safari can't open reddit

This Safari extension helps fix my Reddit experience now that Apollo is gone

Make Reddit bearable again.

Browsing Reddit on my iPhone used to be an enjoyable experience. Not by using the official Reddit app, you understand – that was (and still is) a nightmare – but by using the much-beloved Apollo app. Yet since Reddit jealously forced Apollo’s developer to shutter the app, I’ve been left in something of a no man’s land.

Using the Reddit app isn’t really an option, as it’s so full of ads and irritating design features that I’ve long since given up on it. But the other alternative – browsing the site in Safari – has its own problems, mainly relating to those incredibly annoying nagging pop-ups that beg you to launch the official app. We’ve been over this Reddit, your app sucks, I’m not going to use it.

For a long time, I was at a loss for what to do. Until, that is, I discovered a handy little Safari extension called Sink It for Reddit . Install this app, tweak a few options, and your browsing experience is freshened up and made a whole lot more bearable. It’s not quite as good an experience as using Apollo was (but then again, what is?), but it’s lured me back to Reddit without requiring me to shore up the official app’s download count. That alone is a win.

What does Sink It for Reddit do?

Sink It for Reddit automatically removes all of those annoying banners telling you to try the Reddit app. These sections take up significant portions of the screen and interrupt your browsing, but with Sink It for Reddit, they’re gone in a flash.

But it offers much more than just automatic banner banishment. You can block ads and promoted content, hide the navigation bar for a more immersive view, add a ‘back to top’ button so you don’t have to endlessly scroll upwards, and much more.

Some of my favorite tweaks relate to comments. I love that Sink It adds color coding to comment threads, making it very easy to keep track of who is replying to whom. You can add a button that scrolls to the next parent comment in a thread, automatically collapse auto-mod posts, and show images inline instead of seeing <image> tags wherever you look.

There are a bunch of other improvements found in the app, and combined they make Sink It an all-in-one fix-up shop for Reddit. I’ve gotten so used to some of its tweaks that I occasionally forget that they’re not native features, that’s how good it is.

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The same developer has also launched Sink It for Twitter/X , which takes a similar approach of nuking X’s most irritating features and making the experience on Safari much more pleasant (well, apart from all the weirdos and vitriol, but that’s well beyond the developer’s remit).

As great as Sink It for Reddit is, it doesn’t quite hit Apollo’s level of greatness. But in a world where Reddit is cracking down on almost any competitors to its own (frankly awful) official app, it’s a welcome addition to my Home Screen. If you’re sick of the way Reddit works but still love its content and community, it’s a great app to try.

How to use Sink It for Reddit

• Once you’ve installed Sink It for Reddit from the App Store , open the Settings app and go to Safari > Extensions . Tap Sink It for Reddit , then enable all the toggles. Make sure reddit.com and Other Websites are also set to Allow in the Permissions section
• Now, open Sink It for Reddit and tap the red Sink It Settings button . Here you’ll find all of the app’s tweaks divided into categories
• Try tapping the Comments Upgrades button . Go through the list of adjustments and enable any that catch your eye. All your changes are applied automatically, there’s no Save button you have to press. You can now go to the other settings sections and make any changes you want
• While most settings are enabled or disabled using a simple toggle, you can also add to your lists of favorite subreddits and banned subreddits using the relevant sections in Sink It’s settings
• You’ll notice that some settings have colored dots next to them. These indicate which version of Reddit the features are supported on. Green dots refer to the new unified user interface (UI), while yellow ones are for old Reddit only. Red dots work for both old and new UIs on desktop, while blue dots denote support for both old and new UIs on mobile

Alex Blake has been messing around with Apple tech ever since he caved to the pressure and bought an iPhone 3G “just to see what all the fuss was about.” He’s spent the subsequent 15 years prattling on about Apple and has somehow managed to do so professionally. Don’t ask him how.

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5 Ways to Fix Safari Won’t Open on Mac

Although Safari is a lesser-known, lesser-used web browser when compared with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox; yet, it commands a cult following of loyal Apple users.  Its simple user interface and focus on privacy make it an attractive alternative, especially for Apple users. Like any other application, Safari, too, is not immune to glitches, such as Safari won’t open on Mac. In this guide, we have shared some quick solutions to fix Safari not responding on Mac issue.

Table of Contents

How to Fix Safari Not Responding on Mac

If you notice the spinning beach ball cursor and Safari window will not open on your screen, this is Safari won’t open on Mac issue. You can fix this by following any of the methods listed below.

Click here to Download the latest version of Safari on your Mac.

Method 1: Re-launch Safari

Before trying any other troubleshooting method, the easiest fix is to simply, quit the application and open it again. Here’s how to re-launch Safari on your Mac:

1. Right-click on the Safari icon visible on your Dock.

2. Click Quit , as shown.

3. If this does not work, click on Apple Menu > Force Quit . Refer given pic.

4. Now, click on Safari to launch it. Check if Safari not loading pages on Mac issue is resolved.

Also Read: How to Force Quit Mac Applications With the Keyboard Shortcut

Method 2: Delete Saved Website Data

Safari web browser constantly saves information regarding your search history, frequently viewed sites, cookies, etc., to make your browsing experience quick and efficient. It is quite likely that some of this saved data is corrupt or excessively large in size, causing Safari not responding on Mac or Safari not loading pages on Mac errors. Follow given steps to delete all web-browser data:

1. Click on the Safari icon to open the application.

Note: Though an actual window may not appear, the Safari option should still appear at the top of your screen.

2. Next, click on Clear History , as depicted.

3. Click Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data .

 4. Finally, select Remove All to delete all stored web data.

With your website data cleared, the Safari won’t open on Mac issue should be resolved.

Also Read: How to Disable Split Screen in Safari

Method 3: Update macOS

Make sure your Mac is running on the latest operating system software as newer versions of apps might not function properly on an outdated macOS. This means Safari won’t open on Mac and hence, you should update your Mac as follows:

1. Click on System Preferences from the Apple menu.

2. Next, click on Software Update , as shown.

3. Follow the on-screen wizard to download and install the new macOS update, if any.

Updating your macOS should fix Safari not responding on Mac issue.

Also Read: How to Clear Browsing History in Any Browser

Method 4: Disable Extensions

Safari Extensions can make online surfing a lot easier by providing services like ads and tracker blockers or added parental control. Although, the downside is that some of these extensions might cause technical glitches like Safari not loading pages on Mac. Let us see how you can disable extensions in the Safari web browser on your macOS device:

1. Click on the Safari icon, and then, click Safari from the top right corner.

2. Click Preferences > Extensions , as depicted below.

3. Toggle OFF the Extension one-by-one to ascertain which extension is troublesome and then, Disable it.

4. Alternately, Disable all at once to fix Safari won’t open on Mac problem.

Method 5: Boot in Safe Mode

Booting your Mac in Safe Mode bypasses a lot of unnecessary background processes and might possibly, fix the said issue. Here’s how to reboot Mac in safe mode:

1. Turn off your Mac PC.

2. Press the Power button to initialize the start-up process.

3. Press and hold the Shift key .

4. Release the Shift key once you see the log-in screen .

Your Mac is now in Safe Mode. You can now use Safari without any errors.

Note: To revert your Mac to Normal mode , restart your device as you would normally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why is Safari not opening on my Mac?

Ans: There could be any number of reasons why Safari is not working. This could be because of saved web data or faulty extensions. An outdated macOS or Safari app could also inhibit Safari from working properly.

Q2. How do I fix Safari not loading pages on Mac?

Ans: Your first step should be to Quit  or Force quit the app and start it again. In case this doesn’t work, you can try to clear Safari web history and remove extensions. Updating the Safari app and your macOS version should also help. You can also attempt to boot your Mac in Safe Mode, and then try launching Safari.

Recommended:

• Fix A Device Attached to the System is Not Functioning
• How to Fix Messages Not Working on Mac
• How to Block Pop-ups in Safari on Mac
• Fix iMessage Not Delivered on Mac

We hope you were able to fix Safari won’t open on Mac issue with our helpful and comprehensive guide. Let us know which method worked for you. If you have any queries or suggestions, drop them in the comment section.

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If Safari won’t open a page or work as expected on your Mac

If Safari won’t load a web page, stops responding, closes unexpectedly or otherwise isn’t working as expected, these solutions may help.

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

A web page is blank, won’t load all of its content or otherwise isn’t working as expected.

You can’t sign in to a web page, despite using the correct sign-in information.

A web page asks you to remove or reset cookies.

Safari slows down, stops responding or closes unexpectedly.

Reload the page

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

If Safari won’t reload the page, close Safari, then try again. If Safari won’t close, you can press Option-Command-Esc to force Safari to close .

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

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 will only take effect after restarting.

Check Safari extensions

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

If you find that an extension is causing the issue, make sure 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 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 that's displayed.

Click Remove.

Click Done.

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

Check Safari settings

The web page may 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 may 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 may require that you enable JavaScript.

Websites settings . These settings can be configured for specific websites. For example, a website may 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 will only appear when Private Relay is turned on for your network. Find out more about iCloud Private Relay .

Check VPN or other security software

If you've installed VPN or other software that monitors or interacts with your network connections, that software could be affecting your use of the website or the internet. Find out 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 may 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.

If the issue continues to only affect a particular web page, contact the website developer for help.

Find out how to block pop-up ads and windows in Safari .

Find out what to do if your iCloud or Safari bookmarks aren’t syncing .

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Fix “Safari Can’t Open Page” Error on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Have you ever tried to visit a web page or web site with Safari and the browser giving you the “Safari Can’t Open the Page” error message? It stops you in your tracks as the web page can’t be viewed at all.

The “Safari Can’t Open the Page” error can happen on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, on any version of the web browser. If this happens, you can usually resolve the problem quickly by following the troubleshooting steps below.

Fix 1: If “Safari Can’t Open the Page” Error, Check Your Internet!

The first thing you should do is check your internet connection, make sure it is active and enabled. This applies to Mac, iPhone, iPad, and anything really.

If the device or computer is disconnected from the internet, you will see the “Safari Can’t Open the Page” every time.

Confirm that you have an active and functioning internet connection first, this is often the problem. Maybe it’s due to low cell phone reception, or a junky wi-fi connection, whatever it is, confirm that your internet actually works. Load other web pages, use other services, etc.

Fix 2: Check the URL!

The next thing you want to do is check the website URL address, so that you know it is correct and proper. This is a really common reason why web pages can’t be loaded. A typo in the URL web address will prevent the site from loading. Make sure it is correct!

Fix 3: Refresh the Web Page

Simply refreshing the web page often fixes the problem, particularly if the connection was interrupted for some reason.

You can refresh the webpage by clicking the ‘refresh’ button, it looks like a little circular arrow in a circle and it is near the address URL bar.

You can also hold down the OPTION button on a keyboard to force refresh a webpage without caches.

Fix 4: Quit and Relaunch Safari

Quitting and relaunching Safari can often fix a problem where a web page can’t be loaded.

After you open Safari again, the web page should load fine.

Fix 5: Check DNS and Use Google DNS

Sometimes DNS servers and problems are to blame for poorly loading web pages. One solution to this is to use custom Google DNS servers.

Google DNS servers are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 and you can learn how to change your settings here:

• How to change DNS settings on iPhone, iPad
• how to change DNS settings on Mac

6: Another Fix: Update Software

Finally, you may need to update your Safari software or your system software. Check for any available software updates, and install them if they are available. This can be particularly true with old versions of software.

7: Empty Safari Web Browser Caches and Site Data

Sometimes Safari caches can cause strange browser behavior like displaying a “Can’t open page” error message. Emptying the browser caches and site data can often remedy this issue.

On Mac, you can empty browser data by going to “Safari” in the menu bar > Preferences > Privacy > Remove all website data, and confirm that you want to remove website data.

On iOS, you can empty Safari browser data by going to Settings app > Safari > “Clear History and Website Data” and confirm that you want to remove and clear website data.

Note that by clearing caches, cookies, and site data you will have to login again to any site you have saved a password or other customizations for.

8: Try a Different Browser

Another choice is to use a different web browser of course too, if the site loads in Chrome or Firefox or Opera but not in Safari, it may indicate a specific problem with Safari.

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Safari: no space left on device

since the upgrade to MacOS Monterey I am getting always the error message in Safari that I have no space left on the device. This mostly only happens when I have two or more tabs open.

My hard drive has currently over 300GB free space and my iCloud more than 1.5TB; not sure where I need to allocate more space.

My device(s):

• happens both on 2019 16inch MacBookPro and 2020 27inch IMAC
• both devices are on the latest version of Monterey 12.0.1
• both devices have over 300GB of free space on hard drive

This error message also only comes on Safari; do not have issues with any other Application.

Using Chrome now mostly, but would like to switch back to Safari (however Chrome works fine and is stable and with Safari I cannot open more than one tab currently)

iMac 27″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Nov 22, 2021 6:24 AM

Posted on Dec 6, 2021 8:30 AM

I found a post on reddit with a simple solution:

• Open the Safari Preferences and go to Privacy
• Turn off the option Hide IP address from trackers

It works just fine and webpages are loading again after turning that off.

And please report that bug to Apple here: https://www.apple.com/feedback/safari.html

So they can fix that annoying bug in a future release.

Similar questions

• "No space left on device" Error I have a Mac Book Air. I continually get a "no room left on the device" error while using safari on a daily basis. I clear all the cookies and website data every time it happens, and some days I have to do this multiple times. What else can I do to fix this? My MacBook Air is updated as well. Thank you 9062 9
• Safari could not download the file “Unknown” because the disk doesn’t have enough free space. I keep getting this message when I download from Safari, but I have more than plenty space. Anyone has solutions? Safari could not download the file “Unknown” because the disk doesn’t have enough free space. I keep getting this message when I download from Safari, but I have more than plenty space. Anyone has solutions? I have a MacBook Pro Thanks 2502 8
• Safari will not open pages - "No Space Left on Device" Mac mini, Monterey v12.4, M1 chip, 136GB available, 8GB Ram. I am receiving this message frequently and it is very frustrating as I have used Safari for as long it has been around. Please don't force me to move to Chrome. Support and fix your native browser, please. 4409 3

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Dec 6, 2021 8:30 AM in response to Alex_42

Jan 18, 2022 10:18 AM in response to Alex_42

Also having the same problem. Unfortunately, it persists even after disabling the "hide IP address from trackers" option.

Feb 15, 2022 4:03 PM in response to bailey#70

I tried the Fix, and no luck, still the same error message, I need to Quit Safari and reopen. I thought maybe Memory so upgraded to 32GB DDR4 Memory, 200.00 later same problem. I should have kept my iMac 2011 27". Apple is loosing my trust slowly but surely. After calling several times to Apple support, gets me spending money that's all. Someone at Apple should read this and fix the problem.

Nov 23, 2021 7:51 AM in response to Alex_42

Hi Alex_42,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having an issue with using Safari on your MacBook Pro and iMac. We'd like to help.

From what you've described, it sounds like this resource could be helpful:

If Safari on Mac doesn't open a webpage or isn’t working as expected

Let us know how that goes and we'll go from there.

Jan 22, 2022 11:58 AM in response to thevillagers

I have the same problem. Hiding IP option doesn't have an effect. Issue occurs in Safari 15.1 and 15.2, not sure of previous versions. Also occurs on 2015 27" iMac and 2018 Macbook Pro 15". This has become a very frustrating issue, forced to use alternate web browser after using Safari for years.

Jan 29, 2022 1:42 PM in response to burpootus

Add me to the list of those with this problem. I've only had my current iMac (2020 27in) for a few months, it was intentionally set up clean out of the box rather than restoring from my old 2012 iMac. This problem has only existed since upgrading from Big Sur to Monterey. I updated Monterey just yesterday to 12.2 and am running the very latest Safari (15.3) and the problem persists.

This is happening to me on an almost daily basis, I've been using Safari almost exclusively for more than 10 years and moving to Chrome is a real pita. When I re-open the windows I'm either having to manually select the 're-open windows from last session' option or remember what windows I had open before. In addition all session information seems to get lost (I have to log back into multiple websites, re-accept cookies, etc).

I read that clearing the option to "hide IP address from trackers" was supposed to help but that has made no difference.

Feb 22, 2022 10:24 AM in response to CharlesApple90

I have complained about this many times I am running a 2020 iMac fully updated with the latest OS version. The only solution I found was having to close a few windows

this allows me to close a few windows till I’m able to open a new one when this happens I only have at the most 10 windows open

Dec 7, 2021 2:22 AM in response to frjason3

I have to agree with you, now the error occurred again for me as well.

Strangely enough, in the Safari preferences the "Hide IP" option was suddenly enabled again.

However, the web pages are loading properly after disabling the option again and restarting Safari.

Please report the bug to Apple with link above - the more feedback they get, the faster they can fix it.

Feb 22, 2022 10:19 AM in response to Alex_42

The issue is SO persistent on my M1 MacBook Air! I tried every solution I could find and made sure that the system and Safari are the latest, but none of that worked. I'm having ~50 websites opened at the same time, is this too many? I never had this issue before upgrading to Monterey. This is REALLY REALLY painful to fail to open a website and see the error again and again, and I don't want to use Chrome b/c of this issue! Plz resolve this Apple! This never happened in my ten-year experience of using a Mac! Thanks!

Nov 26, 2021 5:08 PM in response to Alex_42

I have the same problem, ever since upgrading to Montery. I did a clean-install too.

Dec 6, 2021 5:47 PM in response to Alex_42

I tired that, but the problem remains.

Dec 6, 2021 8:40 AM in response to peaceplease137

thank you very much!

I tried it and it does seem to work ;-) Much appreciated

Feb 15, 2022 7:13 PM in response to gsaw

This issue was resolved for me with the latest Safari update. I’m not currently having any problems, even with “hide IP” and other privacy options enabled.

Feb 22, 2022 11:52 AM in response to gsaw

Closing a few to open new ones is what I have been doing too, yet it is so tedious! Now I'm also having issue to see some figures as well.

Mar 14, 2022 1:36 PM in response to Alex_42

Still a problem here in March 2022. Adding my bug report also.

How to fix Safari not downloading files on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

You may, at times, encounter an issue where Safari refuses to download photos, videos, audio, PDFs, documents, and other files from a website. In this article, we’ll explore common reasons why Safari may not be downloading files on iPhone, iPad, or Mac and provide solutions to help you get back to downloading with ease.

The issues you may be facing

• Clicking the download link opens a new blank tab, and no file download starts.
• Safari is refusing to begin file downloads from one or all sites.
• File download starts, but it fails immediately in a second or two.
• The download happens up to a point and then fails midway or just before completing.
• Safari downloads a file but opens it and then deletes the original files (this happens with ZIP and other compressed files).

The solutions below should help fix all the above issues and also ones similar to them.

Before you begin

It’s possible that you’re not following the right steps to download the file. On Mac, it’s super easy, but on iPhone and iPad, downloading files may not be as obvious. With that said, even if the file has been downloaded, you may not know where it’s saved and how to find it. So, look at these tutorials, if needed:

• How to download videos from Safari on iPhone and iPad
• How to download files and documents to iPhone or iPad
• How to access downloaded files on iPhone and iPad

Retry the download

In many cases, initiating the download again does the trick. Try hitting the download link again, and it should work. If not, refresh the webpage and click the download button again.

Note: Some websites put downloads behind a login wall. So, make sure to honor that.

Pause and resume the download

The download may look like it has started, but it will pause or fail in a few seconds. If that happens, hit the tiny retry button a few times, and it should start the download. If not, hit the download link again on the website.

Check your internet

Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is connected to a stable Wi-Fi, Cellular Data, or Ethernet connection and the internet is working properly.

Some useful tips

• Turn off VPN if you’re using one.
• Restart your Wi-Fi router.

Troubleshooting internet problems

• How to fix cellular data not working on iPhone or iPad
• What to do when your iPhone or iPad can’t connect to Wi-Fi
• Internet not working on your Mac? Here are 16 solutions to fix it

Allow the website to download files

When you try to download a file from a website for the first time, it doesn’t start immediately. Instead, you will see an alert asking your permission to allow this site to download and save files locally or not. Make sure you allow that. If you choose to block the download, follow these steps to fix it:

On iPhone and iPad: Hit the download link again on the website and tap Allow or Download when asked. If you don’t see the Allow button, clear your browser data.

On Mac: Open Safari and click Safari > Settings from the top menu bar. Now, go to Websites > Downloads > click the drop-down menu next to the website name and choose Allow . While you’re here, also make sure it says ‘ Ask ‘ or ‘ Allow ‘ next to ‘ When visiting other websites .’

Force Quit and reopen Safari

On iPhone and iPad: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold or double-press the Home button to enter App Switcher. From here, drag the Safari app card all the way up to close it .

On Mac: Save your work in any other open Safari tabs. Next, click the Apple icon  and choose Force Quit . Here, select Safari and click Force Quit .

Now reopen Safari and try downloading the file again.

Use alternate download links

You may see more than one download link on a website. If one link fails to work, try the other one. Note: Sometimes, picking a different download quality (for a video, audio, or image) should do the trick.

Set Safari download location to anything other than iCloud Drive

If you have set Safari to download files to iCloud Drive,  switch it to any other local storage folder using the steps below:

On iPhone or iPad: Settings > Safari > Downloads > On My iPhone or Other .

On Mac: Open Safari and click Safari > Settings from the top menu bar. From the General section, select Downloads , Desktop , or any local folder next to ‘ File download location .’

Stop Safari from automatically opening files after download

By default, Safari on Mac is set to open files after downloading them. That means if you download a ZIP file, Safari will automatically unzip it after downloading. In rare cases, this may cause the download to fail, not complete successfully, or not even start in the first place if the file you’re trying to download is incompatible. Therefore, it’s best to turn it off from Safari Settings > General > uncheck ‘ Open “safe” files after downloading .’

Restart your device

If Safari is unable to download files due to minor glitches, save your work and do a restart .

Make sure your device has sufficient free space

New file downloads will only succeed if your iPhone, iPad, or Mac has enough free space. So go to Settings, and check how much free storage you have. If it’s full, use these tutorials to free up space:

• 50+ tips to free space on your iPhone and iPad
• 30+ ways to free storage space on your Mac

Clear Safari history and cache

One of the most reliable solutions to fix Safari issues is clearing its history and website data .

On iPhone and iPad, you can do this from Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data .

On Mac, click History from the top menu bar and select Clear History .

Try disabling a recently installed Safari extension

If you could download files earlier but can’t after installing an extension, then that extension is likely the culprit. Remove it, restart your device, and now you should have no problem downloading files.

On iPhone and iPad: Head over to this guide on installing and removing Safari extensions .

On Mac: Go to Safari Settings > Extensions > select the extension and click Uninstall .

Update Safari

Safari updates are tied to system updates on iPhone and iPad. So, go to Settings app > General > Software Update and get the latest version of the operating system.

On Mac, you can update Safari from System Settings .

Update your Mac

If you’re on an older version of macOS, consider updating to the latest version, which should improve your computer’s overall working and stability.

On macOS Ventura and later, go to System Settings > General > Software Update . And on macOS Monterey and earlier, go to System Preferences > Software Update .

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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