Safari not responding on mac- How to fix?
There you are, comfortably nestled into your favorite spot, ready to dive into the virtual ocean of the internet using Apple’s Safari browser. Unexpectedly, you’re hit with the dreaded sight of a non-responding or frozen Safari, halting your digital voyage in its tracks. This has been a recurring annoyance for a considerable number of Mac users, resulting in frustration and lost productivity. However, the good news is that there are effective ways to address this challenging issue and restore Safari to its normal, reliable operation.
Understanding the Safari Not Responding Issue on Mac
Firstly, it’s important to decode the situation and identify the possible reasons behind Safari’s non-compliance. A seemingly spontaneously frozen app can be vexing, but understanding what could lead to such behavior could help troubleshoot it effectively. Causes may range from an outdated Safari version to web page or website-related issues. The presence of excessive unreadable cookies or cluttered cache files might also be responsible for Safari’s sluggish performance.
Whip Safari Back Into Shape
Keep Safari Updated
Keeping Safari updated is a good starting point to ensure smooth operation. On your Mac, navigate to Apple menu > About this Mac > Software Update, and check if there are any pending updates. The latest Safari updates often contain bug fixes and performance-enhancing adjustments that could help the browser run more smoothly.
Clear Cookies and Cached Files
Another effective approach for troubleshooting Safari is to clear cookies and cache. These stored elements can lead to page load failures or even cause Safari to become unresponsive. Visit Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data, and select “Remove All.”
Check Your internet Connection
The issue may not always be Safari itself. It’s always good measure to check your internet connection. If the browser fails to load pages despite a good network signal, restart your router or try using another Wi-Fi network.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues
Safe Mode and Third-party Extensions
Activating safe mode could determine if third-party extensions are disrupting Safari’s performance. You can do this by restarting your Mac while holding down the shift key. Disable extensions one by one to see if any is causing the problem.
Reset Safari
A more radical but exceedingly effective option is to reset Safari. Before proceeding, remember this will erase all your browsing history, saved passwords, and favorites. You can begin by disabling the ‘Safari suggestions’ feature or completely resetting Safari by visiting Safari > Reset Safari.
According to data from StatCounter, Safari accounted for over 16.84% of the global browser market as of January 2021. This makes it essential that Safari problems are promptly resolved to ensure a smooth browsing experience for its many users worldwide. So, if your Safari browser on Mac has been acting up lately, don’t despair. Rather, arm yourself with these suggestions and turn that digital frown upside down. Safari’s unresponsiveness can be fleeting if you incorporate these troubleshooting steps and regularly engage in proactive measures like updates and clearing caches.