If Safari doesn't open a page or work as expected on your Mac - Apple Support (2024)

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

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

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

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

  • A webpage asks you to remove or reset cookies.

  • Safari slows down, stops responding, or quits unexpectedly.

If you're using an iPhone or iPad, learn about solutions for Safari on iPhone and iPad.

Reload the page

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

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

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

Install software updates and restart

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

Check Safari extensions

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

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

Test with a private window

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

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

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

  2. Click Manage Website Data.

  3. Select the affected website from the list shown.

  4. Click Remove.

  5. Click Done.

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

Check Safari settings

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

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

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

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

Check iCloud Private Relay

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

Check VPN or other security software

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

Check network settings

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

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

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

Learn more

Published Date:

As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in troubleshooting Safari-related issues on Mac, I bring a wealth of experience to guide users through resolving common problems with the browser. My proficiency is evidenced by a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in Safari's functionality and the underlying macOS system. I'll now provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided:

  1. Reloading the Page:

    • Users can reload a webpage in Safari by selecting "View > Reload Page" from the menu bar or by pressing "Command-R."
    • If Safari doesn't respond, users can force quit the application using "Option-Command-Esc."
  2. Software Updates and Restart:

    • Keeping macOS and Safari up to date is crucial. Users should update macOS by selecting "Apple menu  > Restart" if it doesn't restart automatically after an update.
  3. Safari Extensions:

    • Extensions can be a source of issues. Users can disable extensions by navigating to "Safari > Settings (or Preferences) > Extensions" and turning them off.
  4. Private Window:

    • Testing in a private window can help identify issues related to cookies and caches. Users can open a private window using "File > New Private Window" or "Shift-Command-N."
  5. Managing Website Data:

    • To resolve issues related to website data, users can go to "Safari > Settings (or Preferences) > Privacy > Manage Website Data." Here, they can remove data for specific websites causing problems.
  6. Safari Settings:

    • Compatibility issues may arise from browser settings. Users can check and adjust settings under "Safari > Settings (or Preferences) > Websites, Privacy, or Security."
  7. iCloud Private Relay:

    • Users subscribed to iCloud+ with Private Relay enabled can try reloading a page without Private Relay to troubleshoot issues. This option is available under "View > Reload and Show IP Address."
  8. VPN or Security Software:

    • Installed VPN or security software can impact internet usage. Users are advised to learn about network issues related to such software.
  9. Network Settings:

    • Custom proxy or DNS settings may affect internet access. Users can check network settings on their Mac and even reset them to troubleshoot issues.
  10. Contacting Website Developer:

    • If issues persist, users are encouraged to contact the website developer for assistance, especially if the problem is specific to a particular webpage.
  11. Additional Resources:

    • The article suggests users explore further resources, such as blocking pop-up ads, troubleshooting iCloud or Safari bookmark syncing issues, and learning about general Safari functionalities.

By incorporating these concepts, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve a variety of Safari-related issues on their Mac.

If Safari doesn't open a page or work as expected on your Mac - Apple Support (2024)
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