safari is crashing

Fix: Safari Keeps Crashing on Mac in 11 Ways

Do you find that Safari keeps locking up on your Mac? While annoying, it can be a simple problem to solve. From browser extensions to a built-in ad blocker and superb privacy options, there are a lot of reasons to use Safari. However, there can be times when the browser acts up. Keep reading to find out what to do if Safari keeps crashing on your Mac.

Why Is Safari Locking Up?

While it can be easy for a user to assume that some form of virus or malware is causing the issue, it may be something far more simple. For example, common reasons such as software plugins, extensions, corrupt installation files, or even a website that contains poor coding can all cause Safari to lock up and crash. 

Fortunately, many of these problems are rather easy to fix, so long as you know the right solution. 

How to Stop Safari From Crashing

1. force quit and restart safari.

One of the first things a user can try is force quitting Safari and restarting it. Usually when there’s an issue with any program, a simple restart can help with specific problems. 

Time needed:  1 minute

Here’s how to Force Quit an app on your Mac:

2. Restart the Mac

Another thing a user should try before diving into the nitty-gritty is simply restarting their device. Much like force quitting and restarting Safari, performing a restart can rid the browser of any small bugs that might be causing technical issues. This quick solution can potentially alleviate Apple Safari of any small issues or bugs. Simply go to Apple > Restart from the menu bar to restart your device. 

3. Update macOS and Safari

Updating macOS and Safari may also be a good idea for users. In addition to potentially solving any issues a user may be experiencing with Safari, it’s generally a good idea to check for a device update on your Mac, as it can greatly increase your chances of avoiding major issues. Updates to an operating system also provide critical security patches, as well as other things that help protect your machine. You can always check for macOS updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update and see if an update is available. 

Even better, updating macOS ensures that Safari is also up to date. 

4. Create a New User Profile

When it comes to simple solutions, a user may need to create a new Safari profile to prevent future crashes. Seeing an introduction in macOS Sonoma, profiles allow users to have a browsing history that’s unique to them. There are rare occurrences when a specific problem is tied to a user’s profile, meaning creating a new one could easily solve a specific issue. 

To create a new profile in Safari on Mac, simply follow these steps:

• Open Safari, and then go to Safari in the menu bar.
• Select Settings .
• Go to the Profiles tab and select New Profile .
• Fill out the relevant information and click Create Profile . 

5. Boot Your Mac into Safe Mode

If you need to get an idea of why Safari might be crashing, booting into Safe Mode may help illuminate your problems. Safe Mode helps stop login items and startup items from loading and opening automatically. It also disables certain fonts and deletes certain cache files. If you’re having issues with Apple Safari crashing, seeing if it operates in Safe Mode can help diagnose your problems. 

You will need to know if you are running an Intel processor or Apple silicon. You can check this from the menu bar by going to Apple > About This Mac and checking your processor information. 

For Apple silicon:

• Shut down your Mac by going to Apple > Shut Down . Wait for the Mac to shut down entirely.
• Press and hold the power button on your Mac. Hold it until you see a Loading startup options message.
• Select your drive volume.
• Then, press and hold the Shift key. Click Continue in Safe Mode . Your computer will then restart automatically and you should see the words Safe Mode in the menu bar. 

For Intel-based Macs:

• Restart your Mac or turn it on. Then, immediately press and hold the Shift key. Hold it until you see a login window.
• Log in to your device.
• You should see Safe Mode in the menu bar, though you may also be asked to log in twice. 

If Safari is operating normally while in Safe Mode, it may be third-party software, extensions or certain startup files causing issues.

6. Delete Safari Cache Files

It’s also a good idea to delete Safari cache files. Whenever you visit a website for the first time, your browser downloads the data from the website, making the site load faster the next time you visit it. While this can be extremely helpful for casual internet browsing, users can amass a large cache over time. In essence, it’s possible that your cache is causing issues with Safari, or it’s even possible you may have collected something dubious from your cache. 

To delete your cache in Safari, we recommend two methods. Firstly, you can simply open the browser and go to  History > Clear History from the menu bar. Click the pop-up menu, and then choose how far back you would like to go. In this instance, I would suggest deleting everything, though be warned this may make webpages load slower until you download certain cache files again. 

The second method, which is also the easiest, is a powerful cleaning tool like Intego Washing Machine that will erase all cache and other clogging files from your device while optimizing its performance in real time.

➡️ Get Intego Washing Machine

7. Delete All Website Data

If none of the above solutions are providing an answer to your Safari woes, it may be time to consider deleting all of your website data from Safari. Items such as cookies and other data may potentially be causing problems with Safari, causing it to crash. Fortunately, deleting all website data from Safari isn’t too much of a hassle, though users may need to log back into certain websites. 

• Open Safari on your Mac. Then go to  Safari > Settings .
• Tap  Privacy.

8. Disable Safari Extensions

Users may also want to consider disabling any extensions they are running with Safari. This includes third party extensions. As you can turn off one or multiple extensions, it may be wise to disable all extensions, and then bring them back to your browser one by one to see if there is one causing particular issues. Users may want to delete any extensions they do not recognize. Outdated extensions or problematic extensions may be causing issues as well. 

To disable third-party extensions or any extensions, follow these steps: 

• From the Safari app, go to Safari > Settings (or Preferences ).
• Click  Extensions from the list of options.

• To uninstall an extension, click on it and then click the  Uninstall button. 

9. Reset PRAM or NVRAM 

Users who are experiencing problems with Safari may also want to reset their NVRAM or PRAM. These sections of memory help store certain settings, and these settings may have an impact on your browser and its performance. Fortunately, we have a rather extensive guide on how to reset your NVRAM/PRAM as well as your SMC . If you are having issues with Safari and none of the above options work, check out our article to see if this provides a solution. 

10. Run Disk Utility 

Another option users have is running Disk Utility. An incredibly useful app that comes baked directly into macOS, users can run this program to check for any errors on their drive. It can be especially useful in situations such as these when an app is misbehaving or crashing. Even better, using Disk Utility is rather straightforward, and can help repair your startup disk. In this instance, users will be taking advantage of the First Aid option for their disks. Remember that Disk Utility can be found in Finder by going to Applications > Utilities. 

• Open the Disk Utility app.
• Select your primary drive. It will likely be named Macintosh HD . 

• A pop-up will notify you that the app is about to check the disk for errors and repair them if necessary. Select Run . 
• Wait for Disk Utility to finish. 

11. Use Apple Diagnostics to Check for Hardware Issues

While this is more of a last resort, it may be hardware problems causing Safari to crash. Though this hopefully isn’t the case for users, it may be a possibility that a hardware problem may be causing issues with Safari. Fortunately, there is a way to inspect and test your hardware, thanks to Apple Diagnostics. I’ve personally written a guide about how to test your Mac using Apple Diagnostics , and I would suggest giving it a read if this is a route you are considering taking. 

If there are issues with your hardware, or if you have tried all of these methods and none seem to work, it may be time to talk to Apple Support . 

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• Nick deCourville

Safari Keeps Crashing on Mac? 5 Ways to Fix It

Mac users are pretty familiar with Safari crashing on their systems, but it's nothing you can't fix. Here are all the important troubleshooting steps.

Safari is the go-to browser for almost all Mac users. It works well and is faster than other browsers due to its integration with macOS.

But just like any other browser, Safari is prone to error, too. It often tends to freeze or crash, sometimes getting stuck on the dreaded spinning beach ball and displaying the "Safari quit unexpectedly" error.

In some cases, Safari will cause your entire Mac to stop responding, leaving you no choice but to restart your system. Don't fret, though, because Safari crashing is pretty common among Mac users, and there are many fixes for it.

Why Does Safari Keep Crashing on Your Mac?

Safari constantly crashing can ruin your browsing experience. Here are some reasons why it might be happening:

• You have too many tabs open, and they're putting a strain on the CPU. Although Safari indeed uses less memory than Chrome and other browsers, opening too many tabs will still cause it to crash sometimes, especially if you have other resource-intensive applications running simultaneously.
• You're using a browser extension that's causing Safari to crash.
• You're using an older version of macOS and Safari. Safari updates itself when you update macOS. So, if you haven't updated your Mac in a long time, it could be why the browser is acting up.

5 Potential Fixes When Safari Keeps Crashing on Your Mac

Here are five things you can do if Safari keeps crashing on your Mac despite restarting and closing other tasks:

1. Force Quit Safari

Force quitting Safari is the first thing you should do if it stops working. First, try closing Safari by pressing Command+Q or by clicking on Safari in the menu bar and selecting Quit Safari from the drop-down menu.

If you can't click on anything, you'll have to minimize Safari and open the "Force Quit Applications" window. To do that, click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and choose Force Quit in the drop-down menu.

Select Safari in the list of applications and click on Force Quit .

2. Clear Cache Files

Cache files are temporarily stored files meant to speed up web pages, but too many cache files can actually slow down your browser and cause it to crash. That's why it's essential to clear cache files from Safari regularly.

Clearing cache is one of the many ways to reset Safari to default settings on your Mac . To delete cache files, click on Develop in the menu bar, and select Empty Caches .

If you don't see the Develop menu in the menu bar, you'll have to activate it by going to Safari > Preferences and then checking the "Show Develop menu in menu bar" option in the Advanced tab.

3. Delete Website Data

You can select which websites to delete, but since there will be so many, it'll be easier to just delete all of them.

To delete website data, click on Safari in the menu bar and select Preferences . Go to the Privacy tab and click on Manage Website Data . Click on Remove All and now relaunch Safari to see if crashes again.

4. Delete Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are useful tools, but sometimes they can negatively affect your browser's speed because some of them consume an excessive amount of memory. It's best to delete extensions that you don't use frequently.

To delete extensions, go to Safari > Preferences and click on the Extensions tab. Uncheck the boxes next to any extension you don't want to use. Remember that this only disables the extension. To completely remove it, click on Uninstall under the extension's name.

5. Update macOS​

One of the ways you can fix high CPU usage on macOS is by updating your Mac. Apple frequently releases macOS updates that contain fixes for bugs and glitches.

So, if none of the solutions above work for you, then you should check if any software updates are available for your Mac. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and go to System Preferences .

Click on Software Updates and if you see any updates there, click on Restart Now to start installing it.

Enjoy a Stable Safari on Your Mac

No one likes a slow browser. Safari is one of the fastest browsers, but it's susceptible to problems, too. It often crashes, which can make anyone's browsing experience unpleasant. You can fix it by performing certain actions, such as clearing the cache and resetting it.

If nothing else works, you should check if you have any pending macOS updates. Safari crashing isn't a major issue, and with a few tweaks here and there, you should be able to improve your browsing experience.

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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Safari crashing on Mac? 11 Ways to fix it!

Safari has a series of commendable features, but once in a while, its loyal users may encounter crashes and glitches. If you are one of them, don’t worry. You can swiftly get your favorite browser back up and running by employing a few simple solutions. Follow this guide to explore the most common fixes to solve Safari crashes on Mac.

What to do if Safari crashing on your Mac?

1. force quit and restart safari.

It can be frustrating to experience Safari crashes on Mac whilst you’re in the middle of a task. But fear not; follow the following steps to troubleshoot this problem completely.

• Once Safari successfully shuts down, wait for a few seconds.
• Now restart the web browser like you normally do.

While this process is plain and simple, it tends to do the job. As you access your browser again upon successful termination, any lingering problems or conflicts should be resolved.

2. Clear Safari cache on Mac

It is worth noting that if this problem persists despite forced quitting, then you must consider a more comprehensive solution. Safari, like any other browser, stores temporary files and data to provide a faster response to its users for future visits.

However, over time, this cache can become clogged with excess data or corrupted files, resulting in crashes. Let’s explore how you can clear the same.

• Click the Safari option from the menu tab.

• If you want, you can close the preference menu now.

• Now let the process run its course and quit Safari .
• Wait for a moment before you restart the Safari browser.

Hopefully, the problem is now rectified. Moreover, this process is not solely dedicated to bringing your browser back from the dead but also enhances browser performance and improves security. By following these steps, Mac users can ensure a seamless browsing experience on Safari and minimize disruptions caused by crashes.

3. Remove Safari History and Website Data

If Safari continues to crash, you should consider removing its history and website data. There’s a high chance that any conflicts or errors might resolve occurring within your browser.

• Click History from the menu bar.

Clearing history and website data not only helps fix potential crashes but also improves browser performance by freeing up disk space. However, it’s important to consider that following this method may result in removing the preferences and settings you saved earlier.

4. Delete Safari Extensions

Removing all active extensions from Safari can turn out to be very effective.

Extensions are basically a helping hand leading users to upscaled accessibility. However, these can often get in the way, becoming the source of conflicts and instability. As a result, it becomes prominent to get rid of extensions to enrich Safari with uninterrupted performance.

• Navigate to the Extensions menu.

• Further, Disable the respective extension.

However, before you adhere to this process, it’s important to consider all drawbacks regarding the process. Ultimately, upon complying with the steps discussed above, you may lose a saved password and setting preferences.

5. Delete Safari preferences

For those who have just had it with Safari crashes, let’s try something extreme – completely removing Safari preferences. This process will get rid of every misconfigured setting that might be hindering the browser.

• Force Quit Safari following the steps discussed above.
• Launch Finder .

• In this instance, you must locate all files starting with “ com.apple.Safari” .
• Select them all and perform the Move to Bin action.
• Ensure to clear these files from Bin as well.
• Now simply restart your Mac.

Upon completing these steps, the application will create a new set of preferences removing all aspects saved earlier. However, stay cautious, as this process will remove all customizations or saved data associated with Safari.

6. Clear RAM

A potential solution to Safari crashing on your Mac is clearing the RAM. Over a significant period of time, our devices get burdened with a series of activities. So, if Safari crashes frequently on your Mac, it might be due to insufficient memory required for smoother browser performance.

There are many apps that can clear your RAM in a jiffy. So, take a deep understanding of these  Mac cleaner apps  and find what suits your preference.

Moreover, it’s highly recommended to perform this action on a regular basis so that you’re not bothered by such issues anywhere in the future.

7. Reset PRAM or NVRAM

However, if you do not want to try something as harsh as resetting your entire system, there is a way out. You could always opt to reset the  PRAM or NVRAM of your Mac . Remember, the M series Macs perform this action on their own.

However, on the older Macs, it is solely dedicated to resetting certain settings such as screen resolution, sound volume, startup disk selection, and even Safari-related preferences. Overall, by resetting these memory components, you can resolve possible corruption files disrupting the smooth performance of Safari.

But this process somewhat depends on luck. This solution cannot guarantee the complete retrieval of Safari in comparison to other discussed solutions. It is also advisable to back up important data prior to attempting any changes to system settings.

8. Boot your Mac in Safe Mode

If you’re experiencing browser errors while using Safari, you can investigate and troubleshoot the issue by delving into the system settings via Safe Mode. It will allow you to determine whether the problem lies with an incompatible or malfunctioning software or extension.

For those who are unaware of this process, don’t worry; we have got a dedicated guide to accessing  Safe Mode on Mac .

Upon successfully navigating to Safe Mode on Mac, launch Safari again. If Safari responds according to your commands, then it’s safe to assume that a third-party app is interfering with your system performance.

You must now exit Safe Mode and proceed to remove recently installed extensions or applications that could cause this problem.

9. Run Disk Utility

Disk Utility can also help fix Safari crashes on Mac. This tool is integrated into your macOS by default exactly to encounter such errors. Let’s see how you can execute this tool:

• Launch Finder on your Mac.

• Choose your primary drive . It is most likely to be named Macintosh HD .

• Now, let the process run its course.

Note that you will not be able to interact with your computer until this process is complete.

Upon successful completion of the process, simply restart your Mac and test Safari again to see if it continues crashing. This method not only resolves the issues tampering with Safari but ensures the overall performance of your macOS.

10. Update Safari and update macOS

Apple regularly rolls out updates with the consciousness of removing common bugs and an overall improvement to the entire system. So, there is a high chance that Apple will provide an application update to resolve this issue seamlessly.

The same verifies macOS system updates as well. If there is no dedicated update available for Safari, you can opt to update your macOS for an overall upgrade. This should contribute positively towards eliminating Safari crashes on Mac.

If Safari is experiencing an issue that cannot be fixed, it is likely that Apple will investigate and promptly provide an update to resolve all problems for the users.

11. Reset your Mac

For those who heavily rely on Safari for their work, this problem can be pretty annoying and frustrating. They should consider performing a factory reset on your Mac . 

This process will completely wipe away the entire cache, extensions, and plugins saved onto your device and mitigate crashes caused by conflicting software. Although, before you get started with this alternative, it’s wise to take a backup and store your important files away.

Contact Apple Support

Finally, if none of these steps prove successful, it may be worth contacting Apple Support or seeking assistance from a professional technician to further troubleshoot the problem.

They will guide you through more advanced troubleshooting steps or recommend potential software or hardware fixes tailored to your specific situation. You can further take part in Apple discussions to verify your concerns among fellow macOS users.

Explore and control!

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to combat Safari crashes on your Mac, you can confidently navigate the web without the fear of abrupt interruptions.

Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to boult your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below.

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Safari Crashing on Your Mac? 9 Quick Fixes

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Last updated: December 19, 2023

Expert verified

To fix Safari crashing on your Mac, follow one of these steps:

• Update Safari to avoid bugs and compatibility issues.
• Close unnecessary tabs to reduce memory usage.
• Clear Safari cache and cookies to resolve crashes.
• Disable Safari extensions temporarily to check if they’re causing instability.
• Check if Safari’s version is compatible with your macOS.
• Use MacKeeper to remove malware that could be causing Safari to crash​.

Having dealt with Safari crashes on my Mac, I know how annoying it can be. In this guide, I’ll share some easy fixes that have worked for me. I’ll cover simple steps like clearing caches and updating software to fix these crashes. Let’s get started and fix Safari crashing on your Mac.

Before We Begin

To avoid unexpected crashes, you need to keep Safari up-to-date and virus-free. Download MacKeeper to track updates, clear junk files, and run virus scans on your Mac to streamline your Safari experience.

How to Fix Safari Crashing on Mac: 9 Easy Solutions

Safari crashes can stem from various causes. The following solutions are designed to address these problems in a systematic and user-friendly manner. Let’s explore these easy solutions to get your Safari running flawlessly again on your Mac.

1. Force Quit Safari

To force quit Safari on a Mac, follow these steps:

• Click the Apple logo and select Force Quit . Alternatively, press Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Esc simultaneously to open the Force Quit Applications window.

• In the Force Quit Applications window, select Safari .
• Click the Force Quit button.

• Click Force Quit on the pop-up to close Safari.

You can also use Activity Monitor to force quit Safari.

• Open Activity Monitor using Spotlight search. Press Command ⌘ + Spacebar and type Activity Monitor.

• In the list of processes, look for Safari .
• Select Safari and click the X button in the top toolbar.
• A prompt will appear asking if you want to quit this process. Click Force Quit .

2. Close Unnecessary Tabs in Safari

The simplest way to prevent Safari from crashing is to close unnecessary tabs. Having too many tabs open can consume a significant amount of your Mac’s memory and processing power, leading to performance issues and crashes.

It’s good practice to keep only the tabs you’re actively using open. This will free up resources for Safari to run more smoothly and organize your browsing session.

Here’s how to close all unused tabs at once in Safari:

• Select your Safari window with multiple tabs open.

• Right-click the tab you want to keep and select the option Close Other Tabs from the context menu.

This will close all tabs except the one you selected and fix Safari crashing on your Mac.

3. Restart Your Mac

To restart your Mac, follow these steps:

• Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Select Restart from the dropdown menu.

• If you have open documents with unsaved changes, you’ll be prompted to save them.
• Confirm the restart by clicking Restart in the dialog box.

You can also use a Mac keyboard shortcut to restart your system: Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Control ^ + Power . This will immediately restart your Mac without a confirmation dialog, so make sure you have saved all your work.

4. Clear Safari Cache and Cookies

Safari stores data from websites in its cache to speed up browsing. However, if the cache becomes too large, it can cause issues with Safari, including crashing. Clearing your Safari cache and cookies can sometimes resolve Safari crashing on your Mac.

To clear cache and cookies on Safari, follow these steps:

• Open Safari, click Safari in the menu bar, and select Settings .

• Select the Privacy tab.

• Click Manage Website Data . 

• Select Remove All to clear your cache and cookies.

• Confirm by clicking Remove Now on the pop-up.

• Restart the Safari browser, and it should fix the crashing issue.

5. Delete Your Safari Preference Files

Deleting your Safari preference files can be a useful step in troubleshooting issues with Safari on a Mac. Here’s how to do it:

• Make sure Safari is not running. If it is, quit the application by right-clicking the Safari icon in the Dock and choosing Quit or going to Safari > Quit Safari in the menu bar.

• Click the Finder icon in your Dock to open a new Finder window.

• Hold down the Option ⌥ key and click the Go menu at the top of the screen.
• While holding the Option ⌥ key, the Library folder appears in the menu. Click on it to open the Library folder.

• Inside the Library folder, find and open the Preferences folder.

• Look for files named com.apple.Safari.plist and any other files that start with com.apple.Safari .

• Drag these files to the Bin. Alternatively, you can right-click them and select Move to Bin .
• Right-click the Bin in the Dock and select Empty Bin . This will permanently delete the files.

6. Update Safari

Updating Safari often prevents crashes. Outdated versions of browsers can have bugs or compatibility issues with certain websites or plug-ins, which can cause crashes. These issues are generally addressed and fixed in newer versions of the browser.

Using the latest version may prevent Safari crashing on your Mac due to errors and bugs. To update Safari on your Mac , follow these steps:

• Head to the System Settings via the Apple icon.

• Select General and click Software Update .

• If an update is available, click Update Now to download and install them.

• This will update your macOS, and Safari will be updated, too.
• Restart Safari, and the crashing issue should no longer exist.

You can also use MacKeeper’s Update Tracker to identify outdated apps and select the ones you want to update. This step saves time and prevents future issues with outdated apps. Here’s how to use it:

• Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
• Open MacKeeper and click Update Tracker in the left sidebar.

• Click Scan for Updates .

• Once the scan is complete, you should see a list of apps that have available updates. Click individual apps or click the Check All box.

• Tap the Update All button.

• Wait for the updates to complete. You can click Rescan to update more apps.

7. Disable or Remove Safari Extensions

Extensions can enhance your browsing experience, but they can also be a common cause of Safari crashes, especially if they are outdated or not well-maintained. To troubleshoot, start by disabling your extensions. If Safari’s performance improves without the extensions, re-enable them one at a time to identify the culprit.

Sometimes, simply updating an extension can fix the issue. However, if an extension continues to cause problems, remove it completely to ensure a stable browsing experience in Safari.

Here’s how to disable or remove browser extensions on Mac in Safari:

• Open Safari, click Safari in the menu bar, and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
• Select the Extensions tab in the new window.

• Uncheck the box next to each extension to disable them.

• Close Safari and reopen it to see whether the problem is gone.

8. Check for Safari Compatibility Issues

Compatibility issues between Safari and your macOS can lead to crashes. If your Safari version is incompatible with your macOS or any other software running in the background has compatibility issues, it can cause crashes. So, check Safari’s version and determine which program is causing it to crash.

To find the version of Safari on a Mac, follow these steps:

• Click the Safari icon in the dock.

• Choose About Safari under the Safari menu.

• Look for the Version number displayed in the small window that appears.

• Now, head to the other softwares installed on your Mac and check whether they are compatible with this Safari version.
• Uninstall the incompatible software, and it should resolve the Safari crashing issue on your Mac.

9. Get Rid of Malware on Your Mac Using MacKeeper

Malware can affect your Mac’s performance and cause Safari to crash. By removing malicious programs, you can improve the overall health of your Mac and prevent issues with Safari. You can use MacKeeper’s Antivirus to run a virus scan on your Mac . Here’s how:

• Launch Mackeeper and click the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.

• Click the Start Scan button to scan your system for issues.

• Once the scan is complete, click the Fix items button to fix any problems found.
• If no threats are found, click Restart to run the scan again or close the process.

• Restart your Mac and try using Safari again. Hopefully, you won’t face Safari crashing on your Mac after this.

What Else Can MacKeeper Do?

Besides running a virus scan and updating apps, MacKeeper can improve your Mac’s performance by cleaning junk files , deleting duplicates , and freeing up RAM . Check out my detailed MacKeeper review to learn more about these features.

Why Does Safari Keep Crashing on Mac?

There are several reasons why Safari may crash on your Mac, but here are the most common culprits:

• 🔽 Too Many Open Tabs: Each Safari tab consumes system resources on your Mac. So, surfing or opening too many tabs at once may lead to high-level consumption of the system resources, causing it to overload and crash Safari.
• 🍪 Corrupt Website Data: Safari stores cache, cookies, and other website data to speed up your browsing experience. But over time, these files accumulate and often become corrupted, which can cause Safari to crash.
• 🌐 Poorly Designed Website: A website with broken code sometimes causes unexpected errors and bugs. It often results in slower performance, website freezing, and Safari crashing on your Mac.
• 🧩 Faulty Extensions: Some Safari extensions may be buggy, excessively using system resources, or still under development. These issues can also affect Safari’s performance and lead it to crash on your Mac.
• 🔙 Safari Version Compatibility: The Safari version you use with your macOS may not be compatible or outdated. Some of its bugs and errors may cause Safari to malfunction and crash your Mac.

Prevent Safari Crashes on Mac

Now that you’ve figured out how to troubleshoot Safari crashes on Mac, you may want to avoid such scenarios in the future. To prevent future crashes and performance issues on Safari, try these tips: 

• If Safari bookmarks disappeared on Mac after a crash, restore them by quitting and restarting Safari.
• Delete Safari history on your Mac regularly to prevent it from piling up and making Safari run slow on Mac .
• Block websites on Safari on Mac if they are causing it to slow down or crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use another browser instead of safari.

You can use another web browser instead of Safari on your Mac, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. But make sure to download and install these browsers from their official websites to avoid security issues.

Will clearing my cache and cookies delete my saved passwords?

Yes, clearing your cache and cookies will delete any saved passwords. So, make sure to either save your passwords or note them down elsewhere before clearing your cache and cookies.

Can a slow internet connection cause Safari to crash?

Yes, a slow internet connection can cause Safari to crash. It happens because Safari may struggle to load content, which can cause the browser to become unresponsive or freeze. In this case, you should reset your modem or router or contact your service provider.

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

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Safari Isn’t Responding, Keeps Crashing or Freezing, Fix

Safari is not working as expected? This article explains what you can do if Safari doesn’t respond, and keeps freezing or crashing on your Mac. You may also see the rotating color wheel or “spinning beach ball”. A lot of users are also reporting that Safari crashes when they open the Preferences pane.

Safari is a great and stable browser. However, performance-related problems (freezing or crashing) may still occur rarely.

You may also see “Safari quit unexpectedly” messages.

An unresponsive Safari may cause your Mac to freeze also.

If you are experiencing this issue, please try the steps below. After each step, try to open Safari to see if your problem is fixed.

See also: Safari won’t open

Make sure that your Mac has the latest versions of the macOS software . Safari is included with macOS. Updating your Mac also includes updates to Safari. Here is how:

• If you are using macOS Mojave or later: Go to System Preferences and Software Update. Alternatively, you can click the Apple menu > About This Mac > Overview and then Software Update. And if there is an update available, click the Update Now button then follow the onscreen instructions.
• If you are using macOS High Sierra or earlier: Open the App Store on your Mac and click Updates.

2. Empty Cache in Safari

Emptying all Safari caches may fix your problem. It is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode because Safe Mode clears your Mac’s system cache and may repair issues. This is also a good idea because if your experience Safari crashes when you want to open Safari Preferences. Please follow the steps below:

• Turn off your Mac.
• Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
• Keep holding the key until you see the login screen. Then release the Shift key and log in.
• Your computer is now in Safe Mode. Your computer may be slower in Safe Mode, this is normal.
• Now go to the Finder.
• From the menu bar, click Go and Go to Folder (or press Command, Shift, G keys together).
• Enter the following and click Go:

• Delete files by dragging them to the Trash.
• Now exit Safe Mode by restarting your Mac normally. Do not press the Shift key.
• When your Mac turns on, and then try to open Safari to see if it now crashes or freezes.

3. Safari Extensions

You may be having this problem because of third party extensions you may have. There are two steps you should take:

• First, make sure that if your issue caused by an extension.
• If an extension is the problem, then we will need to determine which extensions are causing the problem. Here is how:

Please follow the steps below to turn off extensions to figure out whether they are causing the problems:

• Open Safari and in Safari, click Safari and Preferences.
• Click the Extensions tab. Then deselect all of the extension’s checkboxes to disable them.
• Now exit Preferences and test Safari. If your problem is not fixed, you can now turn on the extensions as they are not the issue. If your problem is fixed, it means that your problem caused by one of your extensions. What you can do is to re-enable the extensions one by one until you find the problematic extension. When you find it, you can remove (by clicking the Uninstall button), update, or contact its developer for further help.

If your issue continues to persist, you may want to fully reset Safari .

Dr. Serhat Kurt worked as a Senior Technology Director specializing in Apple solutions for small and medium-sized educational institutions. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University. He is a former faculty member. Here is his LinkedIn profile and Google Scholar profile . Email Serhat Kurt .

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How to Solve Safari Crashes on the iPhone

A handful of tweaks may keep Safari from crashing on your iPhone

• Ithaca College
• Switching from Android

What to Know

• Restart the iPhone. Check Settings > General to see if an update is available. If it is, install it.
• Other tips to try include: Clear the Safari history and website data, disable AutoFill, disable iCloud Safari syncing. Turn off JavaScript.
• If everything fails to help, contact Apple.

This article describes several ways you can solve Safari crashes on the iPhone. These troubleshooting steps work with all currently supported models of the iPhone. Version-specific instructions are noted where applicable.

Restart the iPhone

If Safari is crashing regularly, your first step should be to restart the iPhone . Just like a computer, the iPhone needs to be restarted every now and then to reset memory, clear temporary files, and generally restore things to a cleaner state. To restart the iPhone:

After the iPhone restarts, visit the website that crashed Safari. Chances are, things will be better.

Update to the Latest Version of iOS

If a restart doesn’t fix the problem, verify that you're running the latest version of iOS, the iPhone's operating system. Each update to iOS adds new features and fixes all kind of bugs that could be causing crashes. There are two options for updating iOS:

• Update using iTunes .
• Update wirelessly directly on the iPhone.

If there is an update available, install it and see if that fixes the problem.

Clear Safari History and Website Data

If neither of those steps work, try clearing out the browsing data stored on your iPhone, including your browsing history and cookies placed on your iPhone by sites you visit. A "flush" also clears this data from all devices signed into your iCloud account. Losing this data may be a mild inconvenience if the cookies provide functionality on some websites, but it's better than having Safari crash. To clear this data, Tap Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data .

In the menu that pops up from the bottom of the screen, tap Clear History and Data .

Disable AutoFill

If Safari is still crashing, disabling autofill is another option you should explore. Autofill takes the  contact information from your address book and adds it to website forms so that you don't have to type your shipping or email address over and over. To disable autofill, tap Settings > Safari > Autofill.

Move the Use Contact Info slider to off/white to disable your address and phone from populating forms. Move the Names and Passwords slider to off/white to stop username/password pairs from automatic entry. Move the Credit Cards slider to off/white to keep your payment history off.

Disable iCloud Safari Syncing 

If none of the steps so far have fixed your crashing problem, the problem may not be with your iPhone itself. It may be iCloud . One iCloud feature syncs your Safari bookmarks between all Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. That's useful, but it can also be the source of some Safari crashes on iPhone. To turn off iCloud Safari Syncing, tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud and move the Safari slider to off/white.

Turn Off JavaScript

If Safari is still crashing, the problem could be the website you're visiting. Many sites use a programming language called JavaScript to provide all kinds of features and animations. JavaScript is great, but when it's written badly, it can crash browsers. Try turning off JavaScript by visiting Settings > Safari > Advanced and moving the JavaScript slider to off/white.

Isolating the problem isn't the end here. You really need JavaScript to use modern websites, so I recommend turning it back on and not visiting the site that crashed (or disabling JavaScript before you visit it again).

Contact Apple

If everything nothing has worked and Safari is still crashing on your iPhone, your last option is to contact Apple to get technical support. Learn how to get tech support in this article.

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Safari Keeps Crashing on Mac

In this article you will find the following:

Every Mac comes with Safari installed by default, and as a standard part of macOS, it’s about as reliable as you could wish. But it’s not infallible. As with any software, one day, you may find that Safari keeps crashing on Mac—either closing itself down, freezing up, or acting erratically.

Before we start   Clearing your Safari caches is one of the quickest ways to fix frequent crashes, and there’s no easier way to do that than with MacKeeper Safe Cleanup . As well as removing corrupted browser files, Safe Cleanup clears all kinds of hidden junk that can make your Mac slow and unstable, including unnecessary log files, unwanted apps and extensions, and lots more.   Here’s how to use it: Download and install MacKeeper. When MacKeeper opens, select the Safe Cleanup utility. Select Start Scan to find Safari cache files and other junk. Choose the files you want to remove, be sure to select Caches , then click Clean Junk Files .

• Why does Safari keep crashing on your Mac?

No matter what kind of Mac you use, or how powerful it may be, there are many reasons why you might see Safari quitting unexpectedly on Mac. It could be due to corrupted browser files, bad plugins or extensions, odd preferences problems, or incompatible third-party software.

Whatever the case may be, there are lots of simple solutions to fix a Safari crash on Mac. So, as long as your Mac isn’t past its best—which may be the case if your MacBook keeps freezing —it shouldn’t be difficult to eliminate the problem and get Safari working again.

• How to fix Safari crash on Mac

When you find Safari not working on Mac , here are the fixes you need. Some are much easier than others, so we recommend starting with those first, and then moving on to the slightly trickier solutions if you find that Safari is still freezing or closing randomly.

• Force quit Safari
• Restart your Mac
• Update your macOS and Safari
• Boot macOS in Safe Mode
• Create a new user profile
• Clear Safari caches
• Delete Safari history and website data
• Uninstall Safari extensions
• Remove Safari preference files
• Reset PRAM or NVRAM
• Run Apple diagnostics
• Use Disk Utility

1. Force quit Safari

If Safari has locked up or frozen, you should first try to quit in the normal way, using Cmd + Q . If that doesn’t work, then force quit it instead, like so:

• Press Command + Option + Escape on your keyboard.
• In the Force Quit menu, select Safari, then click Force Quit .

2. Restart your Mac

Sometimes, your Safari crashing problems may be related to macOS rather than Safari itself. That problem may also be temporary, and for that reason, fixing it can be as simple as restarting your Mac.  

• In your menu bar, click the Apple icon and select Restart .
• Click Restart again to confirm.

3. Update your macOS and Safari

Apple regularly releases new macOS updates and security patches. So, if your Safari issues are caused by a bug in the operating system, installing these updates may well eliminate it. Here’s how to update your Mac:

• Open the System Settings app on your Mac.
• Select General in the sidebar, then click Software Update .
• If an update is available for your machine, you’ll see it here. Click Update Now or Restart Now to install it.

Your Mac will restart once the update is complete, and any Safari updates will have been installed as well. You can now try using Safari again to see if the issue has been resolved.

4. Boot macOS in Safe Mode

In some cases, third-party software can interfere with Safari and other built-in apps, causing them to become unstable. Booting your Mac in Safe Mode stops third-party software from running, which will help you confirm whether this is the problem. See how to do it below.

On a Mac with Apple silicon:

• Shut down your Mac.
• Press and hold your Mac’s power button until you see the Loading startup options on the screen.
• Select your Mac’s startup disk .
• Press and hold the Shift key , then click Continue in Safe Mode .

On a Mac with an Intel chip:

• Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately hold down the Shift key.
• Log into your Mac when prompted.
• You may be asked to log in again to continue.

Note from our team:    When your Mac reboots into macOS, you should see Safe Boot in the menu bar. Try running Safari now to see if the issue is still present. If it’s not and Safari runs normally, you’ll know that another piece of software is preventing the browser from functioning properly when you boot into regular macOS.   At this point, you’ll need to figure out which applications or browser extensions you installed before Safari started crashing. Uninstall them one by one, testing Safari each time, until it works without crashing.

5. Create a new user profile

Safari supports multiple user profiles on Mac. If the browser is crashing because of issues with your primary profile, you may find that creating a new one gets things working properly again. Simply follow these steps:

• Open Safari , then click Safari > Create Profile in the menu bar.
• Click the Start Using Profiles button if it appears.
• In the Profiles menu, click the + button in the bottom-left corner to create a new profile.
• Give it a Name and set the preferences to your liking, then close the Profiles menu.
• You’ll now see a new button on the left of the Safari toolbar that allows you to switch between your different profiles. Click it, then select the new profile you just created to use it.

6. Clear Safari caches

A lot of apps use temporary storage areas called caches, which can help improve performance by making certain information easier to fetch. However, these caches can sometimes become corrupted, which may cause Safari to crash. Clearing them and starting fresh should solve the problem. Try this:

• With Safari open, select Safari > Preferences in the menu bar.
• Go to the Advanced tab, then check the box next to the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
• Now click Develop in the menu bar, then select Empty Caches .
• After emptying your caches, restart Safari . Hopefully, it’ll have stopped crashing or freezing.

Hint from our experts:    An easier way to delete Safari cache files, as well as redundant system logs, temporary data, and other junk, is to use MacKeeper Safe Cleanup . It can not only help solve performance and instability issues but also free up a surprising amount of storage space on your Mac. Here’s how: Open MacKeeper , then select Safe Cleanup . Click the Start Scan button. Select the files you want to delete, ensuring that you choose Logs and Caches , in particular. Click Clean Junk Files to remove this data from your Mac. Step 1. Select Safe Cleanup > Start Scan Step 2. Choose the files to remove > Clean Junk Files

7. Delete Safari history and website data

Although it’s handy to keep a list of sites you’ve visited, clearing your Safari history can help with crashing and freezing issues. Not only does it clear your history, but it also deletes cookies, which store website data that can cause issues from time to time. Here’s how to wipe it all:

• Open Safari , then select History > Clear History in the menu bar.
• In the drop-down menu, select all history , then click the Clear History button.
• Restart Safari to see if your issues have been fixed.

8. Uninstall Safari extensions

Extensions are a great way to add new features to Safari, but they can cause problems too. Uninstalling extensions that may not be functioning correctly can be a good way to stop Safari from crashing or freezing. Follow these steps:

• From the menu bar, select Safari > Preferences .
• Open the Extensions tab.
• Pick an extension, and click the Uninstall button.
• If prompted, click the Show in Finder button.
• Delete the extension as you would any other file by deleting it, then emptying the Trash can.

9. Remove Safari preference files

When you change settings in Mac apps, macOS stores your preferences in .plist files. Deleting your Safari preference files will reset your settings, which will often eliminate issues that have been inadvertently created over time. Here’s how to remove them:

• Quit Safari if it’s running, then open Finder and select Go in the menu bar.
• Hold down the Option key on your keyboard to reveal the Library option, then select it.
• In the Library folder, open the Preferences folder.
• Find any .plist files that begin with com.apple.Safari , and delete them, making sure to empty your trash afterwards.
• Once you’re done, open Safari again and try it out to see if it’s more stable. Safari will automatically create fresh .plist files as you use it.

10. Reset PRAM or NVRAM

If you have an Intel Mac, it uses PRAM or NVRAM to store certain settings and preferences in a dedicated place. Resetting these using the steps below can clear any issues that have developed, which may solve any problems you’re having with macOS and its built-in applications.

• Turn your machine back on, then immediately press and hold the Command, Option, P and R keys on your keyboard.
• Release the keys after 20 seconds. Your Mac may restart during this time, and you may hear the startup chime or see the Apple logo more than once.
• Eventually, your Mac will boot up as normal, at which point you’ll need to adjust any system settings that have been reset, such as display resolution and time zone.

11. Run Apple Diagnostics

If you’ve tried all of the above and Safari still isn’t fixed, you may have a more serious issue with your Mac. You can run Apple diagnostics to identify potential issues with your hardware.

On a Mac with Apple Silicon:

• Press and hold the power button on your machine until you see startup options.
• Press and hold Command + D on your keyboard to start Apple Diagnostics.

• Turn on your computer, then immediately press and hold the D key on your keyboard.
• Release the D key when you see a progress bar, or you’re asked to choose a language.
• Wait for Apple Diagnostics to finish.

Important: If holding down the D key on your Intel Mac doesn’t work, you can try holding Option + D instead.

Once Apple Diagnostics has finished checking your Mac, it’ll show you a reference code. “ADP000” indicates that no issues were found. If you see another code, you can find out what it means on Apple’s website.

12. Use Disk Utility

If you have issues with other stuck software as well as Safari, and Apple Diagnostics tells you that your hardware is fine, you may choose to reinstall a fresh copy of macOS. You can use Disk Utility to do this:

• Back up your Mac using iCloud, Time Machine, or whatever method you prefer. You’re going to be wiping your Mac’s startup disk, so any data you haven’t backed up will be lost.
• On an Apple silicon Mac, shut down your machine, then press and hold the power button until you see an Options button. Click Options , then select Continue .
• On an Intel Mac, shut down your computer, then turn it back on while pressing and holding the Command + R keys.
• In macOS Recovery, select Disk Utility , then click Continue .
• In Disk Utility, select your Mac’s startup disk in the sidebar, then click the Erase button.
• Type a name for your drive, select the APFS format , then click Erase .
• When the process is complete, select Disk Utility > Quit Disk Utility in the menu bar to return to the macOS Recovery menu.
• Select Reinstall macOS , then click Continue .
• Follow the steps on the screen to install a fresh copy of macOS.

Wiping your startup disk will remove Safari from Mac , as well as all other applications, files, and other data that may have become corrupted. Reinstalling macOS gives you a fresh copy of all built-in apps, which should eliminate any issues you had before. You can then restore your backed up data to your machine.

• How to prevent Safari Mac from unexpectedly quitting

If you find that Safari sometimes quits unexpectedly, this is usually the result of a bug, a bad extension, or a lack of resources on your Mac. To prevent this from happening, try clearing your RAM with MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner.

• In MacKeeper , select Memory Cleaner in the sidebar.
• Click the Open button.
• MacKeeper will show you how much RAM is being used. Click Clean Memory to clear any data that’s not necessary.
• You can also use the Smart Uninstaller to remove any unwanted software from your machine, which will prevent it from running in the background and eating up your system resources.

When Safari starts acting up and keeps crashing on your Mac, there’s usually a simple way to fix it. Try the troubleshooting steps we’ve outlined above to get it working normally again. If the easier fixes aren’t successful, you may want to look at reinstalling a fresh copy of macOS or checking for hardware issues.

The most effective way to clear temporary Safari caches and other data that can cause your Mac to become slow and unstable is by using MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup . It takes just a couple of clicks, and it safely removes all hidden junk, freeing up plenty of storage space.

1. What to do if Safari won’t open

First, go force quitting Safari or restarting your Mac . If this doesn’t work, try some of the other Safari fixes we’ve outlined in the article above.

2. Can a slow internet connection cause Safari to crash?

A slow or unstable internet connection shouldn’t cause Safari to crash completely. It may be slow or won’t load webpages, but if it keeps crashing, that’s a sign of a bigger problem.

3. Will clearing Safari cache and cookies delete saved passwords?

Clearing your Safari cache won’t delete any saved passwords, but clearing cookies might, depending on how your passwords are saved. If you use iCloud Passwords or another password manager, there’s no need to worry because all your login details will be saved there.

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Why Does Safari Keep Crashing on Mac & How to Fix It

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to browse the web, whether you’re working or playing, and being stopped in your tracks when Safari crashes. But what causes Safari to have these problems? And is there any way to fix it?

As someone who works on Apple computers for a living, I can say that problems with Safari are extremely common. So, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are often a few simple tips to get the app working again so you can get back on your feet.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Fix 1. restart your mac, fix 2. force quit safari, fix 3. update macos, fix 4. clear cache, history, and website data, fix 5. disable extensions, fix 6. run first aid on solid state drive (ssd), fix 7. boot in safe mode, final thoughts.

• Safari could be crashing for several reasons, though the most common is problems with using too many resources and freezing.
• You can try a simple fix, like restarting your Mac , updating your system , or force-quitting the application .
• If that doesn’t work, you can try clearing your browsing data and disabling troublesome extensions.
• There may also be a problem with SSD or other startup items. Running First Aid will give you clues if your storage media is failing. 
• You can try booting into Safe Mode as a last resort to see if Safari is working. If not, you may have more serious macOS issues that warrant reinstalling the operating system.

7 Tips to Fix Safari Crashing on Mac

Safari is the default internet browser that is installed on your Mac when you receive it. It is updated and managed through Apple’s macOS. So, Safari is typically a reliable web browser that is safe and easy to use.

There are several reasons that could cause Safari to crash, and this is likely to stop your work day or school work completely! This article will help you to determine what may be wrong with your Safari and how to fix it to quickly get back to work. 

Let’s start with the easiest tips first, and determine how to stop Safari from crashing.

Restarting your computer can solve plenty of minor software problems. And it is often the easiest fixes such as these that we can easily forget about. Still, it is worth trying a simple restart before you dive into more complex troubleshooting.

In the Apple Menu, click Restart .

Just wait for your Mac to restart and see if Safari is functioning properly on the next bootup. If not, proceed to the next step.

The first reason that Safari could be crashing is that it is simply overwhelmed with the processes that it is trying to run. This could be due to utilizing too much Random Access Memory (RAM), using too much CPU, or even simply being unable to access certain features of the application. 

Regardless of which of these reasons, force quitting should solve this problem . Note that even if your Safari Application has crashed, you should still be able to Force Quit the application to fully close it. To do so, take the following steps:

Step 1: Press the Command-Option-Esc keys simultaneously on your keyboard.

Step 2: Choose Safari and click Force Quit .

Step 3: Click Force Quit to confirm.

Another simple reason that Safari may be crashing is that the application is simply out of date or there is a bug in the software. If you have a macOS software update, it is likely that Apple has already fixed this problem, and the update will help significantly. 

To update your system, take the following steps:

Step 1: Click the Apple Menu at the top of your screen and hit System Settings from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: On the Left, Navigate to General and click Software Update on the right.

Step 3: If there is an available software update, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.  

Note : We recommend keeping on Automatic updates so that your Mac stays as fast as possible, but be sure to periodically still check this menu for updates since they may not always be able to be completed on their own (i.e., if there is not enough battery life, if you need to enter a password, etc.). 

When accumulated over long periods of time, the cache, history , and website data related to your internet browsing on Safari can really add up. When this happens, the available resources can run out, or become too overwhelmed to quickly access your data. 

This can overwhelm Safari and cause it to run slowly or even crash. Now, there are other methods that clear your website history, cache, or website data separately, but this method deletes them all simultaneously . 

Just take the following steps:

Step 1: While Safari is open, click the Safari menu and Settings .

Step 2: In the menu, navigate to Privacy at the top. Click Manage Website Data.

Step 3: Click Remove All (If needed, you can individually clear data for each website, but clearing all is much more useful when Safari is crashing to ensure that you removed any potential malicious tracking and cleared enough RAM). 

Step 4: Click Remove Now to confirm.

Extensions are features available to customize how you use Safari. Some of the most popular examples are Ad Blocking, Grammar Checkers, and Coupon finders. 

If you use any of these in relation to Safari, then these extensions could be causing Safari to crash if it is trying to use too many or if these extensions are causing Safari to run too slowly. So, let’s disable a few of them. 

With Safari Open, click the Safari menu at the top of your screen and Settings from the drop-down.

Next, navigate to Extensions at the top of the window. On the left side of the screen, the blue check marks indicate that the extensions are enabled.  

Click the blue check marks to make a gray box to indicate that the extensions are disabled. With an extension selected, on the right side of the screen, there is an option to uninstall. 

Clicking Uninstall and following the instructions onscreen will completely remove the extension, and you will not be able to use it again unless you reinstall it. Be sure to look for any extensions that you do not recognize or that could otherwise be malicious to completely uninstall these. 

SSD is the long-term storage drive living inside your Mac. So, although it is not a replacement for the RAM that we have previously discussed, it can also have an impact on the ability of your Safari to run correctly. 

If, for some reason, your SSD is having problems, then it could impact your applications, including Safari. 

First Aid is a feature offered on your Mac to evaluate and repair any problems with your drives. Take the following steps to run First Aid:

Step 1: In Launchpad, search for Disk Utility.

Step 2: Choose your SSD on the left and click First Aid on the right. Follow any onscreen instructions to repair. 

Lastly, if all else fails, you can use Safe Mode to determine if there is a startup or directory problem with Safari. Safe mode is an option provided by Apple for those who are having problems with their Mac to disable all third-party features, only load necessary items, and determine if there are startup or directory problems. 

The process will look a little different, depending on if you have a Silicon or an Intel-based Mac.

Safe Mode for Apple Silicon Macs:

• Begin with your Mac completely shut down.
• Press and hold the power button until you see the “Loading Startup Options” screen.
• If required, choose a volume.
• Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
• When prompted, choose Continue in Safe Mode. Your Mac will restart.
• You know you have successfully booted in Safe Mode when you see “Safe Mode” displayed on the menu bar. 

Safe Mode for Intel Macs:

• Turn on or Restart your Mac.
• When booting happens, press and hold the Shift key until the login window appears.
• Login to your Mac.
• If you are asked to log in again, do so. 
• You have successfully used Safe Mode when “Safe Mode” is displayed on the menu bar. 

Safari is an application that is preinstalled on your Mac and it is one of many applications that are managed through macOS. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean it will always work perfectly. If your Safari is continuously crashing, we have discussed several reasons as to why this may be and we have provided you with ways to fix this. 

You can try force quitting the application, updating macOS, or clearing website history and data. If you suspect problems with your SSD, you can run first aid. Additionally, you can boot into Safe Mode for more advanced troubleshooting.

How did these items work for you? Which item stopped your Safari from crashing? Let us know in the comments!

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What To Do If Safari Keeps Crashing

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Check for Updates

One of the most common reasons for Safari crashing is outdated software. Ensuring that both Safari and the operating system are up to date can significantly improve the browser's stability. Here's how to check for updates on both iOS and macOS:

iOS Updates

• Open Settings : Tap on the "Settings" app on your iOS device.
• Select General : Scroll down and tap on "General."
• Tap Software Update : If an update is available, you will see an option to "Download and Install." Tap on this to initiate the update process.

macOS Updates

• Open the Apple Menu : Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
• Select System Preferences : Choose "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
• Click on Software Update : If there are updates available, you will see an option to "Update Now." Click on this to begin the update process.

By regularly checking for and installing updates, you can ensure that Safari and the underlying operating system are equipped with the latest bug fixes and security patches. This proactive approach can help prevent crashes and enhance the overall browsing experience.

Remember, keeping software updated is not only crucial for performance and stability but also for safeguarding your device against security vulnerabilities. Therefore, making it a habit to check for updates regularly is a proactive step towards maintaining a smooth and secure browsing experience.

Clear Safari Cache

Clearing the cache in Safari can often resolve issues related to slow performance and frequent crashes. The cache is a temporary storage location for website data, such as images, scripts, and other elements. While the cache is designed to speed up the browsing experience by storing frequently accessed data, it can sometimes become bloated or corrupted, leading to unexpected browser behavior.

To clear the cache in Safari on iOS devices, follow these steps:

• Scroll Down and Select Safari : Scroll down the settings menu and tap on "Safari."
• Tap on Clear History and Website Data : This action will remove browsing history, cookies, and other data stored in the cache.

On macOS, the process of clearing the cache in Safari is slightly different:

• Open Safari : Launch the Safari browser on your Mac.
• Click on Safari in the Menu Bar : At the top of the screen, click on "Safari" in the menu bar.
• Select Clear History : A drop-down menu will appear, allowing you to choose "Clear History." This action will also remove website data stored in the cache.

By clearing the cache, you effectively reset the stored website data, which can help eliminate any corrupted or outdated information that may be contributing to Safari crashes. Additionally, clearing the cache can free up storage space and improve the overall performance of the browser.

It's important to note that clearing the cache will also remove browsing history and cookies. While this can enhance privacy and security by erasing potentially sensitive data, it also means that you may need to re-enter login credentials and customize certain website settings after clearing the cache.

In summary, clearing the cache in Safari is a straightforward troubleshooting step that can often alleviate performance issues and prevent frequent crashes. By periodically clearing the cache, users can ensure that Safari operates smoothly and efficiently, providing a seamless browsing experience across iOS and macOS devices.

Disable Safari Extensions

Safari extensions are add-on tools that enhance the functionality of the browser by providing additional features and customization options. While these extensions can be incredibly useful, they can also be a source of instability, leading to frequent crashes and performance issues. Disabling Safari extensions is a crucial troubleshooting step that can help identify and address potential causes of browser instability.

Disabling Safari Extensions on iOS Devices

To disable Safari extensions on iOS devices, follow these steps:

• Open Safari Settings : Tap on the "Settings" app on your iOS device.
• Tap on Extensions : If you have any extensions installed, you will see an option to manage them. Tap on "Extensions" to view the list of installed extensions.
• Toggle Off : Disable the toggle switch next to each extension to turn it off.

By disabling extensions on iOS, you can isolate the browser's performance and stability from the potential impact of third-party add-ons. This allows you to assess whether any installed extensions are contributing to Safari crashes.

Disabling Safari Extensions on macOS

On macOS, the process of disabling Safari extensions is as follows:

• Select Preferences : From the drop-down menu, choose "Preferences."
• Navigate to Extensions : In the Preferences window, select the "Extensions" tab to view the list of installed extensions.
• Uncheck Enabled Extensions : Uncheck the box next to each extension to disable it.

By disabling extensions in Safari on macOS, you can effectively troubleshoot browser crashes and performance issues by eliminating the potential impact of third-party add-ons.

The Impact of Disabling Safari Extensions

Disabling Safari extensions is a valuable diagnostic step that can help identify the root cause of browser instability. By temporarily turning off extensions, users can assess whether any specific add-ons are contributing to crashes or other issues. This process of elimination allows for a targeted approach to troubleshooting, enabling users to pinpoint and address problematic extensions.

Once extensions are disabled, users can gradually re-enable them one by one, testing the browser's stability after each activation. This methodical approach can help identify specific extensions that may be causing conflicts or instability within Safari.

In summary, disabling Safari extensions is an essential troubleshooting technique that allows users to isolate potential sources of browser instability. By systematically assessing the impact of individual extensions, users can effectively identify and address issues that may be contributing to Safari crashes, ultimately enhancing the overall browsing experience.

Reset Safari Settings

Resetting Safari settings can serve as a powerful troubleshooting tool to address persistent issues and restore the browser to a more stable state. This process effectively reverts various browser configurations to their default settings, potentially resolving underlying issues that contribute to crashes and performance degradation.

Resetting Safari Settings on iOS Devices

On iOS devices, the process of resetting Safari settings involves the following steps:

• Scroll to the Bottom and Tap on 'Clear History and Website Data' : This action will remove browsing history, cookies, and other browsing-related data, effectively resetting Safari settings to their default state.

By resetting Safari settings on iOS, users can eliminate potential configuration conflicts or corrupted data that may be contributing to browser crashes and instability. This process provides a fresh start for Safari, allowing users to assess whether the default settings alleviate the issues they were experiencing.

Resetting Safari Settings on macOS

On macOS, the process of resetting Safari settings involves the following steps:

• Navigate to Privacy : In the Preferences window, select the "Privacy" tab.
• Click on 'Manage Website Data' : This action allows you to remove stored website data, cookies, and other browsing information, effectively resetting Safari settings.

By resetting Safari settings on macOS, users can address potential configuration conflicts, corrupted data, or misbehaving preferences that may be contributing to browser crashes and performance issues. This process provides a clean slate for Safari, enabling users to evaluate whether the default settings resolve the challenges they were encountering.

The Impact of Resetting Safari Settings

Resetting Safari settings can be a transformative troubleshooting step, offering a fresh start for the browser and allowing users to assess the impact of default configurations on stability and performance. By reverting to default settings, users can effectively isolate and address underlying issues, potentially resolving persistent crashes and restoring the browser to a more reliable state.

In summary, resetting Safari settings is a valuable troubleshooting technique that empowers users to address persistent issues and restore the browser to a stable state. By leveraging the default configurations, users can systematically assess the impact of resetting settings on browser performance, ultimately enhancing the overall browsing experience.

Update iOS or macOS

Keeping the operating system up to date is essential for maintaining the stability and performance of Safari. Apple regularly releases updates for iOS and macOS, addressing security vulnerabilities, introducing new features, and enhancing the overall functionality of the operating systems. By ensuring that your device is running the latest version of iOS or macOS, you can mitigate potential compatibility issues and address underlying system-level factors that may contribute to Safari crashes.

Updating iOS

For iOS devices, staying current with the latest iOS version is crucial for optimizing Safari's performance and stability. To check for and install iOS updates, follow these steps:

By regularly updating iOS, you can ensure that Safari benefits from the latest system improvements and security enhancements. This proactive approach not only contributes to a smoother browsing experience but also helps safeguard your device against potential security threats.

Updating macOS

On macOS, updating the operating system is equally important for maintaining Safari's stability and performance. To check for and install macOS updates, follow these steps:

By keeping macOS up to date, you can ensure that Safari operates seamlessly within the broader system environment. Updated system components and security patches contribute to a more secure and reliable browsing experience, reducing the likelihood of Safari crashes and other performance issues.

The Impact of Updating iOS or macOS

Updating iOS or macOS is a proactive measure that directly impacts Safari's stability and performance. By installing the latest operating system updates, users can address underlying system-level factors that may contribute to browser instability. This approach not only enhances the overall browsing experience but also aligns with best practices for device security and performance optimization.

In summary, updating iOS or macOS is a fundamental step in maintaining Safari's stability and performance. By staying current with the latest operating system versions, users can proactively address potential compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities, contributing to a more reliable and secure browsing experience.

Contact Apple Support

If you've exhausted troubleshooting steps and Safari continues to experience persistent crashes, reaching out to Apple Support can provide valuable assistance in resolving the issue. Apple's dedicated support team is equipped to address a wide range of technical concerns, including browser-related issues on both iOS and macOS devices.

Contacting Apple Support for iOS Devices

For iOS users encountering Safari crashes, the following steps can be taken to reach out to Apple Support:

Apple Support App : Utilize the Apple Support app, available on the App Store, to initiate a support request directly from your iOS device. The app provides a convenient interface for accessing support resources and connecting with Apple's support representatives.

Phone Support : Contact Apple Support via phone by dialing the official support number. This direct communication channel allows you to speak with a support representative who can guide you through troubleshooting steps and provide personalized assistance.

Online Support Resources : Explore Apple's online support resources, including the official support website and community forums, to access troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and user discussions related to Safari crashes and other browser issues.

Contacting Apple Support for macOS Devices

For macOS users experiencing Safari crashes, the following avenues can be utilized to engage with Apple Support:

Apple Support Website : Visit the official Apple Support website to access a wealth of resources, including articles, guides, and community forums dedicated to addressing Safari-related issues on macOS.

Apple Store Genius Bar : Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store Genius Bar for in-person support. Apple's retail locations offer personalized assistance from knowledgeable staff who can diagnose and address Safari crashes on macOS devices.

Phone and Online Chat Support : Engage with Apple Support via phone or online chat to connect with technical experts who can provide guidance and troubleshooting assistance specific to Safari and browser-related challenges.

The Value of Apple Support

Contacting Apple Support offers several key benefits, including access to expert guidance, personalized troubleshooting, and the assurance of receiving support directly from the manufacturer. Apple's support representatives are trained to address a wide array of technical issues, ensuring that users receive comprehensive assistance in resolving Safari crashes and optimizing browser performance.

By leveraging Apple Support, users can gain insights into advanced troubleshooting techniques, receive personalized recommendations tailored to their specific device and software configurations, and access the latest information on software updates and bug fixes related to Safari stability.

In summary, reaching out to Apple Support represents a proactive and effective approach to addressing persistent Safari crashes. By tapping into Apple's extensive support resources and expertise, users can navigate and resolve browser-related challenges with confidence, ultimately enhancing the overall browsing experience on iOS and macOS devices.

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What to Do When Safari Freezes or Keeps Crashing on Mac?

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I enjoy browsing with Safari, Apple’s built-in web browser for all their Mac computers. Over the years it has become increasingly powerful, and Apple is always updating and improving it.

However, we’ve all experienced the pinwheel of death at some point. One minute you’re opening a new tab, and the next you’re staring at a bright beach ball while hopelessly clicking the mouse or tapping on the trackpad.

I’ve had to force quit Safari on multiple occasions. To be honest, it’s very frustrating to see Safari keeps freezing even crashing on my Mac, and force quitting often seems the last choice I could make.

Safari Keeps Freezing [Quick Fix]

If Safari keeps freezing, wait for a few minutes to allow it to unfreeze. Once it unfreezes, close a few tabs, especially ones with videos or advertisements. If that doesn’t work, force Safari to quit by right-clicking the Safari icon on the dock and clicking Quit.

So why does Safari freeze or keep crashing? We’ll quickly explore the possible reasons, before getting to the fix solutions.

Safari Keeps Freezing or Crashing on Mac: Possible Reasons

It can be hard to know exactly what is making Safari freeze or crash unless you have an Apple geek analyze the crash reports — which is close to impossible for many of us.

But here are a few common reasons for the delay:

• You tried to do too many things at once, such as use an excessive amount of windows or tabs.
• The site you were browsing overload Safari with its plugin use or processing demands.
• Safari hasn’t been cleaned in a while and is working with a full cache of history, downloads, and cookies.
• An outdated extension or plugin is creating problems.
• It’s actually your Mac is running slow , either due to having too many other applications running or the condition of your Mac machine.
• Your mac is running a very older version of Safari.

How to Fix Safari When It Freezes or Crashes on Mac

Please note that the step-by-step instructions below are for general diagnosis and fixing only. By no means you should follow the exact step number, it’s totally okay to jump to the right step that best fits your situation.

Step 1 : Give it a minute. Sometimes the hanging symbol is actually just that and will go away after a minute or so. You can close background applications to assist in this process, but if you don’t like to wait, then you can skip to the next step.

Step 2 : Close tabs. Pay attention to those web pages that have heavy flash/video ads, they are often the “culprits” of slow Safari issues and tend to tax your Mac performance as well. The typical symptom is that your Mac heats up quickly with the fan running wild .

Step 3 : Force quit Safari by CONTROL + MOUSE clicking the Safari icon in the dock, and then choosing “QUIT” or “FORCE QUIT”.

If your entire Mac is frozen , and not just Safari, you’ll need to hold the power button for three seconds until the screen goes dark. Then press the power button again to restart your computer.

Step 4 : Check if your Safari is up to date by reopening the app. Then go to the top right and choose SAFARI > ABOUT.

This will open a new window with your Safari version listed. If it’s not the most current version (like in the image below), check the Mac App Store for a Safari update , which is frequently bundled with all the macOS updates (but can be executed alone).

Step 5 : On the Safari Menu, go to HISTORY and then choose “Clear History”. The cache is a location on your Mac that Safari stores information in to load certain resources more quickly. However, this information is supposed to be temporary and might be bogging you down.

This will open the following pop-up:

You should clear the most amount of history/cache you are comfortable with, and choose “All History” for best results. This will wipe the cache and help Safari avoid random crashes or freezings in the future. You should clear your cache and history regularly to keep Safari in its best shape.

Step 6 : Clear up lagging extensions by going to SAFARI > PREFERENCES, and then navigating to the “Extensions” tab.

Inside this tab, you will see a list of third-party extensions you have enabled or installed in Safari. You should use the “uninstall” button to remove any extensions you don’t use and uncheck the “enable” box for any plugins that you use only on occasions.

If you suspect one specific extension as the root of the problem, you can try uninstalling just that one and running a comparison. It’s also a good habit to make sure any remaining extensions are up to date and using their latest patches.

Step 7 : Safari might not be the culprit of your freezing problems. If you are using an older Mac machine, especially if the startup disk is running out of space, the Safari issues you face are probably related to the poor performance of your Mac overall.

To fix this, the easiest way is to use CleanMyMac X to run a quick scan of your Mac and clear out those clutters and system junk, you should use the app to disable those login items are could lag your mac on startup.

Then, if it turns out your Mac hardware is kind of dated, for example, the RAM is limited or the hard disk drive is just slow, consider installing extra RAM to increase your Mac’s capability to handle application requests, or replace the HDD with an SSD (solid-state drive) . These solutions will help make Safari (and other apps) run more smoothly on your Mac.

Browsing habits can be an easy fix to prevent future Safari performance issues. It’s good practice that you should avoid leaving tabs you aren’t using open and try to stick to one window when possible.

Also, if you’re on an older Mac with a less advanced hardware configuration, reduce the amount of multitasking you are doing in order to lighten the processor’s load.

Meanwhile, beware that if Safari seems to be crashing when you visit certain websites. Some web pages overload Safari with images, pop-ups, videos, and ads, and using an ad blocker will save you some trouble in the future.

Final Words

That’s all that we wanted to share with you today. We hope these tips have helped you solve any freezes you encounter while using Safari. If you’re still having issues even after trying multiple methods, a different browser might be worth looking into. Browsers such as Google Chrome offers good performance and a set of tools similar to those provided by Apple Safari.

Additionally, you can look for known bugs that many other users have experienced. For example, the early-2015 13″ MacBook Pro was subject to an error that frequently caused the entire machine to freeze, and was described by dozens of users in the MacRumors forum.

Communities such as MacRumors and Apple Communities can be a great resource for finding more obscure solutions to your Safari issues.

Have you experienced any unusual Safari freezing or crashing situation? Tell us what you did to fix it by leaving a comment below.

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John Powell

Safari keeps freezing immediately on opening. After force quitting, when I reopen the 4 tabs I had open are all there and Safari is still frozen with spinning wheel. Just did a software update to Monterey 12.1, upon rebooting safari opened ok without any of the previous tabs.

Throw away your Mac and get a real computer that doesn’t cripple a real browser like Chrome. I just got a 2020 Mac. It overheats and the fan sounds like it’s gonna take off. Switch to Safari, they say. Safari freezes with only 3 tabs open. Fail. Apple has finally convinced me to switch.

Olga Buzova

I have seen yesterday that was made of the spotlight take too much time to make searching. So I fiks spotlight. You fiks two?

~/Library/Preferences/

Sovannita So

My mac’s Safari is still stuck, normally the words are bold the you can click on it at the menu tab, but mine it not even clickable and I keep on hearing that “DiNnNnG!” sound. Is there a way to stop this? Its a new computer.

Tips and guides for MacBook Pro users. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Safari Keeps Crashing on Mac? How to Fix

Quick Navigation

Solution 1: Clear Browsing Data

Solution 2: disable extensions, solution 3: disable or uninstall virus scanner, solution 4: delete safari preference files, solution 5：clear safari cache, solution 6：uninstall flash player on mac, solution 7: update your mac.

Summary: Is Safari freezing or crashing on your Mac? This post will help. Just follow the step-by-step guide on how to fix Safari when it freezes or crashes.

Some people complaint that after updating MacBook Air to macOS Sierra (10.12), the Safari keeps crashing every time they open it. So is there any idea on why Safari keeps crashing? And how to fix Safari on the Mac?

Why does Safari keep crashing or freezing up?

There are many reasons why Safari keeps crashing on iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air.

• You are opening too many tabs at a time on Safari.

There are too many applications running on your MacBook, especially when your MacBook is running out of storage.

• The site your are visiting has heavy flash, videos, plugins or other elements that overload Safari .
• Safari has old or corrupted caches, cookies or downloads .
• An extension or plugin in the Safari cause the problem.
• Safari bug. For example, on January 2016, Safari on iOS & Mac OS X quit unexpectedly becaused of a bug caused by Apple's Safari Suggestions.

And to fix crashing Safari on Mac OS X, Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey and more, you can try the following methods.

Quickest solution you can try: Force Quit & Restart Safari

You know, there's an old saying, there's a problem and reboot first.Rebooting can automatically fix many unexpected problems.

How do I restart my Mac? There are two ways to do this:

1st Way: Simply go to Apple > Restart from the menu bar to restart your device.

2nd Way: Press and hold the power button on your Mac until it turns off. After a minute, press the power button again to start your Mac.

If you are in an emergency situation, try the following steps first and then read the following knowledge to prevent the next crash.

When your screen crashes together and you can't click on the screen: Press Option + Command + Esc on your keyboard to automatically force you out of any application.

Step 1: Locate to Apple from the menu bar, click Force Quit.

Step 2: Select Safari and then click on Force Quit.

Step 3: Wait thirty seconds and reopen the app to see if this resolves your issue.

Clearing old and corrupted browsing history (caches, cookies, etc.) can help stop Safari from crashing. Since you cannot open the browser right now, you can clear browsing data without opening Safari with Macube Cleaner , which can clean browser data, system caches, and more on your Mac.

• Install Macube Cleaner on your iMac, MacBook.

Free Download Free Download

Click System Junk and hit Scan. When the scan stops, choose App Cache , find Safari cache and click Clean to get rid of the browser cache.

• Choose Privacy > Scan > Safari. Click Clean to delete cookies, internet history, download history of Safari on your Mac.

Now you can open Safari and see if it crashes or hangs again.

Tip : If Safari or other applications keeps crashing because of insufficient storage on your Mac, you can also use Macube Cleaner to clean up the Mac and free up more space.

If you have installed extensions in Safari, it could be one of the extensions that cause Safari to crash.

• On Safari, choose Safari > Preference > Extensions .

Set all extensions to off and see if the Safari quits unexpectedly again.

• If not, you can narrow down the problematic extension by enabling them one by one.
• When you find the extension, uninstall it.

Virus Scanners usually take much efforts to keep Safari clean. If there is something wrong with the virus scanner, it could make the Safari stop working.

• Disable virus scanners on your Mac;

If your Safari stops crashing after that, uninstall the program and switch to another virus scanner.

Some users find the Safari start working after deleting preference file.

• Click Go tab and hold down Option button until you see Go to Folder;

IEnter ~/Library/Safari/ and hit Go.

Delete all files on the folder.

However, the cache can accumulate over time, causing Safari to crash. To clear Safari's cache, go to the Safari menu and select Preferences. Next, select Advanced and click on the 'Show Develop menu in menu bar' checkbox.

Finally, go to the Develop menu and select Empty Caches.

Flash player enables us to watch videos and play other interactive content on the web. But since now most websites have switched to HTML 5 or other technology, most websites works fine without Flash. So it is totally okay to uninstall Flash player on Mac.

• Follow the tutorials on Adobe to uninstall Flash player on your macOS/OS X.

If the Safari crashing problem is caused by a bug or you cannot get the browser working after the above steps, your last resort will be software update. Since Safari is included in macOS, there is no way to update Safari separately.

• To update Safari, you need to install the latest macOS on your iMac, MacBook.
• If there is no update available, switch to Google Chrome and Firefox for a while and wait for the new Mac version to come out.

Safari on your Mac should stop crashing right now. To avoid the problem, you may clean Safari with Macube Cleaner from time to time to keep the data up-to-date.

clean Safari with Macube Cleaner from time to time to keep the data up-to-date.

Q1: How do I update Safari on my Mac?

Step 1. Open the App Store on your Mac.

Step 2. Click on the "Updates" tab located in the top toolbar.

Step 3. If a Safari update is available, you will see it listed here. Click on the "Update" button next to Safari.

Step 4. Alternatively, you can also click on the "Update All" button to update all your apps, including Safari.

It's worth noting that Safari updates are usually included as part of macOS updates. So, if you are running an older version of macOS, updating your operating system will also update Safari to the latest version.

Q2: Can conflicting extensions or plugins cause Safari to crash?

Yes, conflicting extensions or plugins can indeed cause Safari to crash on your Mac. Safari extensions and plugins are add-ons that enhance the functionality of the browser, but sometimes they can conflict with each other or with the browser itself, leading to crashes.

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I am having issues with iOS 17.4.1 I am unable to surf the web and see my battery depleting quickly

This new updates seems to have too many bugs, instead of fix. Wi-Fi won’t work. None of the apps open, just keep getting black screen, phone overheating, draining battery faster than charging, can’t access shared iCloud pictures, can not FaceTime. Safari is just blank page. Restarted Wi-Fi, phone, apps, but NOTHING WORKS!!! Can’t surf at all, games are blank too…. Need immediate fix!!!!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 8, 2024 11:17 AM

Posted on Apr 11, 2024 2:01 AM

Since I’ve updated I can’t call, text , send pictures etc. very stressful not being able to get ahold of anyone. Does anyone know how to fix this or if they will fix this?? Getting very sick of not having a working phone that was super expensive just for it not to work

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Apr 11, 2024 2:01 AM in response to Chinguu

Apr 10, 2024 6:26 AM in response to Chinguu

Restart won't fix the problem. My iphone is mulfunctioning after 17.4.1

What's going on?

What's the fix?!

Apr 9, 2024 8:45 PM in response to lobsterghost1

THIS WORKED!!!!

it takes a few times to figure the process out, but… IT WORKED.

BE PATIENT!!!

Apr 9, 2024 3:22 PM in response to Chinguu

My screen went black and buffered. Now it’s stuck it boot loop!

Apr 10, 2024 6:21 AM in response to Chinguu

My phone completely crashed and died - can’t even turn it on now!

Apr 10, 2024 8:33 PM in response to Chinguu

imessage won’t work, can’t get any calls and FaceTime only works on WiFi.

Apr 10, 2024 5:01 AM in response to Chinguu

I know and there is also some Bluetooth bug. If you pause Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or whatever music streaming platform you use for a few seconds, your AirPods, Beats Studio Buds, or whatever headphones or earbuds you use randomly disconnects and then reconnects. It’s annoying and Apple needs to do something about it ASAP

Apr 10, 2024 8:45 PM in response to Chinguu

My Face ID not recognize me anymore right after the update 17.4.1 which was updated while in my sleep

Apr 9, 2024 6:27 PM in response to lobsterghost1

I did force restart twice, with continued glitches.

Apr 9, 2024 6:18 AM in response to Chinguu

I also encounter a lot of problems. Some apps like Files and Waze crash for no reason. the only solution that works temporarily is to undo a forced restart but the problem comes back regularly.

The support told me to disconnect and reconnect, to reset all the settings, to reinstall the IOS version 17.4.1 via iTunes, but nothing works, it's very annoying.

Apr 11, 2024 6:52 AM in response to Chinguu

There is also a cellular data issue… ruined my whole day just like usually when there is a new ios.. i wonder why i spending this much money to a company like this… fixture may come but my patience is gone

Apr 10, 2024 9:37 PM in response to Chinguu

This page may be some help (thanks to MrBill3):

If your iPhone won't turn on or is frozen - Apple Support

And sometimes typing in the issue you're facing to the search box will turn up solutions.

If you can get back into your phone, so to speak, 9to5Mac reported that Apple released a new version of 17.4.1, but it was only available through a computer. On a Mac, plug the phone into the computer, open a Finder window, and select your iPhone in the side bar. If the side panel isn't showing, go to the View menu and click Show Side Bar. On older Macs you may have to use iTunes, but it is similar. On a Windows computer I believe you either open iTunes or the Apple Devices app, but I'm not familiar with that setup.

Anyway, once you have done that, there should be a "page" for your phone. Choose General from the top row, and there will be a Check for Update button. From there you should be able to update your phone the newer version of 17.4.1.

I updated "over the air" to 17.4.1 and didn't see any problems. But when I saw the article I updated again and my phone went through the whole process, which seems to indicate that this is a different update. Since then it has worked fine, as far as I can see.

9to5Mac reports that the build number for the over-the-air update is 21E236, but the one through a computer is 21E237.

Apr 10, 2024 2:27 PM in response to Chinguu

I’ve lost all my bookmarks and favourites in safari, I didn’t realise I needed to sync these things on the iCloud, no previous update has wiped them from existence. Now all my saved quick links are gone.

edit: my works app now doesn’t work, and the baby camera monitor app doesn’t work either. Who even allowed this “update”?

among the other issues encountered with this update, that one is the most infuriating… haven’t had to try my AirPods yet with the Bluetooth issues but my garmin no longer gets notifications 😑😑😑

Apr 10, 2024 6:49 AM in response to Chinguu

Some for me, a hard reset will only help a few hours and it happens again…

can’t use the files app or apps which have access to the files app. Even the messages app is crashing when I want to share a file from the files app….

also wake up of the phone takes sometimes a few seconds before the screen wakes up and shows something…

Apr 8, 2024 11:22 AM in response to Chinguu

Force Restart your iPhone, which is something recommended after every iOS update --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

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That scary Safari malware that infected your Mac? There might be a very simple fix

I was recently visiting my parents when I got the dreaded question: I think my Mac has a virus but I thought Macs didn’t get viruses? They were obviously a little concerned and somewhat embarrassed that they could have allowed something to happen to their Mac.

First off: yes, your Mac can get a virus , though it is still somewhat rare. After all, there are far fewer viruses in the wild to attack macOS than Windows, and way more PCs than Macs in the world. But there are Mac attacks in the wild and many of them originate within a web browser.

There are plenty of ways to scan your Mac for viruses and protect it from incoming attacks. Apple even has its own built-in antivirus tech called XProtect that constantly scans for known malware. But even with all that protection, things can get through.

Still, if you’re getting messages popping up on your Mac warning you about a critical virus with scary emoji, it’s probably not a virus. There’s a good chance it’s just an application notification masquerading as a critical system alert.

In the Safari settings, you can turn individual website notifications on and off.

Here’s what happened. While browsing with Safari, my parents either clicked on an ad or were served a pop-up that brought them to the updates-mac.com site. When they got there, another box asked them if they wanted to receive notifications from the site. In a fit of clicking to get away, they somehow clicked “Allow” when asked whether they wanted to receive notifications. That told Safari that it was OK to spam them with scary-looking alerts.

Thankfully there’s an easy fix—head over to the Websites tab in the Safari Settings in the menu bar and deny permission for the site to send alerts under the Notifications tab—but had they clicked the alert, there might not have been. The truth is, these alerts aren’t just designed to annoy, they’re hoping to fool you into clicking the wrong thing or signing into the wrong box and giving access to your accounts or computer.

Apple also has a malware tracker built into macOS called XProtect and is constantly updating the OS to patch any known vulnerabilities. To limit any further damage, you can download an antivirus app , which will protect you from inadvertently installing something malicious and help you get rid of it if something gets through. But for everything else, just check your Safari notifications first.

Author: Michael Simon , Executive Editor

Michael Simon has been covering Apple since the iPod was the iWalk. His obsession with technology goes back to his first PC—the IBM Thinkpad with the lift-up keyboard for swapping out the drive. He's still waiting for that to come back in style tbh.

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Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 192 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview , the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.

The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma , the latest version of macOS that Apple released in September 2023.

The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser . Full release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website .

Apple's aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.

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Top Rated Comments

Safari 17.5 with MacOS 14.5 scored a 14.2, Safari Tech Preview 192 was 13.3, and the latest Google Chrome was 26.8. Uggg....

"and Performance Improvements" Sooooo...at long last, it's the most snappiest Safari we've ever created. You're going to love it

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Charging elephant kills an American woman on 'bucket list trip' in Zambia

An American woman who was on what she had called her "last big trip" was killed when a charging elephant flipped over the car she was traveling in at a national park in Zambia .

The “aggressive” creature buffeted the vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide, tour operator Wilderness said in a statement Tuesday. It said the 79-year-old victim died after Saturday's incident on a game drive at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia.

The company did not name the victim but Rona Wells, her daughter, identified her as Gail Mattson in a post on Facebook. She said her mother died in a “tragic accident while on her dream adventure.”

A video circulating on social media apparently showing the incident shows a large elephant running toward a car, which slows down as the animal approaches its left side. The elephant then flips the vehicle over and the passengers can be heard gasping as the car rolls over.

NBC News does not know the condition or identity of the person who filmed the video.

Photos shared online of the car, which is emblazoned with the logo of the tour operator, show it tipped onto its side after the incident, with a deep dent in two of its side doors.

Wilderness, which describes itself as a “leading conservation and hospitality company” operating in eight African countries, including Zambia, did not respond to NBC News when asked to confirm the authenticity of the video and the photos.

But the tour operator’s CEO, Keith Vincent, said in the statement that the company’s “guides are all extremely well trained and experienced.”

"Sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough,” he added.

Another woman was also injured in the incident and taken to a medical facility in South Africa, the Wilderness statement said, adding that four others were treated for minor injuries.

“It’s extremely rare to see an elephant that irate,” Marlon du Toit, a wildlife photographer and safari guide, told the “TODAY” show Thursday. “Across Africa, there are thousands and thousands of guests on safari on a daily basis with no negative consequences.”

The exact cause of Mattson’s death was unclear, but the company said her body would be repatriated to her family in the United States with the support of local Zambian authorities and the U.S. Embassy in the capital, Lusaka.

“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died,” the statement added.

NBC News has reached out to Mattson's family for further comment.

Kafue National Park is Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, according to its website, and spans an area of more than 8,000 square miles. Vast regions of the park remain unexplored and the website says it is home to a variety of untamed wildlife.

A 'bucket list trip'

Mattson spent her winters in Sun City West, Arizona, playing bridge and cards, but during the rest of the year, she "travels all over the world," her friend Brenda Biggs told NBC News. Biggs and her husband, John Longabauth, became friends with Mattson when they moved to the area 6 ½ years ago.

Longabauth said Mattson spoke to the couple about her upcoming safari trip about two weeks ago, and called it "one of her bucket list trips." He said she was very excited for the adventure.

Before she left, she gave the couple concert tickets for a show that would happen while she was traveling, telling them to enjoy the concert and "I'll see you when I get back," Longabauth recalled of the conversation.

Biggs said Mattson, who was almost 80 years old, told her that the African safari was her "my last big trip." She said Mattson was "super excited because it was like the culmination of all the trips that she had gone on."

An avid traveler, Mattson took to trips to Europe and Asia, Longabauth recalled, noting that she might have been to South America, too.

Biggs called her friend "flamboyant," "friendly" and "fabulous" and said she loved bright colors. Mattson had taken over Biggs’ job as the event planner for their 200-member bridge club, she said.

"Gail was one of the more up people you'd ever want to meet," Longabauth said. "She was always up. She was always optimistic. She was always seeing the good side of everybody."

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.