There are a few common reasons why Safari may not be allowing you to access certain websites:
Connection Issues
One of the most common reasons is an issue with your internet connection. Here are some things to check:
- Make sure you are connected to the internet. Check if other browsers can access websites.
- Restart your router and modem and try again.
- Check for any internet outages in your area.
- Try accessing the website on a different network (like cellular data or a public WiFi). If it works there, it’s likely an issue with your home connection.
Website Blocked
Safari may be blocking access to certain websites due to security settings:
- Check Safari preferences > Security > Fraudulent Website Warning. Make sure the website you are trying to access is not listed as fraudulent.
- Safari may be blocking access based on parental controls or restrictions. Check your restrictions settings.
- The website itself may be blocking access from certain regions or browsers. Try using a VPN to access the site from a different IP address.
Caching Issues
Sometimes cached files can cause issues loading websites properly:
- Clear your browser cache and try loading the website again.
- In Safari preferences > Privacy, make sure “Website Data” is selected. This will clear all cached website data.
- Quit and relaunch Safari after clearing the cache.
Extensions Causing Conflicts
Browser extensions can sometimes block access to certain sites:
- Try disabling all Safari extensions and see if you can access the website.
- If that works, turn extensions back on one-by-one until you identify the problematic extension.
- Update any extensions to their latest version which may fix conflicts.
Outdated Safari Version
Using an outdated version of Safari can prevent accessing newer websites properly:
- Check you are running the latest version of Safari and update if needed.
- Some websites may only support newer browser versions and standards.
- Try accessing the site in a different modern browser like Chrome or Firefox.
Private Browsing On
Private browsing prevents cookies and site data from being saved:
- Exit out of Private Browsing mode and try accessing the site normally.
- Some sites require browser cookies to function properly.
Antivirus or Firewall Blocking Access
Security software can sometimes interfere with website access:
- Temporarily disable any antivirus, firewall or internet security software and try to access the site.
- Add the problematic website to the allowed sites list in your security software.
- Check for any available updates to security software.
DNS Issues
Domain name system issues can prevent resolving website addresses:
- Flush your DNS cache in Safari by going to Develop > Empty Caches.
- Try changing your computer’s DNS servers to public ones like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
- Reset your router to default settings in case DNS settings changed.
Corrupt Safari Preferences
Damaged Safari preferences can cause strange browser issues:
- Quit Safari, then go to username > Library > Preferences and delete com.apple.Safari.plist.
- Relaunch Safari which will rebuild a new preferences file.
Conclusion
Here are some troubleshooting steps to summarize:
- Check your internet connection and try resetting your network devices.
- Make sure the website itself is not blocked or restricting access.
- Clear Safari browser caches and cookies.
- Disable extensions and isolate any causing problems.
- Update Safari to the latest version.
- Turn off Private Browsing mode.
- Temporarily disable security software like antivirus.
- Flush DNS cache and use public DNS servers.
- Delete and rebuild Safari preference file.
Following these tips should help identify and fix any issues blocking website access in Safari. If the problem persists, it may require contacting your internet service provider or seeking additional technical help. With some troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get Safari working properly again.
Additional Information
Common connectivity issues
Here are some of the most common internet connectivity issues that can prevent access to websites in Safari:
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| WiFi disconnecting | Restart router and device, check for interference, update WiFi drivers |
| Poor WiFi signal | Move closer to router, remove obstructions, upgrade router or switch to ethernet |
| DNS lookup failure | Flush DNS cache, use public DNS servers like Google or Cloudflare |
| ISP network outage | Check ISP for reported issues, try tethering to mobile data |
| Broadband line problem | Contact ISP to diagnose line issue, may require technician |
| Invalid network settings | Reset network settings to default, reconfigure connections |
Safari security and privacy settings
Here are key Safari security and privacy settings that can affect website access:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Fraudulent Website Warning | Blocks known malicious websites |
| Block pop-ups | Prevents pop-up windows |
| Private browsing | No browsing history or cookies stored |
| Intelligent Tracking Prevention | Limits third-party cookies and website data |
| Cross-site tracking prevention | Further limits cross-site cookie tracking |
| Website data restrictions | Limits ability of websites to access device data |
Updating and reinstalling Safari
If you are still having issues accessing websites in Safari, you may need to update to the latest version or reinstall Safari. Here are some tips:
- Make sure you have installed the latest macOS and Safari updates in System Preferences > Software Update.
- Check the Apple menu > About This Mac to see which macOS version you are running. Newer OS versions have newer Safari builds.
- Try downloading a standalone Safari installer from Apple’s website if updates are not working.
- Back up any bookmarks, passwords and other browser data first.
- Uninstall Safari by dragging it from Applications to the Trash.
- Restart your Mac and empty the Trash.
- Reinstall Safari with the latest installer downloaded from Apple.
- Test accessing websites again in the fresh Safari install.
Reinstalling Safari will reset the browser to factory defaults which can resolve software corruption issues. Make sure to back up your data first before uninstalling.
Troubleshooting Website Access Step-by-Step
Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix website access issues in Safari:
- Check internet connectivity – Make sure you have an internet connection and can access other sites. Try resetting your router, modem, WiFi, and network settings if needed.
- Confirm website is online – Verify the website you are trying to access is online and working by checking from another device or browser.
- Clear browser caches – Go to Safari > Clear History and Website Data to clear all caches and cookies.
- Disable extensions – Quit Safari and open it while holding the Shift key to launch without extensions.
- Check security software – Temporarily turn off any antivirus, firewalls, VPNs, or security tools.
- Use private browsing – Try accessing the site in a Safari private browsing window.
- Flush DNS cache – Go to Develop > Empty Caches to flush the DNS cache.
- Reset Safari – Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced and click “Show Develop menu” to access reset option.
- Allow cookies – Make sure cookies are enabled for the site in Safari preferences > Privacy.
- Update software – Install the latest macOS and Safari updates.
- Change DNS servers – Manually configure DNS to public servers like Google or Cloudflare.
- Contact website support – Check if the website itself has any reported issues or access restrictions.
- Get technical help – For ongoing problems, get help from Apple, a technician, or IT professional.
Following these steps methodically can help isolate and resolve the underlying cause of most website access problems. Confirm whether the issues is on the client-side with Safari or related to the website itself. With persistence, you should be able to get Safari working again.
When to Reset Safari
If you have tried all other troubleshooting steps, resetting Safari to factory defaults may be necessary. Here are some signs it’s time for a reset:
- Websites frequently fail to load properly
- Pages render slowly or incorrectly
- Persistent crashes or freezes
- Add-ons, extensions, or plugins are disabled
- Settings randomly revert back or change
- Browsing history or cookies keep getting deleted
- Private browsing doesn’t work properly
- Nothing fixes website access issues
Resetting Safari clears out all caches, histories, cookies, and add-ons. It reverts Safari back to a clean default state. Your bookmarks and some settings will be saved.
Here are the steps to reset Safari on Mac:
- Quit Safari
- Go to Finder > Go > Go to Folder
- Type in “/Library/Safari” and click Go
- Drag “Safari Resources” folder to Trash
- Empty Trash and restart computer
- Launch Safari which will be reset
Resetting Safari often resolves stubborn performance and website access issues. Be sure to backup your bookmarks first. You may need to reconfigure some settings after resetting.
Other Browsers to Try
If resetting and troubleshooting does not resolve your Safari website access issues, try using a different web browser:
Google Chrome
- Very fast and compatible browser
- Syncing with Google account for history/bookmark syncing
- Lots of extensions and customization options
- Resource intensive
Mozilla Firefox
- Open source browser focused on user privacy
- Supports many Chrome extensions
- Can fully customize and tweak browser behavior
- Less compatible with some newer web technologies
Microsoft Edge
- Resource efficient browser
- Syncing through Microsoft account
- Supports Chrome extensions
- Clean, minimalist interface
- Less flexibility in tweaking advanced settings
Trying both mainstream and alternative browsers can help determine if an issue is isolated to Safari or persists across multiple browsers. If a website works properly in another browser, the underlying cause is likely a Safari setting or configuration problem.
Preventing Future Website Access Issues
Here are some tips to avoid recurring website access problems in Safari:
- Keep your browser and OS updated to latest versions
- Clear browser caches and history regularly
- Only install trusted extensions and add-ons
- Use a popup blocker
- Enable tracking protection features
- Don’t override or ignore SSL certificate warnings
- Use a password manager and unique passwords per site
- Make sure you have a functional firewall enabled
- Don’t browse using administrator accounts
- Use reputable antivirus and internet security tools
Practicing general secure browsing habits reduces your exposure to many types of website access issues. Configuring Safari’s advanced privacy and security options appropriately also helps prevent problems.
Learning how to fully troubleshoot problems with your Safari browser ensures you can get back to normal browsing as quickly as possible when issues inevitably arise.