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Here's the quick answer: Force quit Safari with Command + Option + Esc, clear your cache, and disable extensions one by one in Safari Settings. These three steps fix most Safari issues in under two minutes.
If that doesn't solve it, the most common culprits are outdated macOS, VPN or security software conflicts, corrupted cache, or a problematic extension. This guide walks you through fixes for all of them, from a quick reload to advanced troubleshooting, so you can get back online fast.
But first, let's take a quick look at some of the most common reasons for Safari not responding on Mac and what you can do:
| What's the issue? | What's causing it? | How do you fix it? |
| Not loading websites | Weak internet connection | Check Wi-Fi, verify website, and reload, or use WiFi Explorer from Setapp* to spot connection issues. |
| Frozen or not responding | Too many tabs or outdated software | Force quit Safari (Command + Option + Esc) or use QuitAll from Setapp to close apps and restart. |
| Slow performance | Too many tabs or old cache/history | Clear cache/history in Safari settings or clean system junk with CleanMyMac from Setapp. |
| Specific websites not loading | DNS issues or outdated security settings | Check connection, adjust security settings; troubleshoot network issues with ClearVPN, a reliable VPN from Setapp. |
| Can't find the server | Incorrect DNS, unstable internet, or wrong URL | Set date/time to auto, bypass warning if safe. |
| Connection not private error | Security certificate issues or incorrect date/time settings | 10 minutes |
*Setapp is a subscription platform offering 270+ macOS, iOS, and web apps for a flat monthly fee.
Before getting into the more technical stuff, I’ve found it helps to start with the simple things. They’re easy to overlook, but checking those basics can save you a lot of time.
Try these quick fixes first:
These simple steps can save time and point you in the right direction before you move on to more in-depth Safari fixes.
Opening too many tabs in Safari uses too much memory and can eventually freeze it. I've also run into crashes that were caused by outdated versions of Safari or macOS, and conflicting extensions.
To fix these problems, you can simply press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit menu and choose Safari to quit the app.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool like the QuitAll app. It's a super handy app that lets me close all open apps on my Mac with just one click. I use it every time my Mac gets sluggish or cluttered, and I don't have to quit everything manually one by one. You can try it for free on Setapp.
Another thing that can slow Safari is an outdated cache and history.
Here's how you can clear website data:
This will free up memory by clearing the Safari history and improve the browser's speed.
Some websites don't load properly when accessed through the Safari browser. This issue can be due to DNS issues, outdated settings, or website platform malfunctions.
If you come across this issue, what you need to do is check for a stable internet connection. Connect to a different Wi-Fi network if yours is weak.
Also, adjust the browser security settings accordingly. To do this, go to Safari > Settings > Security:
So, you performed the quick checks, but Safari still doesn't work. In this case, you need to try these in-depth troubleshooting steps to fix the problem.
I opened the page in Safari's private window to rule out issues caused by cache or cookies. It prevents Safari from using previously stored data and helps resolve browser loading problems. If the issues still persist, you can try using ClearVPN to open a window from another IP location to investigate issues related to the network or VPN. This will eliminate any connection or location issues.
ClearVPN is an intuitive VPN that can suggest the optimal server location for a better connection. You can also activate its Safari extension to keep your browsing protected from malicious trackers and unwanted banners as you browse the web.
The next thing you want to try is clearing the browser's cache, cookies, and website data with CleanMyMac from Setapp. The app can quickly and easily clear browser cache and cookies without digging through multiple steps in browser settings. Plus, I can clear cookies in all browsers (Chrome or Safari) at the same time.
To do that:
This will clear all website data, including cache and cookies.
I also use CleanMyMac to clean and speed up my Mac. It scans for leftover cache, cookies, and other Safari-related junk, clears it out with a click, and even helps block malware. Super handy when my Mac starts feeling sluggish. CleanMyMac is available with Setapp Membership along with 270+ macOS apps or as a standalone app. In both cases, you get a 7-day free trial.
If you're also uninstalling apps to free up space, check out the best AppCleaner alternative for Mac for a smarter way to remove apps without leaving behind junk files.
I disabled and removed extensions by opening Safari > Settings > Extensions. Then, I selected and disabled or removed extensions one by one to test which one was causing the issue.
These basic troubleshooting steps should resolve the common issues with Safari. But if the problem still persists, you may opt for advanced solutions for a more thorough fix.
So you tried the in-depth troubleshooting steps, and they didn't fix your problem. No need to panic! The next step is to move to more advanced troubleshooting methods so your Safari browser starts to respond.
Let's take a look at a few.
One of the first things I check when Safari starts acting up is whether my Mac or Safari needs an update. In my experience, outdated software is behind a lot of random issues, slow browsing, crashes, or certain websites not loading at all.
If you’re on a newer macOS version, you can find updates by going to System Settings > General > Software Update. If there’s an update waiting, just follow the steps on screen and update Safari to the latest version. I always make sure my Mac is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi first. It saves you from the update stalling halfway through.
Sometimes, Safari can perform poorly because other apps are running in the background, like VPNs, antivirus software, or some browser extensions.
What you need to do is temporarily turn off your VPN and close any security software that's running. Then, try using Safari again to see if it works. You don’t have to uninstall anything right away; just try turning them off one at a time and testing Safari in between.
If it works, then one of these apps was the problem. Adjust the settings in that app or choose a different one that doesn't cause issues with Safari.
Learn more:
If the problem still persists and Safari isn’t working, create a new user profile.
Here's how:
Switch to the new profile and test Safari to see if it works better. I tested it and saw that Safari worked fine, which revealed that the problem was with the original account.
It's not uncommon when Safari isn't working to get error messages like "Safari can't find the server" or "This connection is not private."
If you’re running into these, here’s what you can do to fix them.
This error message appears if there's an incorrect Domain Name System setting, an unstable internet connection, or an incorrect URL. Double-check the URL for any spelling mistakes or extra characters.
If the address is correct, try these solutions:
This message usually shows up when Safari thinks something might be off with a website. It could be due to a security certificate that’s invalid or can’t be verified, or even something as simple as your Mac’s date and time being set incorrectly.
If Safari’s giving you a “connection not private” warning, sometimes the fix is as simple as checking your Mac’s date and time. I’ve had this happen before, and setting it to update automatically using Apple’s time server usually clears it right up. And if you know the website is safe, you can just hit Show Details and Visit the Website to get past the warning.
If Safari continues failing after trying all fixes above, contact Apple Support. Here are the signs you need professional help:
Apple Support can run remote diagnostics that users can't access.
Many people, including myself, encounter the problem of Safari not responding on Mac. There's no reason to panic, as there are some easy fixes you can try to deal with this. For example, you can check your internet connection and clear your cache, or try more advanced methods like updating software or resetting Safari settings.
If the problem still persists, create a new user profile or address specific error messages to get Safari back on track.
You can also install apps like QuitAll, ClearVPN, CleanMyMac, and AdLock to resolve these issues more quickly and improve your browsing experience. The good news is you don't have to get these apps separately because they're all available on Setapp, a hub of 270+ apps for Mac and iOS. Start your 7-day free trial to make sure you take these apps for a spin.
Open Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data and click Remove All. Then quit Safari, navigate to ~/Library/Safari/ in Finder (press Shift + Command + G to type it), and delete the folder contents. Restart Safari to generate fresh settings. This preserves bookmarks while clearing all cached data and preferences.
Check your internet connection first. Then disable all Safari extensions, clear the browser cache, and restart your Mac. If other browsers work but Safari doesn't, reset Safari's network settings by deleting ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist (in Finder > Go to Folder) and restarting.
This error indicates a DNS lookup failure. Open System Settings > Network > Details > DNS and add 8.8.8.8 as a DNS server. Then open Terminal and run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache to clear the DNS cache. Restart Safari to apply changes.
Go to Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data and click Remove All. This clears cache and cookies but preserves passwords stored in iCloud Keychain. For selective clearing, use CleanMyMac, which lets you exclude password data.
Yes, VPNs, firewalls, and antivirus programs frequently interfere with Safari. Temporarily disable each security tool and test Safari. Common culprits include web shields, SSL inspection features, and DNS filtering. Re-enable tools one by one to identify the conflict.
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