. Unblock All Cookies

It might be an honest mistake that you accidentally clicked on the box that appears right below the one that states – Prevent cross-site tracking. If that is the case, then that box is essentially blocking all cookies.

Step 1: Open Safari’s Preferences, and click on Privacy.

Step 2: Clicking on Manage Website Data will bring up a new window. From that you can select and remove the cookies of the sites you think you no longer need or want.

5. Check Permissions

Besides going overboard on plugins, some of them do force Content Blocking for websites that are known to carry unsolicited pop-ups and misleading ads with some code on them. If you believe that Safari is hitting a false-positive, then you better check the permissions for the Content Blockers and other elements such as Location.

Step 1: Click on Safari’s menu and select Preferences. From the window that pops up, click on the Websites tab.

Step 2: Click on the Content Blockers in the left pane and see if you have blocked any particular element of the site you are trying to access.

6. Flush DNS Cache

At times, flushing the DNS cache helps to fix a lot of connection and website speed related issues. This solution is quite simple provided you write the command accurately.

Make sure that Safari is not running, and if it is, then you can quit it. Launch the Terminal app on your Mac and feed the following command:

You will have to enter the Admin password and then tit the Enter key. Now relaunch the Safari to check if that helped.

7. Firewall Settings

Firewall protections you from nefarious requests to steal your data and resources. It is possible that some software has enforced strict Firewall policies and barring Safari from any Internet connectivity. Well, it happens when parents or office environment don’t want you to browse the web. There’s a safe way to check whether the Firewall is blocking Safari.

Step 1: Hit Command+Space keys together to launch the Spotlight Search bar.

Step 2: Type Firewall in the Spotlight Search and hit Enter.

Step 3: Click the lock at the bottom-left corner, type your system password, and tap on Unlock button to make changes in the Firewall settings. Once you get the access, click on the Firewall Options button.

Step 4: On the Firewall Options window, ensure that the box for Block all incoming connections is unchecked.

Also, check if Safari appears in the exceptions list and has Allow incoming connections enabled for it. If Safari does not appear there, then proceed to the next solution.

8. Sync the System Time

Though it sounds unlikely that the system time on your Mac is wrong, it’s best to check it once. Here’s how you can verify and change system time.

Click on the Apple Menu and select System Preferences. From the window that pops up, click Date & Time. Then click on the Time Zone to check if you have selected the correct one. If you want to make any change, then you must click on the lock icon at the bottom-left corner and enter your macOS account password.

9. Remove All Website Data

Apple removed the Reset Safari button since the Yosemite update. Thankfully, there are two easy ways to achieve stock Safari experience.

Step 1: Launch Safari, click on the Safari menu, and choose Preferences.

Step 2: Click the Privacy tab from the pop-up window and then hit the button that says – Manage Website Data.

Step 3: Wait for the pop-up window to populate the list of websites. Now you can either remove data of select sites or all. You can also hit the Remove all button and wipe the data clean.

Performing this solution, along with the first one, should be good enough to set the Safari to the factory state. You can quit Safari and relaunch it to try accessing the site giving you so much grief.

10. Use a Different Browser

If nothing works and you need to use a browser, then it’s better to use another browser like the Firefox or Chrome.

Download Firefox for macOS

Download Chrome for macOS

Pursue Secure Browsing

If none of the solutions mentioned above work, then the problem might be with the site. Reinstalling the macOS is the last resort, and I bet it won’t come to that. One of the solutions mentioned above should work for your Mac. It is entirely possible that the site you are trying to access is not available and is facing a downtime.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 15 February, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

DID YOU KNOW

Samir Makwana

Samir works as a Senior Editor for Guiding Tech to guide writers towards the best approach for their ideas in solving the tech problems for people. While writing for over a decade and a half, his work appears on HowToGeek, MakeUseOf, GSMArena, BGR India, The Inquisitr, TechinAsia, MySmartPrice, Digit India, and other media sites. Whenever time permits, he tackles how-tos, tutorials, and guides on Mac, iOS, Windows, and Internet tools. He prides in using Windows 11 and macOS for work.

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How to Fix “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection” Error

• Your iPhone, iPad or Mac’s Safari browser keeps you safe as you browse the web. One of the most notable security features of Safari is the fact that it won’t load an unsafe webpage.
• You might not be able to access sites such as Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Facebook, and Twitter if Safari cannot establish a secure connection.
• If Safari doesn’t load a website accidentally, there might be another reason to investigate. 

It is frustrating to receive “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection” errors when trying to access websites securely. Safari usually encounters this error when it is unable to establish a secure connection with a website for a variety of reasons.

In this article, we will explore several troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this error and regain access to secure websites. In Safari, you can ensure a smooth browsing experience by following these methods.

Content Table

Why Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection?

It is possible to encounter a “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection” error for a variety of reasons. In order to effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue, it helps to understand these reasons. Here are a few common causes:

• Invalid or expired SSL certificate.
• Time zone or date settings are incorrect.
• Cookies and browser cache.
• Safari browser is outdated.
• Extensions and plug-ins for browsers.
• Antivirus or firewall settings.
• Problems with keychain access.
• Network Issue.

How To Fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error 

So, here are some fixes that will help you fix Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server:

Fix 1: Check Your Device’s Date and Time

In some cases, Safari can have some issues when the date and time are incorrect on your Mac device. Therefore, you should always make sure yours is set to the right time zone and date. To begin, please follow these steps: 

• Navigate to  System Settings > General > Date & Time  after clicking on the  Apple  icon.

• Here, you can verify that you’ve entered the correct time and date.
• In the Time Zone tab, you can also enable  automatic synchronization . Afterward, you can close the window and try to access the website again.

Fix 2: Uninstall or Disable Your Browser Extensions

There is a possibility that an extension or add-on inside your browser may be interfering with Safari’s ability to connect to a website securely. There are times when antivirus programs and security extensions cause this problem.

Hence, the next step would be to deactivate all of your browser extensions. Using Safari, navigate to Settings , then click on Extensions . In the left column, you’ll find a list of your extensions. To disable the add-on, click on the checkmark next to its name.

Once you’re done, go back to the site and review it again. It will be necessary to pinpoint which extension was responsible for the problem if this resolves the issue. It is possible to accomplish this by systematically enabling each add-on and visiting the site afterward.

Fix 3: Make Sure your URL is Correct

Despite not being aware of it, website impersonation is one of the most common fraudulent activities online. In some cases, fake websites ask for your login information and other personal information to get your Mac infected with a malicious script. 

In some cases, you may have ended up on the wrong website because you mistyped the URL or top-level domain (for example, you wrote .co instead of .com). Safari (and other search engines) are trying to eliminate impersonating search results that occur when queries are typed incorrectly. 

To avoid potential misspellings, double-check the URLs of websites before visiting and add them to your bookmarks if you visit them frequently. 

Fix 4: Clear Your Browser Data

In Safari, certain data is saved in caching files and cookies every time you visit a browser. There may be an error message associated with this data if outdated data relates to site encryption or SSL. You should clear Safari’s cache first to fix Safari Cannot Establish Secure Connection to the Server error. In Safari, follow these steps: 

• Open a browser to get started.
• Next, choose  Settings > Privacy > Website Data .

• Now, click on Remove All .

• Once the data-clearing process has finished loading (it may take a minute or two), you can decide which websites you want to delete your data from.
• Once you’re finished, click the  Done  button.
• Next, go to  Safari > History > Clear History  to clear your browsing history.

Fix 5: Disable iCloud Private Relay

With iCloud+, the Safari browser is enabled automatically by the Private Relay. You are shielded from your online location by iCloud Private Relay, which routes traffic from an Apple server. By doing this, the website provider will not be able to determine your actual location through your IP address.

If the behavior persists, it might interfere with the website’s ability to identify your location. If you’re using Mac OS X, disable Apple’s iCloud Private Relay in the System Preferences.

• On Mac, click the  System Settings  menu and select  Apple ID .
• Now, navigate to iCloud > Private Relay (Under iCloud+) and then  Turn Off Private Relay  from this menu.

Fix 6: Change DNS

DNS is similar to a phone directory on your Mac for finding websites. It’s easy to switch your DNS settings to Google’s public DNS and browse the web without any problems.

You can do it by following these steps.

• Go to the  System Settings  menu and click  Network .
• Navigate to the Network Type(our case Wifi) > Details.

Fix 7: Disable IPv6

To provide connectivity throughout the world, the internet has relied heavily on the TCP/IP version 4 protocol, also known as IPv4, for most of its existence.

However, as time passed, the need for a more secure protocol that gave each device its own IP address became evident.

Unfortunately, IPv6 is not completely compatible with all systems. It generates several kinds of errors on a variety of devices and systems, including this error that we’re trying to resolve for Safari. If that’s the case, we should disable IPv6 and see if that helps. Here’s how to do it:

• To change the network settings, go to the  Apple menu > System Settings > Network .
• Navigate to the  Network Type (our case Wifi) > Details .
• Select  Manually  for Configure IPv6 under  TCP/IP tab .
• Then click  OK .

Fix 8: Update your Safari Browser

It is possible to experience compatibility issues with websites that require secure connections if your Safari version is outdated. Here are the steps you need to follow to update Safari to the latest version:

• On your Mac, go to the  App Store .
• If there are any Safari updates available, navigate to the  Updates  tab.
• In Safari, click  Update  if an update is available.
• Check if the error persists after relaunching Safari after the Update.

Fix 9: Check your Internet Connection

If your internet connection has been unstable or isn’t working correctly, the first step you must take is to correct it. To confirm whether the issue is specific to Safari or affects all platforms, you can access the site using a different browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.

Sum Up – Fix “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection” Error

So, that’s how to fix Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. Moreover, comment below and let us know if you have any doubts or queries.

Further Reading:

• How To Fix Safari Can’t Find Server Error?
• How to Fix “This connection is not private” in Safari?
• How to Block Websites in Safari Browser (iPhone, iPad, Mac)?

What Does “Safari Can’t Establish A Secure Connection” Mean

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Encountering the error message "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" can be a frustrating experience for users navigating the web. This message typically appears when attempting to access a website using the Safari browser, signaling that the browser is unable to establish a secure and encrypted connection to the site. In today's digital age, where online security is paramount, this error message serves as a crucial warning sign for users to proceed with caution.

Understanding the implications of this error message and knowing how to address it is essential for a seamless browsing experience. Whether you're a casual internet user or a professional navigating the complexities of the web, encountering this error can disrupt your workflow and hinder your ability to access vital information. Therefore, gaining insight into the causes of this error and learning effective troubleshooting techniques is crucial for overcoming this obstacle and ensuring a secure and uninterrupted browsing experience.

In the following sections, we will delve into the intricacies of the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error message, exploring its potential causes and providing actionable solutions to address this issue. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of this error, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of web security and ensure a seamless browsing experience. Let's embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries behind this error message and empower ourselves with the expertise needed to overcome it.

Understanding the Error Message

When the message "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" appears, it signifies that the Safari browser is unable to create a secure and encrypted connection to the website you are attempting to access. This error message is a critical indication of potential security risks and serves as a safeguard to prevent users from accessing websites that may compromise their sensitive information.

The inability to establish a secure connection implies that the data being transmitted between the user's device and the website is at risk of interception by unauthorized parties. In essence, the error message acts as a protective barrier, preventing users from unknowingly exposing their personal or financial information to potential threats.

Furthermore, the error message underscores the significance of encryption in safeguarding online communications. Encryption plays a pivotal role in securing data by encoding it in a manner that only authorized parties can decipher. When Safari encounters difficulties in establishing a secure connection, it signals that the encryption process has encountered an obstacle, potentially leaving the user vulnerable to security breaches.

In essence, the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error message serves as a crucial warning, prompting users to exercise caution and avoid accessing websites that may compromise their online security. It underscores the importance of secure connections in preserving the confidentiality and integrity of online communications, emphasizing the need for users to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their digital footprint.

By comprehending the implications of this error message, users can gain a deeper appreciation for the critical role that secure connections play in maintaining online security. This understanding empowers individuals to make informed decisions when encountering this error, enabling them to take proactive measures to protect their sensitive information and ensure a secure browsing experience.

Possible Causes of the Error

SSL/TLS Certificate Issues : One of the primary causes of the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error is related to SSL/TLS certificate problems. When a website's SSL/TLS certificate is expired, invalid, or misconfigured, Safari may fail to establish a secure connection, triggering this error message. This issue can arise when website administrators overlook the renewal of SSL/TLS certificates or encounter technical challenges in configuring them properly.

Weak Cipher Suites : The error may also stem from the usage of weak or outdated cipher suites by the website's server. Cipher suites are sets of algorithms used to secure network connections, and if the server employs weak or obsolete cipher suites, Safari may be unable to establish a secure connection, leading to the error message. This highlights the importance of maintaining robust encryption standards to ensure secure communication between the user's device and the website.

Incorrect System Date and Time : In some instances, the error may be attributed to incorrect system date and time settings on the user's device. Since SSL/TLS certificates are time-sensitive and rely on accurate date and time information, discrepancies in the device's system clock can lead to validation errors, preventing Safari from establishing a secure connection. Verifying and adjusting the system date and time settings can potentially resolve this issue.

Network Restrictions or Firewall Settings : Network restrictions or stringent firewall settings implemented by the user's network administrator or internet service provider (ISP) can also contribute to the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error. If the network environment imposes restrictions on certain types of encrypted connections or employs aggressive firewall configurations, Safari may encounter difficulties in establishing secure connections to specific websites, resulting in the display of this error message.

Browser Cache and Cookies : Accumulated browser cache and corrupted cookies can occasionally interfere with the establishment of secure connections in Safari. When outdated or corrupted data within the browser's cache or cookies disrupt the handshake process between the browser and the website, the error message may manifest. Clearing the browser cache and cookies can potentially alleviate this issue and facilitate the establishment of secure connections.

Understanding these potential causes of the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error equips users with valuable insights into the complexities of web security and empowers them to address this issue effectively. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes, users can navigate the intricacies of secure connections with confidence, ensuring a secure and seamless browsing experience.

Troubleshooting the Error

Resolving the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error requires a systematic approach to address the underlying causes effectively. By implementing targeted troubleshooting techniques, users can navigate through potential obstacles and restore secure connections in their Safari browser . Here are actionable steps to troubleshoot this error:

Verify SSL/TLS Certificate Validity : When encountering this error, it is essential to verify the SSL/TLS certificate of the website you are attempting to access. Users can do so by clicking on the padlock icon in the address bar to view certificate details. If the certificate is expired or invalid, contacting the website administrator to rectify the certificate issue is crucial.

Update Safari and Operating System : Ensuring that Safari and the underlying operating system are up to date is vital for addressing potential compatibility issues that may contribute to the error. Users should check for available updates for Safari and their operating system, installing any pending updates to enhance browser security and functionality.

Adjust System Date and Time : Verifying and adjusting the system date and time settings on the user's device is imperative to mitigate potential SSL/TLS certificate validation errors. Users should ensure that the date, time, and time zone settings are accurate, thereby facilitating the proper validation of certificates during secure connections.

Evaluate Network Restrictions : If the error persists, users should assess whether network restrictions or firewall settings are impeding secure connections. Contacting the network administrator or ISP to inquire about any imposed restrictions and seeking guidance on configuring firewall settings to accommodate secure connections can be beneficial.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies : Clearing accumulated browser cache and cookies can alleviate potential interference with secure connections. Users can navigate to Safari's settings to clear browsing data, including cache and cookies, thereby eliminating outdated or corrupted data that may hinder secure connection establishment.

Utilize Alternative Browsers : In cases where the error persists despite troubleshooting efforts, utilizing alternative browsers can provide temporary access to the desired websites while further investigating the root cause within Safari. This approach enables users to access essential content while addressing the error within the Safari browser.

By systematically implementing these troubleshooting measures, users can effectively address the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error, restoring secure and encrypted connections within the Safari browser. These proactive steps empower users to navigate through potential obstacles and maintain a secure browsing experience, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of their online interactions.

In conclusion, the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error serves as a critical indicator of potential security risks and underscores the importance of secure connections in preserving the confidentiality and integrity of online communications. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the implications and potential causes of this error, users can navigate the complexities of web security with confidence and address this issue effectively.

Encountering this error message prompts users to exercise caution and take proactive measures to protect their sensitive information. Whether it's verifying SSL/TLS certificate validity, adjusting system date and time settings, or clearing browser cache and cookies, the troubleshooting techniques outlined provide actionable steps to restore secure connections within the Safari browser.

Moreover, the significance of maintaining robust encryption standards and staying informed about potential network restrictions or firewall settings cannot be overstated. By remaining vigilant and proactive in safeguarding online security, users can mitigate the risks associated with the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error and ensure a seamless browsing experience.

As technology continues to advance, the need for secure and encrypted connections becomes increasingly paramount. Understanding the intricacies of web security empowers users to navigate through potential obstacles and maintain a secure digital footprint. By staying informed, implementing best practices, and leveraging troubleshooting techniques, individuals can overcome the challenges posed by this error, ultimately enhancing their online security and preserving the integrity of their digital interactions.

In essence, the "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection" error serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of web security and the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding online communications. By equipping themselves with the knowledge and tools to address this error, users can navigate the digital realm with confidence, ensuring that their online interactions remain secure and protected.

In conclusion, the journey to unravel the mysteries behind this error message empowers individuals to overcome obstacles, preserve their online security, and embrace a seamless browsing experience within the Safari browser.

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How to Fix Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection Error?

How to fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection” error?

Now that you have understood what the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error is and what potential causes can trigger it, it is time to explore the various troubleshooting methods you can try to fix it.

Here, we have provided you with the best six methods to resolve the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error.

• Check your Internet Connection
• Clear your Safari Browser data
• Update your Safari Browser
• Check your System Date and Time
• Change DNS Settings
• Deactivate/Disable IPv6 on Mac
• Disable VPN or Proxy settings
• Setup Keychain to trust the Certificate

Let’s check them out in detail.

1. Check your Internet Connection

The first and foremost troubleshooting step you must follow is to ensure that your internet connection is stable and functioning properly.

You can try accessing the website on another browser such as Chrome or Firefox, or even use a different device to confirm whether the issue is specific to Safari or affects all platforms.

If the issue is found to be specific to Safari only, proceed with the troubleshooting methods provided below.

2. Clear your Safari Browser data

Like any browser, Safari stores certain data in its cache and cookies to enhance user experience and facilitate faster page loading.

However, over time, this data can become outdated or corrupted, particularly the data related to a website’s SSL or encryption. When this occurs, it can trigger the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” error.

To resolve this issue, the easiest method you can do is to completely clear your Safari browser data or history. To do this follow the steps given below:

Step 1: First Open Safari on your device.

Step 2 : Click on the “Safari” menu located at the top-left corner of the screen.

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select “Preferences.”

Step 4: In the Preferences window, navigate to the “Privacy” tab.

Step 5: You will see an option labeled “Manage Website Data.” Click on it.

Step 6: A new window will open, displaying a timeline of all the websites that have stored data on your Safari browser.

Step 7: To remove all the data, click on the “clear history” option.

Step 8: Once the data is cleared, close the “Manage Website Data” window.

Step 9: Finally, click “Done” to close the Preferences window.

By following these steps, you will successfully clear the Safari browser data, including cache, cookies, and website data, which can help resolve various browsing issues.

3. Update your Safari Browser

An Outdated version of Safari can lead to compatibility issues with websites that require a secure connection. To update Safari to the latest version available, you need to follow the steps given below:

1. Open the App Store on your Mac.

2. Go to the “Updates” tab and check for any available Safari updates.

3. If an update is available, click on the “Update” button next to Safari to install it.

4. After the update is complete, relaunch Safari and check if the error persists.

4. Check your system’s date and time

An incorrect or unsynchronized date and time on your device can trigger SSL certificate errors, which ultimately result in the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” error.

To check and correct your date and time settings, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”

2. Choose “Date & Time” and ensure that the option to set the date and time automatically is Toggle on.

3. If the option is already Toggled on, Turn off it, wait a few seconds, and then ON it again.

4. Restart Safari and try accessing the website to see if the error is resolved.

5. Change DNS Settings

If the “safari can’t establish a secure connection” error still persists, you can try to change your DNS settings. If there is something wrong in your DNS settings, it may be the reason you are facing this error message.

To check if this is the case, try changing your DNS settings. For example, you can try Cloudflare’s free DNS Settings.

Step 1: First, navigate to the System Preferences on your Mac. You can find this by clicking on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, and then selecting “ System Preferences “.

Step 2: Once you’re in System Preferences, locate the “ Network ” icon and click on it. From there, select the network connection that you want to modify (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Step 3: In the Network settings, you should see a button labeled “ Advanced “. Click on that, and then navigate to the “ DNS ” tab.

Step 4: Here’s where you’ll add the DNS server addresses. Click on the “ + ” button at the bottom-left of the DNS settings window, and then type in the IPv4 address for Cloudflare’s DNS servers: 1.1.1.1. Press enter, then repeat the process to add another address: 1.0.0.1.

Step 5: Finally, click “OK” to save the changes you’ve made. You should now be all set with your new DNS settings!

6. Deactivate/Disable IPv6 on Mac

IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, is a set of rules that govern how data moves throughout the internet. While IPv6 is the latest version available, many websites still use IPv4. This can lead to compatibility issues and trigger the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” error.

To check if it is causing the issue, you must try to disable the IPv6 on your network. To do so, follow the steps given down below:

To configure IPv6 settings on macOS, follow these steps:

Step 1 : Navigate to System Preferences and click on “Network.”

Step 2 : Select your network connection from the list.

Step 3 : Click the “Advanced” button located at the bottom right corner of the window.

Step 4 : In the new window, go to the “TCP/IP” tab.

Step 5 : Under the “Configure IPv6” section, click on the drop-down menu and select “Manual.”

Step 6 : Once selected, click the “ OK ” button to save the changes.

If the issue is related to IPv6, this configuration should resolve it. If not, you can proceed to the next troubleshooting solution.

7. Disable VPN or Proxy settings

If you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy server, try disabling them temporarily. Sometimes, these services can interfere with secure connections. Disable the VPN or proxy settings and then attempt to access the website again.

For Mac Users, they can do the following steps to disable proxy settings:

Step 1:  Go to the Apple menu or click on the Apple icon located at the top left of your Mac screen.

Step 2:  Click on System Settings or System Preferences, whichever is applicable.

Step 3:  Now click on the “Network” in the sidebar.

Step 4:  From the right pane,  Select a network service > click the Advanced button .

Step 5:  Click on the Proxy tab and uncheck all the protocols under “ Select a protocol to configure ” and click on the “ Ok ” button when done.

8. Setup Keychain to trust the Certificate

Sometimes, when a website updates its certificate, there can be errors during the installation process. The certificate may also expire or be completely replaced with a new one. In any case, the Safari browser will not trust the certificate, resulting in a refusal to establish a secure connection and leading to the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” error.

However, if you are certain that everything is in order and correct, you can override this blocking feature of Safari by compelling the Keychain to trust the website.

Keychain Access is a built-in application on macOS that serves as a password and credential management system. It securely stores various sensitive information such as passwords, encryption keys, certificates, and secure notes.

To override keychain access and force it to trust the website, you need to follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit the website showing the error message.

Step 2 : Click the lock icon to the left of the address bar.

Step 3 : Select “View” or “View Certificate” from the menu.

Step 4: Press Ctrl + Spacebar to open the Spotlight search bar.

Step 5: Type “Keychain” in the search box and press Enter.

Step 6: In Keychain Access, locate the certificate in the “System” root directory.

Step 7 : Go to the “Trust” section and select “Always Trust” from the drop-down menu.

That’s all you can do to fix the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” error. However, if it doesn’t work in any case, the last resort is to contact the website administrator and ask for help.

What’s the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server Error?

The “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” error is a message displayed by the Safari web browser when it encounters difficulties in establishing a secure connection with a particular website.

When you try to access a website that requires a secure connection, such as one that starts with “ https:// ,” Safari initiates a process to establish a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the server hosting the website.

However, if Safari encounters any issues during this process, it will display an error message stating that “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server”.

This error indicates that Safari was unable to establish a secure connection with the website you are trying to visit due to various reasons, such as problems with SSL certificates, outdated browser versions, network connectivity issues, or interference from VPN or proxy settings.

When this error occurs, the Safari browser may not allow you to access the website or display a warning that the connection is not secure. This is intentionally done to make you aware of the consequences and protect your browsing experience, preventing potential security risks that may arise from an insecure connection.

Therefore, it becomes very important to address this error quickly, as it can hinder your ability to access the particular website you’re trying to reach or engage in any secure online transactions.

The best way to tackle this kind of issue is by trying to find out the underlying causes of the error first and then proceeding accordingly.

Read: 🚩 How to Fix Your Connection is Not Private Error in Chrome?

What Causes a “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error?

The “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” error can occur due to several reasons. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively. Here are some common causes of this error:

• SSL Certificate Issues: Websites that use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates to establish a secure connection may encounter errors if the certificate is expired, invalid, or misconfigured. Safari validates SSL certificates to ensure secure connections, and if it detects an issue with the certificate, it will display an error message.

Note: Get Free SSL and enterprise-level security included in WPOven’s WordPress Dedicated server hosting .

• Outdated Safari Version: Using an outdated version of Safari can lead to compatibility issues with websites that require a secure connection. Newer versions of Safari often include updates and bug fixes that address security vulnerabilities and improve the browser’s functionality.
• Incorrect Date and Time Settings: Safari relies on accurate date and time information to verify SSL certificates. If the date and time settings on your device are incorrect, Safari may fail to establish a secure connection with the server, triggering the error message.
• Network Connectivity Problems: Unstable or unreliable internet connections can disrupt the establishment of secure connections. If there are issues with your network, such as a weak Wi-Fi signal, network congestion, or a faulty router, Safari may struggle to connect securely to the server.
• VPN or Proxy Interference: If you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a proxy server, it can sometimes interfere with Safari’s ability to establish a secure connection. VPNs and proxies can modify network settings, redirect traffic, or cause conflicts with SSL certificates, leading to an error message.
• Browser Cache and Cookies: Outdated or corrupted cache and cookies stored by Safari can interfere with the secure connection process. These files may conflict with the SSL certificate or contain outdated information, causing Safari to fail to establish a secure connection.

It’s important to note that the specific cause of the error may vary depending on the circumstances and the website you are trying to access. By understanding these common causes, you can narrow down the troubleshooting steps to fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” error.

The “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection” error can be frustrating when trying to access a website. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can resolve the issue and browse securely.

• First, ensure that your internet connection is stable. Then,
• Clear your Safari browser data to remove any outdated or corrupted information.
• Updating your Safari browser to the latest version is also important to address compatibility issues.
• Check your system’s date and time settings, as an incorrect setting can cause SSL certificate errors.
• Changing your DNS settings or disabling IPv6 can help resolve connectivity issues.
• If you use a VPN or proxy server, temporarily disable them to see if they are causing the error.
• If all else fails, you can try overriding the Keychain to trust the website’s certificate.

Do Remember one thing, if none of these methods work, you always have the privilege to contact the website administrator to seek assistance.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can overcome the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection” error and regain access to the websites you need. Stay safe while browsing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i allow safari to establish a secure connection.

You can fix Safari to establish a secure connection by trying the following methods: 1. Check your Internet Connection 2. Clear your Safari Browser data 3. Update your Safari Browser 4. Check your System Date and Time 5. Change DNS Settings 6. Deactivate/Disable IPv6 on Mac 7. Disable VPN or Proxy settings 8. Setup Keychain to trust the Certificate

Why can’t Safari not secure a connection?

There can be various reasons why Safari can’t secure a connection, some of them are: 1. The website is compromised due to a security breach or malware attack. 2. The SSL certificate compatibility issues with the browser and the website. 3. The website is secure but its certificate is fake or outdated. 4. VPN and proxy issues 5. Safari browser cache issues 6. Outdated Safari browser

How do I make my website connection secure?

You can make your website connection secure by following these best practices. 1. Keep your website updated. 2. Scan your website from time to time. 3. Get your SSL certificates from legit sources. 4. Update your security plugins 5. Implement Web Application Firewalls 6. Implement Security Headers 7. Monitor and Respond to Security Incidents

Rahul Kumar is a web enthusiast, and content strategist specializing in WordPress & web hosting. With years of experience and a commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends, he creates effective online strategies that drive traffic, boosts engagement, and increase conversions. Rahul’s attention to detail and ability to craft compelling content makes him a valuable asset to any brand looking to improve its online presence.

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Safari can't open a secure connection to server

intel iMac running Snow Leopard 10.6.4. There are several user accounts on this computer, only one of which cannot access https sites. Safari eventually displays the message:

Firefox and chrome also fail to display the pages, but they don't give an error message.

I have searched SuperUser, Apple Support, and Google, and I have found many posts but few solutions. I did try installing a new root certificate from Thawte as recommended in one of the posts, but that did not solve the problem.

• osx-snow-leopard

• So, this is for ALL https sites? And not in Firefox or another browser? –  Arjan Aug 15, 2010 at 13:18
• @Arjan - "Firefox and chrome also fail to display the pages" –  Chris Aug 15, 2010 at 15:03
• all https sites as far as I can tell. Cannot load the pages in Firefox or chrome either. –  Scott Aug 15, 2010 at 15:04
• @Chris, ooops, you're right! Can I blame that ugly scrollbar for that then? ;-) –  Arjan Aug 15, 2010 at 15:20

2 Answers 2

I have to admit I don't know if the current versions of Firefox or Chrome use the keychain for SSL. If they don't, the following probably won't help, but you could try running keychain first aid and/or resetting the Keychain .

The quick fix may be to delete and recreate the user account (after backing up their data, of course).

• The keychain stuff did not work, so I did the quick fix - gets rid of the symptom, but doesn't help me understand the problem. Thanks –  Scott Aug 17, 2010 at 2:25

I got the same issue , it got resolved when I unchecked the Web Proxy and Secure Web Proxy from System Preferences

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If Safari doesn't open a page or work as expected on your Mac

If Safari doesn't load a webpage, stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or otherwise doesn't work as expected, these solutions might help.

These solutions are for issues that can affect Safari on Mac, including issues such as these:

A webpage is blank, doesn't load all of its content, or otherwise doesn't work as expected.

You can't sign in to a webpage, despite using the correct sign-in information.

A webpage asks you to remove or reset cookies.

Safari slows down, stops responding, or quits unexpectedly.

Reload the page

From the menu bar in Safari, choose View > Reload Page. Or press Command-R.

If Safari doesn't reload the page, quit Safari, then try again. If Safari doesn't quit, you can press Option-Command-Esc to force Safari to quit .

If Safari automatically reopens unwanted pages, quit Safari, then press and hold the Shift key while opening Safari. Learn how to control which windows Safari automatically reopens .

Install software updates and restart

Update macOS , which can include updates for Safari. If your Mac didn't restart automatically, choose Apple menu  > Restart. Some important background updates take effect only after restarting.

Check Safari extensions

If you installed any Safari extensions, turn extensions off. From the menu bar in Safari, choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences). Click Extensions, then deselect each extension to turn it off. Learn more about Safari extensions .

If you find that an extension is causing the issue, make sure that the extension is up to date.

Test with a private window

A website can store cookies, caches, and other data on your Mac, and issues with that data can affect your use of the website. To prevent the website from using that data, view it in a private window: From the menu bar in Safari, choose File > New Private Window, or press Shift-Command-N.

If that works, use the following steps to remove the website's data, including its caches and cookies. The website can then create new data as needed. If it's a website that you sign in to, make sure that you know your sign-in information before continuing.

Choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences), then click Privacy.

Click Manage Website Data.

Select the affected website from the list shown.

Click Remove.

Click Done.

Open the website again in a non-private browser window.

Check Safari settings

The webpage might not be compatible with one or more browser settings, which you can turn on or off as needed. From the menu bar in Safari, choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences). Then click Websites, Privacy, or Security to access these settings:

Privacy settings . These settings apply to all websites. For example, a website might require that you allow cross-site tracking, show your IP address, or allow cookies.

Security settings . These settings apply to all websites. For example, a website might require that you enable JavaScript.

Websites settings . These settings can be configured for specific websites. For example, a website might require that you allow pop-up windows, allow downloads, allow access to your camera or microphone, or turn off content blockers.

Check iCloud Private Relay

If you subscribe to iCloud+ and are using its Private Relay feature, try reloading the page without Private Relay: From the menu bar in Safari, choose View > Reload and Show IP Address. This menu item appears only when Private Relay is turned on for your network. Learn more about iCloud Private Relay .

Check VPN or other security software

If you installed VPN or other software that monitors or interacts with your network connections, that software could affect your use of the website or the internet. Learn about network issues related to VPN and other software .

Check network settings

Certain network settings, such as custom proxy settings or custom DNS settings , can affect access to content on the internet. Even if you haven't changed these or other network settings yourself, you might have installed software that changed them for you.

To find out whether the issue is with the network settings on your Mac, try viewing the page from a different web browser or different device on the same network. Or reset your network settings by setting up a new network location on your Mac.

If the issue affects other devices and web browsers on the same network, the issue is probably with the website, and you should contact the website developer for help.

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safari can't establish a secure connection

my safari suddenly cannot open facebook but other like web works fine. But can open facebook with other browser like firefox. This problem came about 2 days ago. Can any one can solve this problem?

I am already do:

1. clear all cookies data and tun off extension

2. reset safari

3. turn off parental controls

4. delete com.apple.security.plist (nothing heppen so i put it back)

5. keychain and permision repair but there are no problem found

I am not using any proxy and I am not changing DNS,

Posted on Jul 3, 2014 2:36 AM

Posted on Jun 15, 2017 9:27 AM

For anyone still having this problem, I found out that it was simply my date and time settings that had been reseted, and therefore I just had to manually adjust my calendar and time so that they corresponded with the certificats of all online servers.

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Jun 15, 2017 9:27 AM in response to Renaldy Thioris

Sep 25, 2015 6:49 PM in response to Chris Bashford

a quick update:

Problem's still not solved, but I've established it's only confined to google.com sites (google, maps, youtube etc). iTunes is actually working fine.

I've also taken my router (airport extreme) out of the loop, so wired connection to modem now - same problem. Thinking about upgrading the modem in case that's the problem.

Jan 11, 2016 2:35 PM in response to Renaldy Thioris

I review the whole post on this subject. Nothing helped. :-(

"Can not connect to the server" message on each browser including Approte :-(

Mac Pro just upgraded to ElCapitan :-( as a result few apps do not work (VMWare, Apperture ... as most important to me)

I tried to get update for Apperture and .. failed. Appstore can not connect to the server. None of the browser can nonnect using SSL.

Basically dead in the water.

I had Norton Security installed - removed the whole application. - no help

I do not have any other AV software. I am going crazy here.

btw. the same network settings are on my laptop MacBookpro and there is no problem at all.

Please help

Apr 29, 2016 8:39 AM in response to Renaldy Thioris

I have had numerous problems with getting PKI certificates to work properly on my MBP. My issue is that I am using PKard to install US government PKI certificates from a CAC onto my Mac - I use both a MBP (late 2012) and an iMac (mid 2011). Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had no issues. Both Macs are running the latest software updates from Apple.

But now my access to certain PKI-enabled MS SharePoint sites is failing. Not blocked - Safari just tells me that the secure connection has failed. I access multiple PKI-enabled MS SharePoint sites, they are each controlled by separate domains. And it is only one MS SharePoint site that fails to establish a secure connection, the other loads without any issues. To make matters even more confusing, this is only happening on my MBP, access to PKI-enabled MS SharePoint sites from this one domain is working just fine on my iMac.

I did get a new CAC at roughly the same time as the problems were occurring. But in the past this has never presented itself as a problem - I automatically delete my PKI certificates from Keychain Access and then reload them using the PKard Assistant (see below). I am sure I am missing something with this - but I am at a loss as to explain what it is exactly as I can still access this particular domain's PKI-enabled MS SharePoint sites from my iMac.

Both Macs access the Internet via my home wi-fi. I tried accessing the Internet via a hard line to the modem (CAT5 cable) with both Macs, the problem repeats itself. I also access the Internet on occasion via a tethered connection to my iPhone 6s Plus. The problem repeats itself there as well (I did test this by tethering both my MBP and iMac).

- I don't think this is due to Apple pushing some sort of security update - as I can access the PKI-enabled MS SharePoint site on my iMac. This would be a possibility if it was occurring on both Macs. Same goes on the SharePoint side - I have spoken (via email) to the admins for the site I am having issues accessing, there is nothing wrong with my permissions. Also, my PKI certificates work fine with Outlook Web Access (OWA).

- I have added the specific domain to ClicktoPlugin and Ghostery. I have also tried disabling them entirely as well, neither worked (ClicktoPlugin should be interfering, but I figured why not try this).

- I have disabled GlimmerBlocker entirely. This had no effect.

- I have created a rule to allow all connections from the domain in Little Snitch, as well as disabling it entirely. This had no effect.

- I disabled IPv6 via the Terminal, for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi. This had no effect.

- I disabled each component of Intego VirusBundle X8, and also uninstalled it completely. This had no effect.

- I have deleted and reloaded my PKI certificates from my CAC using PKard. This had no effect.

- I have turned off and turned back on the Mac Firewall. This had no effect.

- I have deleted all Safari security preference files ( ~/Library/Preferences/ ). This had no effect.

- I followed a recommendation in this thread ( Link to this post ) about setting certain certificates to not trusted, trusted, system defaults, nothing worked. I also did this for my US government PKI certificates, same failure to establish a secure connection.

Any help would be appreciated. I use my MBP for work (I don't always have access to a US government computer), and need only to access OWA and MS SharePoint sites. It is a pain to have to drive home (1/2 hour drive) just to send an email or update a SharePoint site.

Jan 13, 2017 10:48 AM in response to Renaldy Thioris

I solved this issue, but I'm not sure it's the solution for everyone. Try creating a new account on the Mac. Doesn't matter what kind but create a standard account first. Login with the new account. Launch Safari and visit the "problem" website in Safari.

If you don't get the error then the problem is something in the other account. I have not figured out what that might be.

Jun 18, 2015 1:24 PM in response to Renaldy Thioris

I had the same issue. Chrome and Safari wouldn't open any https websites, error message : Safari can't establish a secure connection ...

I tried all solutions you can imagine , but no success.

and then ... I noticed my OS X time is not syncing with Apple too (time.apple.com) , so I put it on manual and changed the time to exact time manually

WOHOOO .. everything started to work , all security errors are gone, my anti-virus updated instantly without me touching it .

I am super happy 🙂

Jul 22, 2014 3:48 PM in response to Renaldy Thioris

Have you made sure your software is completely up to date?

You should be at one of the following:

Aug 11, 2017 11:18 PM in response to farid7

I wanted to tell you the same guys but Farid7 was faster 🙂

If u are experiencing problems with safari telling u can not establish... also the battery problems like I did, after some time I realised it was all about the date and time.

I am happy too now 🙂

Oct 22, 2017 7:03 PM in response to Renaldy Thioris

I had the exact same problem. I also searched through multiple forums but could not find a solution.

It was not my internet provider because the same websites worked on other devices. So I uninstalled

avast and rebooted my mac and it worked. It turns out avast web shield was causing the problem.

Furthermore, apparently it is now more dangerous to use a 3rd party anti-virus like avast because 1) they

have access to areas of your computer that you really do not want anything other than your OS to have access

to and 2) hackers now only have to get into the software and that is in (They have already hacked the wifi protocol).

AVG was also hacked by the way so you might as well uninstall avast.

Hope this helps

Oct 25, 2017 12:25 PM in response to Renaldy Thioris

In my case it was the time setting. Remember if your time is off https authentication will not work. I fixed the time and time zone on my laptop and the issue went away. I hope this helps someone faced with the same issue.

Jul 3, 2014 4:57 AM in response to Renaldy Thioris

From your Safari menu bar click Safari > Preferences then select the Privacy tab.

Click: Remove All Website Data

Then delete the cache.

Open a Finder window. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder

Type or copy paste the following

~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari/Cache.db

Click Go then move the Cache.db file to the Trash.

Quit and relaunch Safari to test.

If that didn't help, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall > Firewall Options

Jul 3, 2014 11:09 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Thanks for reply

1. I am already remove all website data but doesn't work

2. I didn't find com.apple.Safari folder

3. Already try to turn of firewall and relaunch my safari but still same

any other suggestion? or there is any way to reinstall my safari?

anyway my safari is version 6.0 and OS X 10.8

Jul 26, 2014 3:06 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

Safari 7.0.5

Not open GOOGLE

"safari can`t establish a secure connection to the server "www.google.com" "

All you solution not help . Restart computer, modem and router too ..

Firefox and chrome open perfect .

Jul 30, 2014 10:48 AM in response to VadZav

Same here. can't figure this out! did you manage to solve this?

Jul 31, 2014 1:58 AM in response to AmirLevy

Yes, i'm solve this.

I,m go out from my home and check safari and another wi fi network .

Works good, and open all. So, i,m change my internet provider setting (not work correct with iPv6) and all problem solve.