How Mac Users Can Solve Safari Browser Issues
Safari is the browser on MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones. It is pre-installed on every Apple device and is extremely efficient and fast.
Apple also updates the browser regularly, which fixes many problems. However, sometimes issues can arise because of misconfiguration, software bugs, or other problems.
This can make the browser unresponsive or stop working. Usually, the problem is sorted if you delete your browsing data and cache, update and get the latest version, restart your system, and remove the extensions.
Here are some of the common problems –
- Safari not responding
- Safari crashing
- Safari not opening
Safari crashing is a common issue. There are many reasons why the browser doesn’t respond and freezes or crashes.
Sometimes, Safari won’t open even after the user resets. The problem could be that you have too much cache and downloads, you haven’t cleaned the history logs for a long time, you have many open tabs, you are using an outdated Safari version or an older macOS version, or you have a plugin or extension that is making Safari crash or freeze.
Here are some common problems with their solutions
The Safari Browser is Crashing
Here are the solutions if your Safari browser is crashing.
Close all tabs—Many users have several tabs open simultaneously. Each window competes for resources, so it is wise to close what you do not need.
- Open your browser. Click File.
- Select Close All Windows.
Add it to the reading list so you can read a page or site later. You can then read the content later offline.
- Move the pointer over the website’s domain name. Click the “+” button, which is on the left side of the field.
Navigate to the sidebar of Safari for your reading list. Click the “Reading Glasses” icon.
Delete Frequently Visited
Those who use Safari regularly will have a Frequently Visited section on the home page. This section is handy because it shows all their interests.
However, it can be a problem if you have to share your Mac with others. You can disable Frequently Visited. You can also remove frequently visited on Safari.
Check for Updates
Apple often releases Safari updates to fix bugs. Updating your software can solve many problems.
To check whether you need an update, select About Safari from the browser menu. The current version you have will be displayed in the window. You should also check whether you have the latest Mac version.
- Click the Apple menu.
- Select About This Mac.
- Click Software Update in the window.
- Now, update your macOS if there is a new update.
Disable Extensions
Extensions are often a great help. However, many don’t receive the regular technical maintenance they deserve.
A faulty extension may crash or cause problems with your browser. If you are facing issues with Safari, turn off all the extensions.
- Open your browser.
- From the menu, choose Preferences.
- Select the Extensions tab.
- Now, uncheck the extension that you want disabled. You can also click Uninstall if you want.
Clear Website Data
Safari stores data in a cache when you visit a new website and loads the site quicker the next time.
Cookies and cache help websites recognize your Mac quickly. However, it may also slow down your browser considerably.
Removing cookies and cache daily is unnecessary to prevent the browser from crashing. But sometimes, it is necessary to clear the data.
To remove cache –
- Open Safari. Go to Preferences from the menu.
- Select Advanced.
- In the menu bar, check Show Develop.
- Select the Develop menu at the top of your screen.
- Choose Empty Cache.
To remove cookies –
- Open Safari. Go to Preferences.
- Select Privacy.
- Click Manage Website Data.
- Choose Remove All.
Safari is Not Responding
Sometimes, your browser may stop responding suddenly. Force quitting may help in this case. Here’s what you should do –
- Choose Safari from the list of apps.
- Click Force Quit. Confirm.
Wait for a minute or two and then re-launch the browser.
Safari Won’t Open
This rarely happens. If you are facing this problem, go to Activity Monitor and see what prevents the launch. Terminate if you see any red-colored processes. You can also do the full reset.
There is no Reset Safari button to make life easier. Use CleanMyMac X to reset the apps on your Mac.
- Download CleanMyMac X free and launch it.
- Click the CleanMyMac X menu.
- Select Preferences.
- Select Uninstaller from the Ignore List tab.
- Uncheck Ignore system application.
- Now, close the Preferences window.
- Return to CleanMyMac X.
- Select Uninstaller.
- Find Safari in the list. Right-click.
- Finally, click “Select Safari. Press Reset.
Delete Safari Preferences Files
Your browser’s preferences file contains information about the default search engine, new tabs, etc. If the data is corrupted, your browser can have an issue, and you may have to delete the files.
- Launch the Finder window on your Mac.
- Press and hold the Option key.
- Select the Go menu.
- From your drop-down menu, select Library.
- Open the Preferences folder.
- Delete the file from this folder.
Safari is a very good and dependable browser, but even the best sometimes malfunctions.
But don’t worry—there is a solution for almost every problem. You may also consider getting a backup. So, install another browser on your Mac. With a second browser, you can visit Google and get the necessary troubleshooting answers.
