Safari User Guide

  • Change your home page
  • Import bookmarks, history and passwords
  • Make Safari your default web browser
  • Go to websites
  • Find what you’re looking for
  • Bookmark web pages that you want to revisit
  • See your favourite websites
  • Use tabs for web pages
  • Pin frequently visited websites
  • Play web videos
  • Mute audio in tabs
  • Pay with Apple Pay
  • Autofill credit card info
  • Autofill contact info
  • Keep a Reading List
  • Hide ads when reading articles
  • Translate a web page
  • Download items from the web
  • Share or post web pages
  • Add passes to Wallet
  • Save part or all of a web page
  • Print or create a PDF of a web page
  • Customise a start page
  • Customise the Safari window
  • Customise settings per website
  • Zoom in on web pages
  • Get extensions
  • Manage cookies and website data
  • Block pop-ups
  • Clear your browsing history
  • Browse privately
  • Autofill username and password info
  • Prevent cross-site tracking
  • View a Privacy Report
  • Change Safari preferences
  • Keyboard and other shortcuts
  • Troubleshooting

can't open safari on mac

If you can’t open a website in Safari on Mac

If you can’t open a website, try these suggestions.

Open Safari for me

It may suggest ways to solve the problem or include information you need to solve it.

Make sure you’re using the correct address for the web page.

If you copied and pasted the address, make sure it doesn’t have extra characters or missing characters at the beginning or end.

If the website requires a VPN connection, make sure it’s functioning properly.

See Connect your Mac to a VPN .

Try entering /index.html or /index.htm at the end of the address.

Choose View > Reload Page.

If the page still won’t open, quit Safari, reopen it, then try again.

Try again at a different time.

The website server may be busy, or the website may be unavailable temporarily.

Contact your network administrator for help.

If you connect to the internet using a corporate or enterprise network, the network may have a firewall that prevents you from opening the web page.

If your computer or network is protected by a firewall, you may need to specify proxy servers to access some internet sites.

See Set up a proxy server using Safari .

Contact the website’s owner to find out if the web server has a problem or if the website is incompatible with Safari.

For example, Safari can’t open a website that uses a protocol other than http or https.

can't open safari on mac

Use the latest version of Safari. See Keep your Mac up to date .

can't open safari on mac

The page might be blocked by a Content Blocker you have installed.

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Technology Simplified.

What to Do if Safari is Not Opening on Mac

By: Waseem Patwegar | Filed Under: Mac

If you Can’t open Safari browser on Mac, the problem might be due to incompatible browser extension or other reasons. You can find below the steps fix the issue of Safari Not Opening on Mac.

What to Do if Safari is Not Opening on Mac

Safari Not Working on Mac

Apple’s Safari browser is specifically designed to run on Mac computers and it usually runs smoothly and does not bother its users.

However, the default Safari browser on Mac can sometimes run into problems and even refuse to start or open a browser window.

You should be able fix the problem of Safari Not Working or Opening on Mac using troubleshooting steps as provided below.

1. Force Quit Safari Browser

Force Quit Safari Browser and see this helps in opening Safari browser on your MacBook.

1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and select Force Quit option in the drop-down menu.

Force Quit Apps on Mac

2. In the pop up, select Safari and click on the Force Quit button.

Force Quit Safari Browser on Mac

After quitting Safari browser, check to see if you can now open Safari browser on your computer.

2. Restart Mac

If you are unable to Launch Safari browser, the problem could be due to stuck programs or services on your Mac.

The simplest way to fix this issue is to Shut Down Mac > Wait for 30 seconds and Restart Mac .

Restarting the Mac also help in clearing network related problems. Hence, it is recommended that you try this fix, before moving to other troubleshooting steps.

3. Install Updates

The only way to update Safari browser on your MacBook is to install available MacOS Updates (if any).

1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and select About This Mac  option in the drop-down menu.

About This Mac Option on Mac

2. Next, click on Software Update and follow the instructions to install the Update (if available).

4. Delete Safari Cache & History Using Finder

If you are unable to Clear Safari Cache & Clear Safari History the usual way, you can also do it from the Finder.

1. Open the Finder > select Go tab in top-menu bar and click on Go to Folder option in the drop-down menu.

Go to Folder Option on Mac

2. In Go to Folder window, type ~/Library/Safari and click on the Go button.

Go to Safari Library Folder on Mac

3. In Safari Folder, right-click on LastSession.plist file and click on Move to Trash . Similarly, move all the files containing History.db in their names to Trash.

Remove Safari LastSession plist file

After removing Safari History and Cache, see if you are able to open Safari browser.

Note: It is safe to remove these files, Safari will once again create these files during your next browsing session.

5. Disable Safari Extensions

Although, Safari browser is not opening, you should be able to see Safari menu bar when you click on Safari icon in the Taskbar.

1. Click on Safari icon in the Taskbar > click on Safari tab in top-menu bar and select Preferences in the drop-down menu.

Open Safari Preferences on Mac

3. On Safari Preferences screen, switch to Extensions tab > Select and Uninstall the Extensions.

Delete Safari Extensions on Mac

If you do want to use Extensions, disable all the Extensions by Unchecking them and try to open Safari browser.

If you cannot open Safari, it confirms that the problem is due to one of the Extensions that you need to identify and remove.

You can do this by enabling the Extensions one-by-one, until you find the one causing the problem.

6. Delete Safari Preferences File

Corrupted files in Safari preferences folder can prevent Safari from opening.

1. Open Finder > click on the Go tab in top-menu bar and select Go to Folder  option in the drop-down menu.

2. In the Go to window, type ~/Library and click on the Go button.

Go to Library Folder on Mac

3. In the Library Folder, open the Preferences Folder > right-click on com.apple.Safari.plist file and click on Move to Trash .

After deleting Safari Preferences File, you should be able to open Safari browser.

  • How to Change Safari File Download Location On Mac
  • How to Enable Develop Menu in Safari on Mac

Home > How to Tips

Safari Not Working on Mac/MacBook, How to Fix?

Updated on Thursday, May 16, 2024

iBoysoft author Connie Yang

Approved by

Safari Not Working on Mac/MacBook? Simple Fixes Are Here

Summary:  Safari not working on Mac? Follow this guide that explains how to troubleshoot Safari that's not working properly on Mac/MacBook Pro. All possible solutions are included.

Safari not working on Mac

As the default search engine on Mac computers, Safari has powerful features. Most Mac users work well with Safari until some recently find it is not working without warning. You may undergo Safari not working on Mac after an update or Safari not responding.

Whatever your specific problem with Safari is, this post can give you a hand. It contains almost all general solutions to troubleshoot the Safari not working on Mac/MacBook issue. Follow the methods in this post and make your Safari browser perform properly again.

Safari not working on Mac, try these solutions

If you are experiencing the Safari not working on MacBook issues, such as not opening because  Safari can't establish a secure connection  to the server or not responding, quitting unexpectedly, running slowly, not loading web pages, online  videos not playing on MacBook , or other problems, you can try the solutions below.

Quick solutions to fix Safari not working on Mac :

Check the network

Force quit safari, restart mac, clear the website data in safari, disable safari extensions, clean up the corrupted safari plist files and database, terminate the processes that may affect safari running, update safari.

It is worth mentioning that the network will affect your access to a website in the Safari browser. If your Safari not working on Mac , you can check if your Wi-Fi is down and reset your network settings.

When Safari is not responding on Mac, you can activate it by force quitting and relaunching it.

  • Click the Apple logo and select Force Quit.

force quit Safari

  • Wait a few seconds and reopen Safari.

Sometimes, the Safari browser that doesn't perform properly on Mac is due to temporary operating system glitches. A restart will  refresh your Mac  and all programs.

To  restart your Mac device , go to the Apple menu > Restart.

Have you ever cleared the Safari browser data? If haven't, that may be the cause of your Safari not working on MacBook well. The accumulated website data will slow down the speed at which Safari loads pages.  

And also, some website data carry viruses that can lead to Safari freezing, crashing, or not responding.

To delete the website data, including cache files, cookies, and history, follow these steps:

Delete Safari cache:

  • Launch Safari and click Safari at the top menu bar. Then, select the Preferences option.

show Develop menu in menu bar

  • Choose Develop at the top Safari menu bar > Empty Caches.

empty Safari caches

Remove cookies and history:

clear Safari history

  • Choose the length of time you want (better choose all history) to clear cookies and other website data in Safari.

Extensions add new features to Safari and simplify your internet experience. But some extensions are auto-added to your Safari. And some of them may make conflicts in Safari when they proceed with tasks or self-maintenance, leading to Safari crashing or sudden quitting.

When that happens, you can disable all the extensions immediately to do troubleshooting.

  • Open Safari and select Safari from the top menu bar > Preferences.
  • Click the Extensions tab.
  • Uncheck the extensions you are unfamiliar with or don't need.

disable Safari extensions

Maybe the corrupted PLIST files or database of Safari result in Safari in a disordered state. You can remove this data to debug your Safari.

  • Open Finder and click Go at the top menu bar.
  • Select Go to Folder from the Go menu.
  • Copy and paste ~/Library/Safari into the box and click Go.
  • Move the LastSession.plist and file names containing "History.db" to Trash.

delete Safari lastsession PLIST file

Then, relaunching Safari can enable it to recreate these PLIST files and history databases automatically. You'll find your unresponsive Safari back to normal now.

If Safari not working on Mac even after the above troubleshooting on it, check if other programs block Safari from normal working. Especially some third-party browsers or the recently installed software.

You can close the running third-party programs and then reopen the Safari app to see if it performs well now.

Apple releases software updates in routine to enhance software performance and fix existing bugs. So, when Safari not working on your MacBook properly, you also need to check if your Safari browser is up-to-date.

Safari is the default software in macOS. That means Safari will be updated along with a  macOS update .

  • Select the Apple logo > About This Mac > Software Update.
  • Click Update Now or Upgrade Now if new versions are available.

Safari won't open on Mac, what to do?

Unfortunately, you may even fail to launch the Safari browser on Mac. In that case, try the three general ways mentioned above - restart your Mac, clear up website data, and update Safari.

If these ways are useless, you can read this post carefully to fix your Safari that's not opening on Mac:  How to Fix Safari Won't Open Issue?

Fix the error Safari can not be opened because of a problem

Some Mac users report that they have received an error message from Safari - Safari can not be opened because of a problem. This error pops up at your every attempt to access Safari.

It is said that this problem is caused by the incompatibility between iTunes 12.8.1 and Safari. And some users give a testified but the temporary solution:

  • Open Finder and select Go from the top Finder menu bar > Go to Folder.
  • Enter /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/ in the pop-up box and click Go.
  • Find and remove the MobileDevice.framework file in the Library folder.

remove the MobileDevice.framework file on Mac

Then you can open Safari again to check if the Safari not working on Mac error is resolved.

How to speed up Safari on Mac

[Proved] 9 Ways to Speed Up Safari on Mac

This article will tell you how to speed up Safari on Mac with nine proven ways and help you get Safari running smoothly on Mac again.  Read more >>

Why is Safari not working on Mac?

Whether your Safari is crashing, not responding, not opening, or has other abnormal performances, the Safari that's not working on Mac is usually caused by:

  • The outdated current Safari version
  • The old macOS
  • Software bugs
  • Too many tabs opened in Safari at once
  • The accumulated cookies, cache, and history logs in Safar
  • The viruses or errors in extensions, plugins, or opened websites

how to fix google drive not working on mac

Google Drive Not Working on Mac [Proven Fixes]

Meet with Google Drive not working on Mac issue? This article will tell you how to fix that problem and explain to you why it occurs in the first place.  Read more >>

Connie Yang is the primary columnist in the computer field at iBoysoft. She is enthusiastic about sharing tech tutorials on data recovery and operating system-related problems resolution. Over the years, Connie has published many computer-related guides and introductory articles.

Jessica Shee is a senior tech editor at iBoysoft. Throughout her 4 years of experience, Jessica has written many informative and instructional articles in data recovery, data security, and disk management to help a lot of readers secure their important documents and take the best advantage of their devices.

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Top 8 Ways to Fix Safari Not Loading Websites and Pages on Mac

Thanks to the groundbreaking Apple M1 chip , the popularity of the Mac lineup is rising to new heights. On macOS, most users stick with what comes out of the box and that includes the Safari browser. While it gets the job done with a nice look and a good set of extension lists, sometimes, you run into websites not loading issues on the Safari browser. Mac not loading websites and pages mostly happens on Safari browser, sometimes due to Webkit. Before you go ahead and download Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for macOS, do check out the troubleshooting guide below to fix the issue. 

Fix Safari on Mac Not Loading Websites Issue

There are many factors behind the strange behavior. We will go through some of the basic steps and jump to extreme actions only if it doesn’t solve the issue. 

1. Check Internet Connection

This one is obvious. You should check if the Mac is properly connected to the internet. A sketchy internet connection might interfere with the website loading performance. It’s especially true when you try to load heavy web pages with lots of images and videos in Safari. 

internet connection not working on mac

Go to the macOS menu bar and click on the Wi-Fi icon. Make sure that it’s connected to the 5G network and not the 2.4G. I usually face this issue on my MacBook Air. Every now and then, my MacBook Air decides to connect to the 2.4G band and not the 5G band. The practice results in extremely long webpage loading times. 

2. Reset Router

Sometimes, the real culprit can be the router that you are using for the Wi-Fi connection. In such cases, you won’t be able to connect to the internet on any device, let alone loading websites on the Mac. 

reset router to load websites in mac

In such cases, you need to reset the router or upgrade the firmware to the latest version available. Try connecting to the internet and browse the web comfortably.

3. Disable Extensions

Extensions play a major role in any browser’s ecosystem. The Safari browser is no exception here. Apple tightly controls the whole experience and only allows legitimate extensions from the App Store. 

However, some extensions might go out of date or become incompatible with the new macOS version resulting in Safari not loading websites on Mac. 

It can be hard to determine which extension is causing Safari to not load pages. In such cases, you need to disable all extensions and try your luck with the web browser again. Follow the steps below. 

1. Open the Safari browser. 

2. Click on the Safari option in the Menu bar. 

3. Go to Preferences . 

safari preferences menu on macOS

4. Move to the Extensions menu. 

5. On the right side, you will find all the installed extensions. 

disable safari extensions on macOS

6. Select an extension one by one and use the Uninstall button from the right side to remove them. 

4. Uninstall AdBlocker

No, I’m not talking about the Adblocker extension in a browser . Many users opt for a system-wide adblocker such as AdLock to remove any kind of ads from the OS. 

These programs might affect the webpage performance on the device. If you are using such software then you need to uninstall the program.

Open the Finder menu on Mac. Go to the Applications option. Identify the culprit app and move it to the Trash . 

5. Disable VPN

VPN apps allow you to establish a secure and private network connection . Some websites might not be accessible from the selected VPN location. You need to disable VPN and try the website loading again. 

quit vpn on mac

Most VPN apps for Mac offer a shortcut through the menu bar. Click on the VPN icon in the menu bar and turn off the service. 

6. Clear Cache

A bad cache can ruin the day. It’s always advisable to clear cache and cookies from the browser at a regular interval. We are going to apply the same trick here to fix the website not loading issue on the Mac. Go through the steps below. 

clear history in safari on mac

3. Go to the Clear History menu. 

4. The following menu will offer to delete all the browsing history along with cookies and related website data. 

clear cache on safari in mac

7. Update macOS

Safari not loading pages issue might be due to the recent macOS bug. Thankfully, Apple is quick to fix such annoyances. Go to the System Preferences > Software Update and install the latest macOS build. 

update macos

8. Switch to a Chromium Browser

Chromium is a universally accepted rendering engine. Some websites are specifically designed keeping Chromium in mind. The Safari browser uses a Webkit rendering engine to load web pages. You can switch to the Safari rival such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge and try accessing the website again. 

Wrap Up: Safari in Mac Not Loading Websites

Go through the troubleshooting tips above and one of them should easily fix the website not loading on Mac issue. For me, the cache and VPN tricks work all the time to fix the website loading issues on Safari.

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Parth previously worked at EOTO.tech covering tech news. He is currently freelancing at TechWiser, Android Police, and GuidingTech writing about apps comparisons, tutorials, software tips and tricks, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

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Safari Won’t Open On Mac, Fix

can't open safari on mac

This article explains how you can fix when Safari won’t open on your Mac. Several users have reported this issue. The problem is that Safari won’t load or start a window. And when this problem occurs, the spinning beach ball (or spinning wait cursor) is displayed because Safari cannot handle whatever happening, indicating Safari is unresponsive.

Safari

If you are having this problem, please try each step below until you resolve your problem.

Before you try anything, quit Safari and then try again. If Safari is unresponsive, the best way to quit is to right-click (control-click) the Safari icon in the Dock. Then select Quit.

This article explains what you can do if Safari won’t open at all. See this article instead, if Safari opens but won’t load a site .

See also: Safari kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork Error, Blank Page Fix

If quitting does not work, try force-quitting Safari and then try again if that fixes your problem before going on to the next. You can do so by clicking the Apple menu, Force Quit, and Safari.

See this article if Chrome won’t open .

Clear your history, cookies, and website data

On your Mac, open safari and go to History > Clear History and clear your history. Then, in Safari still, click Safari, Preferences, Privacy and Manage Web Site Data. Then click Remove all.

Check for updates

Make sure that your Mac has the latest version of the macOS software. To update your Mac , click the Apple menu, System Preferences, and Software Update. And if there is an update available, follow the onscreen instructions.  Updating your software will also update Safari to the latest version.

Restart your Mac

Restart your Mac. Restarting may help you resolve your problem. To restart your Mac, click the Apple menu and then select Restart.

Restart your Mac in Safe Mode . Safe mode does certain checks and may resolve your problem. Here is how you can do this:

  • Turn off your Mac.
  • Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  • Release the Shift key when you see the login screen. And login (you may have to log in a few times).
  • Now your computer is in Safe Mode . Test Safari in Safe Mode too.
  • In either case, exit Safe Mode by restarting your Mac normally without pressing the Shift key.
  • And then test Safari again if you can open it.

Manage your extensions

A Safari extension may cause this problem. You can easily figure out if this is the case by turning off extensions. Here is how:

  • Open Safari, I know it is not opening but you will see the Safari menu bar.
  • In the Safari app, click Safari > Preferences.
  • Click the Extensions tab.
  • And turn off all extensions by deselecting the checkboxes “Enable… extension.”
  • Now try to open Safari. Does it load? If you can now open Safari without any issue, then one of your extensions is causing this problem. Enable one extension at a time until you find the extension that is causing this issue.
  • You can also try updating your extensions by clicking Updates in the lower-left corner.

Delete Safari preference files

Your problem may be caused by a corrupt preference file. Deleting may resolve your problem. Here is how:

  • Open a Finder window and press and hold the Option key, while holding the Option key, click Go and then Library.
  • Click Preferences.
  • Find the com.apple.Safari.plist file. And delete this file by dragging it to the Trash.
  • Then go back to the Preferences folder.
  • Find and click the Caches folder.
  • And find and delete the com.apple.Safari folder.
  • Then again go back to the Preferences folder.
  • Find and click the Containers file.

If you are still having this issue, you may want to reset Safari . If this also does not help you, you may want to reinstall macOS .

See also: Safari won’t open YouTube .

can't open safari on mac

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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“I know it’s not opening, but you will see the Safari menu”–yes, seeing is all you can do. What a useless guide, have you ever had this happen? YOU CANNOT CLICK THE EXTENSIONS TAB WEB WHEN YOU HAVE A SPINNING DISK, MY DUDE.

I can’t open Safari at all. No spinning beachball, nothing. First try bounces the Safari icon in the Dock, subsequent tries don’t even do that. Yes, I have previously restarted the Mac.

I deleted the com.apple.Safari.plist and com.apple.Safari folder, but the com.apple.Safari folder in the Containers directory was not present.

The problem is “Safari won’t open on a Mac”. The first solution is “Open Safari on your Mac”.

Who is running this site??

So what is “Go”??

I’m not sure which of the ‘Delete Safari preference files’ substeps worked, but something did! I haven’t been able to use Safari for over 6 months! I’ve been on numerous calls with Apple support and I’ve even reinstalled macOS, but somehow, only this guide worked. Thank you so much Serhat!

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Home » Mac » Different Ways to Fix the “Safari Can’t Open Page” Error on Mac

Different Ways to Fix the “Safari Can’t Open Page” Error on Mac

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  macOS Big Sur  brought a significant overhaul to Safari, making it faster and more flexible with extensions. This update allows Safari to compete with major browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

However, have you tried opening a webpage only to be greeted by the “Safari Can’t Open Page” error on Mac? This error message usually stops you from browsing your desired website because it won’t load the page at all.

There are various reasons why you’re seeing this error, from something as trivial as incorrect URL to complicated proxy issues. So, if you suddenly see the Safari error “Safari Can’t Open Page” when trying to browse a page, this article should help you access it successfully and resolve this Mac error .

What You Need to Know About the Mac Error “Safari Can’t Open Page”

The “Safari Can’t Open Page” error on Mac is not a new problem. It has been around since Safari was introduced way back in 2003.

Pro Tip: Scan your Mac for performance issues, junk files, harmful apps, and security threats that can cause system issues or slow performance.

Special offer. About Outbyte , uninstall instructions , EULA , Privacy Policy .

You’ll also come across different error messages, such as:

  • Safari can’t open page because it can’t establish a secure connection to the server.
  • Safari can’t open page because the server unexpectedly dropped the connection. This sometimes occurs when the server is busy. Wait for a few minutes, and then try again.
  • Safari can’t open page. The error is: “unknown error” (NSURLErrorDomain:-1)
  • Safari can’t open page. The error is: “The operation couldn’t be completed.”
  • Safari can’t open page because the server stopped responding.
  • Safari can’t open page because the address is invalid.
  • Safari can’t open page because the certificate is invalid or expired.

There are many variations to this error message, but the end result is the same: you won’t be able to access the webpage you want to visit.

You might think, “So, what? It’s not a big deal because I can always find another webpage to access the information I want.” However, what if this happens to your online banking website or a form that you are trying to fill out? That’s going to be a huge problem.

What Causes the Safari Error “Safari Can’t Open Page”?

As mentioned earlier, there are various reasons why you can’t open a webpage on Safari, and here’s a list of them:

If you are trying to access a URL that is not complete, misspelled, or has an error somewhere, then this error message will appear. You need to double-check the URL to make sure you’re typing the correct address.

Corrupted Cache

The cache is a temporary storage where information about the websites you visited is saved. Safari accesses this cache to load your websites quickly. When the cache is corrupted, it can trigger issues on your browser.

Incorrect DNS Settings

Domain Name Servers or DNS usually works properly with your ISP to serve you the website you want to visit. However, if there are any issues with your DNS settings, you might not be able to connect to the Internet and visit your desired URL.

Network Connection Problems

Any issues with your Internet connection, whether slow or unstable, will cause you to receive the “Safari Can’t Open Page” error on Mac.

Safari Glitches

Sometimes Safari malfunctions because of a temporary bug or glitch in the system. The only solution to this problem is to restart your Safari browser .

Restricted VPN Connection

Are you using a VPN to access websites not available in your region? If so, the website administrator might have detected this and blocked your access.

How to Resolve the Mac Error “Safari Can’t Open Page”

Fix #1: check your internet connection.

The first thing you need to do is check your Internet connection and make sure that it is active and enabled. This does not only apply to your Mac, but other devices which use Safari, including your iPhone and iPad.

If your device is not connected to the Internet or you are experiencing poor Wi-Fi signal, encountering the Safari error “Safari Can’t Open Page” is not surprising. You’ll also notice that this issue pops up no matter what URL you visit.

Confirm that your Internet connection is active and functioning by opening other services such as Mail, Skype , or other browsers . If your Internet connection is down, switching to a different network or connecting via cable will easily resolve this error.

Fix #2: Check the URL

If you are typing the web address from an image or copying it from a non-clickable app, double-check the spelling and other elements of the web address. A single extra dot or typo will prevent the webpage from loading. So, you should confirm that there is no mistake in the URL. It would be better if you can copy-paste the URL to the address bar instead of typing it manually.

Fix #3: Reload the Web Page

If the error is caused by a temporary glitch in Safari, refreshing the web page should do the trick. This is the case if the connection was interrupted for one reason or another.

To reload the page, simply click the refresh button which looks like a circular arrow located beside the address URL bar. You can also do a force-refresh without the cache by holding down the Option button on the keyboard.

Fix #4: Reload Safari

If reloading the web page does not work, you should quit Safari completely, then relaunch it to see if you are now able to access the URL.

Fix #5: Change Your DNS Settings

If you’re having trouble with the DNS servers of your Internet service provider, you can choose to use a public DNS instead. Your best option is to use Google DNS servers.

To do this:

  • Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences.
  • Choose Network > Advanced.
  • Click on the DNS tab at the top.
  • Click on the + button to add a new DNS server.
  • Add the value for the Google DNS server (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
  • Hit OK > Apply.
  • Reload Safari and try again.

Fix #6: Delete Browser Cache and Site Data

Old cached data on your Safari browser can sometimes prevent you from accessing certain websites. What’s more, it can trigger the “Safari Can’t Open Page” error on Mac. You need to delete the browser cache and site data to remedy this issue.

To empty browser data on Mac, click Safari from the top menu, then choose Preferences > Privacy > Remove all website data. Confirm that you want to delete website data. Remember that clearing caches, cookies, and website data on Safari means that you will have to login again to the websites you previously visited.

You might find it helpful to clear old cache files on your Mac. Software such as Mac repair app can assist in removing potentially disruptive junk files, contributing to smoother app operations, including Safari.

Fix #7: Update Safari

Another reason why you might be having problems accessing certain websites is because your version of Safari is outdated. Check for any available Safari updates in the Mac App Store and install them on your Mac.

The error “Safari Can’t Open Page” is a common issue for Safari users on Mac. However, the solutions provided above are typically effective in resolving this quickly. If they don’t work at all, you can then use a different browser and see if the webpage you are trying to access loads successfully.

i cannot get anything to open up on my imac computer now. its telling me the server isnt responding

How to Fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error (6 Solutions)

When you’re browsing the web, the last thing you want is to run into an error message. If you’re a macOS user, one of the issues you might come across is: “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” error.

While it may seem intimidating at first, this is a relatively common problem with a few simple solutions. All it usually takes is a little bit of troubleshooting before you’re able to effectively (and safely) access the site.

This post will explain what this Safari error message is and some of its common causes. Then we’ll provide you with six easy ways to fix the problem.

Let’s get started!

What’s the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error?

Some of the best features of Mac devices are their built-in security settings . Apple has created an experience designed to keep you and your device safe, especially while browsing the web.

This is why its native browser, Safari, will sometimes prevent you from accessing a website that it doesn’t deem as secure. When this happens, you’ll likely see an error message that says, “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server.”

A screenshot of the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” error.

The specific wording of the error may vary. For example, as you can see in the image above, you might also come across a notification letting you know that “Safari Can’t Open the Page.”

In a nutshell, this error message means that the browser doesn’t trust the encrypted data on the site. Alternatively, Safari could not access and verify the information successfully. For example, this might happen when a site doesn’t have a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate  properly configured.

Using SSL and Secure Shell Access (SSH)  is critical for websites today. This is especially true when you have a site that handles sensitive customer data, such as a WooCommerce store .

However, if you know the site that you’re accessing is secure, the problem is likely with Safari. Many people experience this error message when accessing popular websites, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Google.

What Causes “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error?

There are many different reasons you might be seeing this error message. As we mentioned, the main explanation is that Safari can’t verify that the website you’re trying to access is secure enough to protect your data.

However, it’s essential to understand  why it deems the site unsecured to know how to resolve it. Sometimes, you may not know what the culprit is until you try troubleshooting it.

With that said, there are a handful of common causes behind the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” message. For example, the issue may be attributed to a third-party extension or add-on you have installed on your browser. It could be something as simple as having outdated cache data. However, it could be a more complicated problem, such as the Internet Protocol (IP) version you’re using.

How To Fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error (6 Solutions)

Now that we understand more about the issue and its potential causes, it’s time to look at how to fix it. Below are six solutions you can use to resolve the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” error.

1. Clear Your Browser Data

When you visit websites, Safari will store some of the information in the browser cache and cookies. If this data includes outdated details relating to the site’s SSL or encryption , it can be the reason you see the error message.

Therefore, one of the quickest and simplest methods you can use to resolve this error is to clear your browser cache . To do that in Safari, you can start by opening up the browser.

Next, click on Preferences  > Privacy , then select Remove All Website Data .

Clearing the browser cache in Safari.

After it finishes loading (it may take a minute or two), you can decide which websites to clear the data from. For example, you can select them all or simply the one you’re having trouble accessing.

When done, click on the Done  button at the bottom of the screen.

Next, to clear your entire browsing history, you can navigate to  Safari  > History  > Clear History .

Clearing your entire browsing history in Safari.

When finished, try revisiting the site that was showing the error message. If it’s still there, you can move on to the next solution.

2. Check Your Device’s Date and Time

While it may seem odd, sometimes having the incorrect date and time on your Mac device can cause some issues within Safari. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that yours is set to the correct time zone and date.

To get started, you can click on the Apple icon, then navigate to System Preferences  > Date & Time .

Find the date and time option in preferences

From here, you can verify that you’re using the right date and time.

Verify you are using the right date and time.

Under the  Time Zone tab, you can also enable your device to sync to your current location automatically. When you’re done, you can exit the window and try re-accessing the site.

3. Change Your DNS Settings

If the error is still there, you might want to check out your Domain Name Server (DNS)  settings. In a nutshell, your DNS acts like a phonebook that allows devices and sites to reach each other. Safari uses your DNS settings to connect to websites.

If there are issues with your DNS settings, it might be why you see the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” message. To see if this is the case (and resolve it), you can try changing your DNS addresses. For example, you could use Google’s Public DNS.

To get started, browse to Apple  >  System Preferences  > Network .

Find the network option in preferences

From this window, select your connection, then click on the Advanced tab, followed by DNS . Next, click on the (+) icon next to IPv4 or IPv6 addresses .

Click on the DNS tab

Then you can enter the new DNS IP addresses. For example, if you want to use Google’s Public DNS, you can enter “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4”.

Enter the new DNS IP addresses.

When you’re finished, click on the OK  button. Recheck the website to see if this process removed the error message.

4. Uninstall or Disable Your Browser Extensions

As we mentioned earlier, an extension or add-on in your browser may be conflicting with Safari’s ability to connect to a site securely. Sometimes, this is common with anti-virus programs and security-related extensions.

Therefore, the next step is to try deactivating all your browser extensions. To do this, you can open Safari, then navigate to Preferences  and click on the Extensions  tab.

Try disabling browser extensions

A list of your extensions will display in the left column. You can click on the checkmark next to the add-on name to disable it.

Once you’re done, try revisiting the site. If this solves the problem, you’ll need to pinpoint which extension was to blame. You can do this by systematically enabling each add-on and visiting the site after each time.

5. Disable IPv6

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that controls how data moves across the internet. IPv6 is a newer protocol version. However, some websites still use the older version, IPv4. If this is the case, it might be why you’re running into the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” message.

Therefore, you can try disabling IPv6 on your network. To do so, navigate to System Preferences > Network once again, then click on your network connection, followed by the Advanced  button.

Under the TC P/IP tab, click on the dropdown menu under  Configure IPv6  and select Manually .

Configure IPv6 and select Manually

When you’re done, click on the OK button. This should resolve the issue if IPv6 were the problem. If not, there’s one last solution you can try.

6. Make Sure Keychain Trusts the Certificate

Earlier, we mentioned how Safari could sometimes present the connection error message if it cannot verify the validity of the site’s SSL certificate. If this is the case, you can bypass the issue by configuring settings in your macOS’s Keychain Access app.

Keychain Access is the application that stores your passwords , account details, and application certificates. It keeps your data secure and can control which sites are trusted by your device. As such, you can tell it to accept a site’s SSL certificate moving forward.

To do this, you can go to the website showing the error message, then click on the lock icon to the left of the address bar, followed by View/Show Certificate  > Details .

Check if Keychain trusts the certificate in preferences

With the Details panel expanded, click Control + Space Bar . A Spotlight Search bar will appear in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Enter “Keychain” in the search field.

Next, on the left, click on System Roots . Search for the website’s certificate. Once you locate it, go to the Trust section. Then click on the dropdown menu next to When using this certificate section  and select Always trust :

Select the Always Trust option under certificates

That’s it! You should now be able to access the site successfully.

Trying to access a website only to be met with an error message can be highly frustrating. While Safari is simply trying to keep your data protected, sometimes it can get misconfigured. In this case, the browser may unnecessarily present a security notification such as “Safari can’t establish a secure connection.”

There are six methods you can use to fix this issue when it happens:

  • Clear your browser data, including the cache and cookies.
  • Check your device’s data and time.
  • Change your DNS settings.
  • Uninstall or disable your browser extensions and add-ons.
  • Disable IPv6.
  • Make sure Keychain trusts the SSL certificate.

Do you have any questions about fixing the Safari secure connection issue? Let us know in the comments section below!

can't open safari on mac

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Tried as much of this as possible, and Safari still doesn’t work. Couldn’t try some things, because I’m running it on a PC, and not on a Mac.

However, I am able to access all sites with FireFox, so teh problem does seem to be with Safari. Too bad.

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Thank you so much!!! My date was wrong and it fixed the issue thank u ❤️👍

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I tried all six of the fixes you offered. All seemed to work – except I did not fully grasp the extensions one. Also cannot get to the lock on the website I’m trying to open (gov.uk) because that website won’t open so no lock is shown.

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Fixing date and time worked for me

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Great information. I went through every step and got to the SSl certificate section. There is no certificate for the site I’m attempting to visit. Safari will not allow me to visit many sites. So it isn’t just the one site.

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Can’t Open a PDF in Safari? Here's How to Fix That

There are a few ways to fix Safari if it refuses to open PDFs from the websites you visit. Luckily, every option is quick and easy to follow.

You’ve clicked on a link that should open a PDF in Safari. The link goes through, but you can’t see the PDF—there’s just a gray background.

You can Control-click on the PDF, and your Mac says there’s a PDF there, but you just can’t see it. Refreshing the page doesn’t fix anything, nor does restarting Safari.

I’ve been in this unusual situation before, and I can help you fix it. Read on to see how to view a PDF that Safari won’t open, and how to fix Safari so other PDFs will be visible in the future.

The Quick Fixes

If you can’t see or load a PDF in Safari, one of the easiest fixes is to stop using Safari to try to view the PDF. This means copying the PDF’s URL from Safari and pasting it into another browser, like Chrome or Microsoft Edge ( Edge works very well on Macs , for the record).

If you don’t want to open another browser though, you do have another option.

If you can Control-click on the PDF to download it or click the download button available for the PDF in the Safari window, do so. You can then open and view the PDF in Preview or your preferred PDF-viewing Preview alternative . You can drag the PDF into the Trash if you don’t end up needing it after you read it. And if you do need it in the future, you’ve already downloaded it!

These options work well, but maybe you really just want to be able to open PDFs in Safari. There are ways to do that, too, which we’ll go over in the next section.

How to Get Safari to View PDFs Again

The first place to check when you can’t view PDFs in Safari is your Safari plug-ins or extensions. It’s possible one of them is hiding the PDF from you or affecting Safari in a negative way.

To access your Safari plug-ins or extensions, open Safari > Preferences and then head to the Websites tab. Scroll down the menu on your left, and you should find the Plug-ins or Extensions headings.

Click on any plug-in in this list to see a list of current websites and whether that plug-in is working on the website where you have the PDF open. If it is, set the drop-down menu beside it to Off . Then refresh the PDF, and see if it’s visible.

With extensions, set their drop-down menus to Deny to prevent them from working. Though, if an extension is the root of the problem, it might be worth updating or removing the extension entirely to see if that improves your PDF visibility issues.

But what if you don’t have any plug-ins or extensions in your Safari preferences? Or you’ve demonstrated that they’re not the issue with seeing PDFs in Safari? The problem-causing plug-in might be hidden away in your Mac Library instead.

Specifically, the AdobePDFViewer plug-ins are likely to be the root of your problem. To find these plugins and remove them, so PDFs become visible in Safari again, head to Finder > Go > Go to Folder .

In the search window that appears, type in or copy and paste /Library/Internet Plug-ins . Locate and select all files with AdobePDFViewer in the name in the Internet Plug-Ins Finder window, and drag them into your Trash.

Your Mac may prompt you to input your password or use Touch ID to confirm you want to move these plug-ins. Do whichever you want to ensure those files go into your Trash.

Refresh the Safari window where you’re trying to view a PDF. The PDF should now be visible to you!

Different Safari PDF Visibility Fixes for Different Moments

I was very excited to find several solutions to the invisible PDF problem in Safari, and I hope my findings can help you out too.

Whether you’re happy opening PDFs in non-Safari browsers to save time or are eager to delve into your Mac’s library to improve your workflow in Safari over the long term, the tips above will help you view PDFs online when you need them.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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How to Clear Your Browser’s Cache, and Why You Should

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Every web browser has what's called a cache: a temporary storage space for web pages that syncs online content to your computer or mobile device. This syncing is designed to help websites load up faster and put less strain on your internet bandwidth.

It's a good idea, and it works well most of the time, which is why every browser does it. However, it can cause problems. By its very nature, cached content can fall out of date. Browsers will try to ensure this doesn't happen, but it can, and that might mean you're looking at information, links, and images that are no longer accurate or relevant.

What's more, discrepancies between cached content and what's actually on the internet can also cause all kinds of weird bugs, like pages not loading properly or web apps not functioning.

Cached content can also represent a security vulnerability. Data stored on your computer about the websites you've visited can tell a story of your online activity—and while it would require physical access to your computer and a skilled hacker to find it, it's a possibility.

For all these reasons, you might want to regularly clear out cached pages. Clearing the cache effectively resets the browser's relationship to the webpage, and it can often fix problems with a site.

Note that cached files are different than cookies . Cookies are bits of information saved by websites that tell them details about who you are and where you're located—so you don't have to log in every time you visit Gmail, for example. The cache holds different information, like images and page furniture.

There are reasons to clear your browser's cookies too, but we're going to focus on the cache here. This is how to do the job no matter what browser you're using.

Google Chrome

Screenshot of Chrome

Clearing the cache in Google Chrome.

In Chrome on the desktop, click the three dots (top right), then Settings . Open up the Privacy and security tab, click Clear browsing data , and then select Cached images and files under the Basic tab.

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The drop-down menu up at the top lets you choose the time range for the cache clear out—anything from the last hour to all time. (You'll be shown how much data is in the cache in each case.) When you're ready, click Clear data to confirm the action.

It's a similar process if you're using Chrome for Android or iOS. Tap the three dots (top right on Android, bottom right on iOS), then Settings and Privacy and security . Choose Clear browsing data to find the Cached images and files option.

Mozilla Firefox

Screenshot of Firefox

Emptying the cache in Firefox takes a couple of clicks.

Over on Firefox for the desktop, click the menu button (three horizontal lines, top right), then choose Settings . The options you need can be found on the Privacy & Security tab by clicking on Clear Data .

The next tab shows you how much data is stored in the cache, which here is referred to as Cached Web Content . Make sure this checkbox is selected, then click Clear to wipe everything currently in the cache.

With Firefox on mobile, the menu button is the three dots up in the top right corner (Android) or the three lines in the bottom right corner (iOS). Tap this button and Settings , then Delete browsing data (Android) or Data Management (iOS) to clear the cache.

Microsoft Edge

Screenshot of Edge

Edge will tell you how much data is in the cache.

If Edge is your browser of choice, on the desktop you click the three dots (top right), then Settings , and then open up the Privacy, search, and services tab. Click Choose what to clear next to Clear browsing data now .

Make sure the option for Cached images and files is checked on the next dialog, and choose the time range you want covered in the drop-down menu (from Last hour to All time ). Click Clear now to confirm and empty the cache.

If you're using Edge on Android or iOS, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, then Settings , then Privacy and security , and Clear browsing data . You'll see the Cached images and files checkbox on the next screen.

Apple Safari

Screenshot of Safari

Safari deals with the cache and cookies together.

When it comes to Safari on macOS, you don't get quite as much control: Cached data and cookies are combined together in one pile, so you have to clear both or neither. Pick Settings from the Safari menu, open the Privacy tab, and click Manage Website Data .

All of the sites that have stored data on your computer are listed, together with the type of data—cache, cookies, or both. Select a website and click Remove to delete the data for that website; to wipe all local data from all websites, click Remove All .

For Safari on iOS and iPadOS, open the main Settings screen, then tap Safari , Advanced , and Website Data . Tap Remove All Website Data to erase everything, or choose Edit then tap the red delete button next to a site to wipe the cookies and cache for that specific site.

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Why Won’t Safari Open A PDF?

Safari has a built-in PDF reader that lets you open PDF online without downloading . However, why can’t Safari open PDF on your Mac or iPhone? Here are some possible reasons.

❌ The browser is not updated. Outdated Safari may not work properly, so the PDF is not displayed as expected.

❌ Extension conflict. Safari uses built-in support or plug-ins to open PDFs, but when they conflict, you will encounter the “PDF will not open in Safari” issue.

❌ The PDF is corrtuped. Safari cannot open a corrupted or damaged PDF file.

❌ Incorrect settings. Maybe it's because Safari is set to automatically download PDFs instead of opening them.

❌ Cache and cookies. The corrupted cached data may also prevent you from opening the PDF in Safari.

Next, I’ll show you how to fix Safari can’t open PDF issue on Mac and iPhone.

Part 1. Fix Safari Can’t Open PDF on Mac

Usually, when you click on a PDF link, Safari opens the file in a new tab and does not download it. You can see the controls by moving the pointer to the bottom center of the window. If the PDF will not open in Safari, try these methods.

Fix 1. Try Another Browser/URL

The first thing you can do is to confirm whether something is wrong with the PDF.

  • Maybe the PDF is damaged, so the PDF will not open in Safari. Try accessing other PDF files and see if the problem still exists.
  • All major browsers have built-in PDF readers, so you can copy and paste the PDF URL into Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to see if they will open it.

Fix 2. Update Safari

Please make sure you have installed the latest version of Safari. Since it is the default browser for Mac, you need to update macOS to update Safari.

  • Click the Apple icon in the top left corner.
  • Go to System Settings > General > Software Update .
  • Wait for a while > Click Upgrade Now and enter the password.

Update Safari

Fix 3. Check Safari Settings

Safari opens PDF instead of downloading. The issue could happen when you have turned off the viewing feature. You can go to Safari preferences to uncheck the Open “safe” files after downloading option.

Safari Settings

Fix 4. Disable Extensions

Some extensions may prevent Safari from opening the PDF. If you have installed some plug-ins, you can temporarily disable them and refresh the page to see if you can successfully open the file.

How to disable extensions: open Safari > go to Preferences > Extensions and turn them off.

Fix 5. Delete AdobePDFViewer Plug-ins

The built-in viewer and Adobe reader plug-in conflict may cause the Safari can't open PDF problem. To solve the problem, follow the steps below.

  • Go to Finder > Choose Go > Select Go to Folder .
  • Copy and paste /Library/Internet Plug-ins into the box > Click Go to confirm.
  • Find all files with AdobePDFViewer in their names and drag them to the Trash .

Delete AdobePDFViewer Plug-ins

  • Refresh the Safari and see if you can display the PDF.

Fix 6. Clear Website Data

  • Click the Safari icon in the top left corner > Click Settings > Choose Privacy .
  • Select Manage Website Data .
  • Choose Remove All .

Clear Website Data

Part 2. Fix Safari Can’t Open PDF on iPhone

If you're having trouble opening PDF files in Safari on your iPhone, here are a few steps you can take to try to fix the problem:

Fix 1. Try A Different PDF

Safari can’t open a corrupted PDF file. You can try to see if you can open other PDF links. If it can, then it's not a Safari problem. If the problem still exists, then move on to the following methods.

Fix 2. Disable Content Blockers

The content blocker can block PDFs. If you have installed one, you can temporarily turn it off to see if you can open the PDF. Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions to make it.

Disable Extensions

Fix 3. Restart iPhone

The can’t open PDF in Safari on iPhone issue may be casued by glitches. A force restart will help refresh your phone and troubleshoot any glitches!

  • Press and quickly release the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons in turn.
  • Long press the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

Restart iPhone

Fix 4. Clean Cache and History

Clearing cache and history helps to solve the loading problem. So when the PDF will not open in Safari on iPhone, you can try to clear the website data.

Open Settings app > Choose Safari > Tap Clear History and Website Data > Choose All history and tap Clear History .

Clear History

Fix 5. Update Safari

The last method you can try is to update Safari. Unknown bugs in the old system can cause the can’t open PDF in Safari on iPhone problem. However, you need to upload the iOS to update Safari. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Tap Download and Install .

Final Words

That’s all about how to fix Safari can’t open PDF issue. Hopefully, something will work. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, contact Apple support for further assistance. Tell them what you've already tried and see if they have any other ideas.

can't open safari on mac

Lena has been in the editing industry for 8 years. She is familiar with a variety of products that can make things easier, such as PDF tools, video recording software, iOS location changer, etc. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with users to help them solve problems in their work and life. In her spare time, she likes to play with her cat.

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More From Forbes

Google chrome gets third update in a week as exploits confirmed.

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Google has issued another critical warning—the third in just a few days—as another active threat is discovered; here’s what you need to do.

Urgent warning issued for 2 billion Chrome users

Updated 5/16; originally published 5/14.

Google has issued another urgent update, bringing Chrome’s Stable channel to 124.0.6367.207/.208 for Mac and Windows, as another zero day is anonymously reported and patched. Just as last week, users are warned that “Google is aware that an exploit for CVE-2024-4761 exists in the wild.”

This vulnerability impacts Chrome’s V8 JavaScript and WebAssembly engine, enabling “a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory write via a crafted HTML page.” The severity of the threat is set as “high,” but with this being exploited, it is critical users update and relaunch as soon as they can.

An “out-of-bounds” write issue means that crafted software can attack a device’s memory in unexpected ways, and this can cause stability issues, crash the program or device, or even enable other malicious code to run. Such memory issues are a recurring problem when it comes to Chrome vulnerabilities.

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This is the sixth such zero day already this year.

As usual, no further details have been published as users are urged to update. “Access to bug details and links may be kept restricted until a majority of users are updated with a fix.”

Just as last week, the fact that an emergency release has been issued and warnings are appearing across various media outlets should be warning enough to the 2 billion desktop users to either update manually or check the automatic update has been applied and then restart the browser.

Chrome is an excellent browser, notwithstanding the ongoing tracking issues that have plagued its balancing act between user privacy and marketing machine for years. But given its ubiquity, especially for Windows users, it is a powerful attack surface when exploits are developed.

Instructions on how to update Chrome can be found here .

Update 5/16: If two zero-day emergency updates inside a week was not enough, here comes the third. And while Google has had its moments with Chrome security vulnerabilities over the years, this is starting to feel like a much more challenging situation than usual.

The company’s May 15 advisory confirmed 9 security fixes, whereas the other two emergency updates in the last week have been single issue fixes. The Stable channel has been updated to 125.0.6422.60 (Linux) 125.0.6422.60/.61 (Windows and Mac).

Amongst the 9 fixes, Google says it is “aware that an exploit for CVE-2024-4947 exists in the wild.”

That issue is a high-severity “type confusion” vulnerability in Chrome’s underlying engine. This is a memory issue—as are almost all Chrome zero days, and this type of vulnerability usually means a crafted HTML page could trigger the system to crash or open the door to a further exploit.

The two high-severity issues identified by external researchers and called out in Google’s advisory are as follows:

High, CVE-2024-4947: Type Confusion in V8. Reported by Vasily Berdnikov (@vaber_b) and Boris Larin (@oct0xor) of Kaspersky on 2024-05-13

High, CVE-2024-4948: Use after free in Dawn. Reported by wgslfuzz on 2024-04-09

The other two externally identified bugs were less dangerous:

Medium, CVE-2024-4949: Use after free in V8. Reported by Ganjiang Zhou(@refrain_areu) of ChaMd5-H1 team on 2024-02-24

Low, CVE-2024-4950: Inappropriate implementation in Downloads. Reported by Shaheen Fazim on 2023-06-06

The remaining issues were identified internally. “As usual, our ongoing internal security work was responsible for a wide range of fixes, [including] from internal audits, fuzzing and other initiatives.”

Google says it paid out $8,000 for the lower risk bugs, but did not disclose the payments made for the most serious ones. “We would also like to thank all security researchers that worked with us during the development cycle,” it said, “to prevent security bugs from ever reaching the stable channel.”

Chrome should apply these updates automatically, but users can check they have the latest version of the software by navigating to Help/About Google Chrome. It’s also worth closing down the browser completely and relaunching, to ensure that no latent known issues remain.

Update 5/15: Notwithstanding the awkward optics of [three] emergency updates inside a week, or the latest delay in depreciating tracking cookies, Google does seem to be on a mission to improve Chrome’s security, with such initiatives as addressing common memory issues with its V8 sandbox and session cookie theft with its clever new Device Bound Session Credentials (DBSC) approach.

And the reason this is all so critical was very apparent at Google I/O this week, with the confirmation that the company’s Gemini AI is being built into Chrome, making this one of its biggest bets. The update will even see Nano used for on-device generative AI activities, such as helping users write text.

As reported by The Verge , “Google also announced that it will make Gemini available in Chrome DevTools, which developers use to debug and tune their apps. Gemini can provide explanations for error messages as well as suggestions on how to fix coding issues.”

As Chrome’s product director Jon Dahlke told developers at the event, “this is a big shift for the web and we want to get it right.”

The heady world of AI is set to change the web experience for billions, whether that’s browsing, creation or search. And with six zero days already this year for Chrome’s billions of users to contend with, this “big shift for the web” will carry major security concerns that Google needs to get right.

The security industry doesn’t yet understand how the AI-fueled threat landscape will develop; but it will find out soon enough, and the impact on you and the software you use will be huge.

Zak Doffman

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    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 ...

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