Safari is the default browser on Mac and is among the most favored choices for users. Mac users appreciate its user-friendly interface and security offerings. However, numerous users have encountered issues with "Safari not working on Mac". Despite Mac's efforts to address problems, some issues still persist.

Safari is not functioning on my Mac, but Chrome is. How can I resolve this issue? From Apple Community

There can be several reasons behind "Safari not working on Mac". It's crucial to understand these causes in order to apply the appropriate fix. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions available to assist users.

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Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Force Quit Safari Go to the Apple menu, choose Force Quit, or press Command + Option + Escape shortcuts...Full steps
Fix 2. Update Safari Go to the Apple menu, select System Settings, also called System Preferences on some macOS...Full steps
Fix 3. Clear Safari Cache From the menu bar, select Safari, choose Settings from the drop-down, and select Advanced...Full steps
Fix 4. Disable Safari Extensions Go to Safari, select Settings or Preferences from the drop-down, and click on Extensions...Full steps
Other Practical Fixes Clean Safari preferences, restart your Mac, or boot it into Safe Mode to fix Safari not working...Full steps

In this article, we will delve into the possible causes and explore potential solutions. Keep reading.

"Safari Not Functioning on Mac: Potential Reasons"

Are you concerned about Safari not functioning properly on your Mac? Well, there can be various reasons behind this issue. Let's explore them.

    • Outdated Safari version: One of the main reasons Safari isn't working on your Mac is an old Safari version. The best solution is to update it as soon as possible.
    • Bugs: Another factor causing Safari to stop functioning is the presence of bugs in the system.
    • Multiple open tabs: If you have numerous tabs open simultaneously in Safari, this issue might occur. Close unnecessary tabs and keep only the ones you need.
    • Malware: A malicious virus attack can harm your system. Install an antivirus software and remove the malware promptly.
    • Old macOS version: Have you not updated your system lately? Try to update your Mac and check if the issue is resolved on macOS Sonoma or macOS Ventura.

If your Mac is running an outdated macOS version, you should upgrade it to ensure compatibility with the latest features of applications installed on your device. If you're unable to update your Mac, this article will provide a solution for you!

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How to Troubleshoot Safari Not Working on Mac

You can employ several solutions to address the issue of Safari not functioning on your Mac. Try these troubleshooting steps:

Solution 1: Force Quit Safari

One of the simplest remedies to address Safari not functioning on your Mac is to forcefully quit it. If you're unable to use the browser, there's no point in keeping it open. Instead, forcibly close Safari, reopen it, and check if the issue has been resolved.

To force quit Safari, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1. Go to the Apple menu.

Step 2. Select the "Force Quit" option.

force quit in Apple menu

Alternatively, you can simultaneously press the force quit shortcut "Command + Option + Escape" keys to forcefully quit the browser. Wait until the Force Quit Applications window appears. Select the "Safari" option from the list and then click on the "Force Quit" button.

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Fix 2: Update Safari

Has it been a while since you last updated Safari? If so, it's crucial to do it immediately. It's essential to realize that for your Mac to function smoothly, all applications and programs must be kept up-to-date. Moreover, using the newest version of Safari helps prevent software bugs from causing issues.

Since Safari is integrated into the macOS, you only need to update the macOS itself. This will also update Safari automatically.

Follow these steps to update Safari: 1. Launch the App Store on your Mac: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select "App Store" from the dropdown menu. 2. Click on the "Updates" tab located in the top navigation bar of the App Store window. 3. The App Store will automatically search for available updates. Look for "Safari" in the list of apps that display updates. 4. If an update is available for Safari, you'll see a "Update" button next to its name. Click on it. 5. A pop-up might appear asking you to confirm the update. Click "Update" or "Update Now" to proceed. 6. Wait for the Safari update to download and install. This process may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. 7. Once the update is complete, you might need to restart Safari for the changes to take effect. You can do this by quitting Safari (either from the File menu, selecting "Quit Safari," or by force-quitting using Command + Option + Escape and choosing Safari from the list). 8. After restarting Safari, it should be up to date with the latest version. To verify, go to "Safari" in the menu bar, then click "About Safari," which will display the current version number. Remember that keeping your software updated is important for security and performance, so make sure to check for updates regularly.

Step 1. Click on the Apple menu.

Step 2. From the dropdown menu, select "System Settings" (on some macOS versions, this is referred to as System Preferences).

Open System Settings on Mac

Step 3. On the left-side settings, click "General," then "Software Update" on the right.

Check for software update on macOS

Step 4. Search for updates. If any are found, select "Update Now."

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Solution 3: Clear Safari Cache

Another reason for Safari not functioning on Mac is an outdated browser cache. This can lead to problems, and the best solution is to clear the cache on your Mac. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1. From the menu bar, choose "Safari."

Step 2. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Open Safari Settings

Step 3. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

Step 4. Check the box that says "Show Develop menu in menu bar."

Show Develop Menu in the menu bar

Step 5. You will notice that the "Develop" option will appear in the menu bar. Proceed to click on "Develop" in the menu bar.

Step 6. From the drop-down menu, select "Empty Caches."

Empty Caches in Safari

This will allow you to easily delete the Safari caches. Now, reopen the browser and check if it's functioning properly.

Please note that you might accidentally delete vital files during this process. If you need to recover deleted cache files on a Mac, choose a dependable recovery software like tools Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

This efficient file recovery tool assists users in restoring data with just a few clicks, including retrieving cache files, recovering deleted Safari history, and restoring Safari bookmarks on Mac. The software is user-friendly and highly acclaimed. Regardless of the reason for data loss, you can recover it using this software. For example:

    • Accidental deletion: The Mac data recovery software can recover permanently deleted files on Mac.
    • System crash: You can use data recovery tools for Mac to retrieve data lost due to macOS crashes.
    • Formatted partition: Formatting a partition erases all data. In such cases, you can use this tool to recover a formatted partition on Mac.
    • Virus attack: Viruses can compromise the entire system and eliminate data. With this software, you can restore all deleted data.

You can follow these steps to recover the accidentally deleted cache or other crucial files: 1. **Stop Using the Device**: As soon as you realize the deletion, stop using the device immediately. This reduces the chances of new data overwriting the deleted cache or files. 2. **Use a Data Recovery Tool**: There are numerous data recovery software options available for both Windows and Mac computers, as well as Android and iOS devices. Some popular ones include Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, and Dr.Fone. Choose a reliable tool and download it onto your computer. 3. **Connect Your Device**: Connect your device (phone or computer) to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure to enable USB debugging on Android devices if prompted. 4. **Launch the Data Recovery Software**: Run the data recovery program you've downloaded. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the scanning process. 5. **Scan for Deleted Files**: Select the drive or storage location where the cache or files were stored before deletion. Initiate a deep scan to search for deleted items. This may take some time depending on the size of the storage. 6. **Preview and Recover Files**: Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Preview the files to ensure they're the ones you need. Then, select the cache files or other essential files and click on the 'Recover' button to save them to a safe location on your computer. 7. **Restore from Backup (if available)**: If you have a backup (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud, or a local backup), you might be able to restore the deleted cache or files directly from there without needing a data recovery tool. Remember, not all deleted files can be recovered, especially if they've been overwritten by new data. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly back up important files to prevent loss.

Note: You can first create a backup of your Mac by clicking "Disk Backup" on the left. The software will then recover the deleted files from the backup image. This helps prevent further damage to your disk and data, making the process safer and more reliable.

Step 1. Choose the location and scan

Launch the "Data Recovery Wizard for Mac" and select the disk from where you lost data. Next, click on "Search for lost files" to initiate the scanning process.

Select a location and click Search for Lost Files

Step 2. Filter and preview lost files

Following the scan, utilize the file format filter located on the left or upper right corner to locate the deleted files you require.

Filter lost files by types

Step 3. Recover Lost Data or Files

You can double-click a file to preview its contents, or select multiple files to recover them all at once. Click "Recover" to restore the lost data to a local or cloud drive.

Click 'Recover' to retrieve lost data

Fix 4: Disable Safari Extensions

Did you know that you can enhance your Safari browsing experience with extensions? However, it can also have a downside if not managed properly. Outdated extensions can lead to browser freezes and crashes.

The ideal solution is to disable the Safari extensions. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1. Click on "Safari" in the menu bar.

Step 2. Choose "Settings" or "Preferences" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3. Next, you need to click on the "Extensions" tab. Here, you will find a list of available extensions.

Step 4. Untick all the boxes and deactivate them.

Disable Safari Extensions

Now, exit Safari and reopen it. If the browser begins functioning properly, you can reactivate the extensions. However, ensure that they are updated to their latest versions.

Solution 5: Clean Safari Preferences

Your Safari not functioning properly on your Mac could also be attributed to incorrect browser settings configuration. In such a case, removing the Safari Preferences file is the recommended solution.

However, if you're unable to close Safari normally, you'll need to force quit it. Once that's done, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open "Finder."

Step 2. Click on the "Go" option and then select "Go to Folder" from the dropdown menu that appears.

Open Go to Folder in macOS

Step 3. Type ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Safari/Data/Library/Preferences and press "Enter" on your keyboard.

Safari browser's Preferences folder on macOS

Step 4. A new window will open. Locate the file named "com.apple.Safari.plist."

Step 5. Right-click on it.

Step 6. Select the "Move to Trash/Move to Bin" option.

Move PLIST to Trash or Bin

Step 7. Restart your system and open "Safari" to check if it's functioning correctly.

Fix 6: Restart your Mac

Another simple solution to fix the Safari not working on Mac issue is to restart your MacBook Pro or Air. Restarting your Mac can resolve a wide range of issues. Give it a try, especially if you haven't restarted the system in a long while.

To restart the system, please follow these steps:

Step 1. Click on the Apple icon.

Step 2. Select the "Restart option" from the dropdown menu.

Restart macOS

Wait until the system restarts and check if the issue continues. If the screen is frozen and you're unable to access the "Restart" option, there's an alternative method. Press the power button and hold it down until your Mac turns off. After a short while, press the power button again to start your Mac.

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Fix 7: Run Safe Mode

If you're having trouble opening Safari, you can attempt to boot your Mac into Safe Mode. To do this, first shut down your system. Wait a few seconds, then power it back on while holding down the Shift key.

When your Mac starts up in Safe Mode, open Safari. If the browser doesn't open as expected, you can attempt the aforementioned solutions. Occasionally, simply starting up in Safe Mode and then exiting it can resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Are you concerned about Safari not functioning properly on your Mac? It's entirely normal to feel anxious, but fret not, as there are numerous solutions you can try. Begin by restarting your system and updating Safari. Additionally, you can clear Safari's cache and preferences.

It's crucial to understand that data loss might occur while implementing these solutions. In such a scenario, you can choose professional data recovery software. Download and install the tool Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. This software facilitates an easy data recovery process, regardless of the reason behind the data loss.

"Safari Not Working on Mac" FAQs

To learn more about Safari not working on a Mac, check out these frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. How do I fix Safari not responding on my Mac? To address Safari not responding on your Mac, try the following steps: 1. **Force Quit**: First, force quit Safari by pressing `Command + Option + Esc` on your keyboard, then select Safari from the list and click "Force Quit." 2. **Relaunch Safari**: After force quitting, restart Safari by clicking its icon in the Dock or using Spotlight (press `Command + Space` and type "Safari"). 3. **Clear Cache**: Clear Safari's cache by going to "Safari" in the menu bar, selecting "Preferences," clicking the "Advanced" tab, and checking "Show Develop menu in menu bar." Then, from the Develop menu, choose "Empty Caches." 4. **Disable Extensions**: Disable Safari extensions to see if they're causing the issue. Go to "Safari" > "Preferences" > "Extensions" and uncheck the boxes next to each extension. 5. **Reset Safari**: In the Safari menu, click "Reset Safari" and confirm by selecting the options you want, such as clearing history, cookies, and cache. 6. **Update Software**: Make sure your Mac and Safari are up to date. Go to "Apple menu" > "System Preferences" > "Software Update" to check for updates. 7. **Reinstall Safari**: If all else fails, reinstall Safari by removing it from your Applications folder and downloading the latest version from the App Store. 8. **Safe Mode**: Boot your Mac in Safe Mode (repeatedly press Shift while starting up) and see if Safari works properly. If it does, gradually enable features until the issue reappears. 9. **Contact Support**: If Safari still doesn't respond, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.

You can choose from several solutions to address Safari not responding on your Mac. For example, try restarting the system to see if the problem is resolved. Other remedies involve clearing Safari's cache and preferences, and running the system in Safe Mode.

2. Why isn't my Safari browser working?

Various reasons can result in your Safari browser malfunctioning. It might be because of an outdated Safari version or an older Mac operating system. Other contributing factors could include software bugs, malware infections, and more.

3. How do I reset Safari on my Mac? To reset Safari on your Mac, follow these steps: 1. **Quit Safari**: First, close Safari by clicking on the "Safari" menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting "Quit Safari." 2. **Clear History and Website Data**: Launch Safari again, then go to "Safari" > "Preferences" (or press `Cmd + ,`). In the Preferences window, click on the "Privacy" tab. There, you'll see a button labeled "Manage Website Data." Click it. 3. **Remove All Website Data**: In the next window, click "Remove All" and then confirm by clicking "Remove Now." This will clear all website data, including cookies and cache. 4. **Reset Safari Settings**: Go back to the Preferences window and click on the "General" tab. Towards the bottom, you'll find an option that says "Reset Safari." Click this button. 5. **Confirm Reset**: A dialog box will appear, listing the items that will be reset. Check the boxes for the settings you want to reset (history, cookies, etc.), and uncheck those you wish to keep. Then click "Reset" to proceed. 6. **Reaunch Safari**: After resetting, launch Safari again. Your browser should now be back to its default settings. Remember that resetting Safari will log you out of websites, clear your browsing history, and remove any custom settings.

To reset Safari on your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1. Select "Preferences" from the Safari menu and go to "Privacy".

Step 2. Click on the "Remove All Website Data" button.

Step 3. A pop-up window will appear, asking if you want to remove the data. Select the "Remove Now" option.

Step 4. Following that, return to the "Advanced" tab. Check the box that says "Show Develop menu in menu bar."

Step 5. Go to "Develop" and select "Empty Caches".

4. Why doesn't Safari connect to the internet? Safari无法连接到互联网可能有多种原因。以下是一些可能的解决方案: 1. **检查网络连接**:确保你的设备已连接到Wi-Fi或蜂窝数据。前往设置 > Wi-Fi(或移动数据)以检查连接状态。 2. **重启设备**:有时候,简单地重启iPhone或iPad可以解决临时的网络问题。 3. **重置网络设置**:进入设置 > 通用 > 重置 > 重置网络设置。这将清除所有网络密码和设置,但需要重新连接Wi-Fi网络。 4. **更新软件**:确保你的设备和Safari浏览器都是最新版本。前往设置 > 通用 > 软件更新来查找可用的更新。 5. **检查飞行模式**:如果飞行模式开启,关闭它以恢复网络连接。滑动控制中心并取消选中“飞行模式”图标。 6. **DNS设置**:尝试更改DNS服务器。进入设置 > Wi-Fi(选择已连接的网络) > 高级 > DNS,然后添加或更改DNS服务器地址。 7. **联系ISP**:如果你在所有应用中都遇到连接问题,可能是互联网服务提供商的问题。联系他们确认是否有服务中断。 8. **还原Safari**:在设置 > 通用 > iPhone(或iPad)管理 > Safari > 删除App,然后从App Store重新下载Safari。 9. **故障排除其他问题**:查看Safari的设置,确保没有阻止任何网站或启用“请勿跟踪”。 如果以上方法都无法解决问题,你可能需要联系Apple支持获取进一步的帮助。

If your Safari is unable to connect to the internet, follow these steps: clear Safari's cache, history, and website data. Additionally, inspect your network settings to identify any potential issues.