What if Safari won't open on Mac?

Last update: 04/10/2024
What to Do if Safari is Not Opening on Mac

For those who can't open the Safari browser on their Mac , the problem could be due to an incompatible browser extension or several other causes. Below are the steps to fix the issue of Safari not opening on your Mac.

Safari won't connect on Mac

Apple's Safari browser is designed exclusively to run on Mac computer systems, and it typically runs smoothly and easily for its customers.

However, the default Safari browser on the Mac may experience issues and even refuse to launch or open a browser window.

You should be able to resolve the issue of Safari not working or not opening on Mac by following the troubleshooting steps below.

1. Safari browser won't turn on

Leave the Safari browser and check out this help to open the Safari browser on your MacBook.

1. Click on Apple. Select the top menu bar and choose Relinquish Power from the drop-down menu.

Force Quit Apps on Mac

2. In the pop-up window, choose Safari and click the Abandon Power button.

Force close Safari browser on Mac

After exiting the Safari browser, check if you can now open the Safari browser on your PC.

2. Reset your Mac

If you are unable to launch the Safari browser, the problem could be due to a crash in the applications or companies on your Mac.

The best solution to resolve this problem is to Cease Mac > Wait 30 seconds and Restart your Mac.

Restarting your Mac also helps to eliminate the issues associated with the community. So it is suggested that you simply do this repair, before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.

3. Configure updates

The only way to replace the Safari browser on your MacBook is to make macOS updates (if available) accessible.

1. Click Apple Brand in the top menu bar and choose About This Mac from the drop-down menu.

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About this option Mac on Mac

2. Next, click on Replace software program and follow the instructions to install the replacement (if available).

4. Delete Safari cache and history with Finder

If you can't clear Safari's cache and history in the same way, you can also do so from the Finder.

1. Open in Finder > choose Go to tab in the top menu bar and click Go to folder in the drop-down menu.

Go to folder on Mac

2. In the Go To Folder window, sort ~/Library/Safari and click the Go To button.

Go to the Library folder in Safari on your Mac

3. In the Safari folder, right-click on LastSession.plist and click on Transfer to Trash . Similarly, transfer all the information contained in HistoricalPast.db to the Trash.

Delete the LastSession Plist file from Safari

After clearing Safari's history and cache, check if you can open the Safari browser.

Notice: You are protected from deleting this information; Safari will recreate it during your next browsing session.

5. Disable Safari Extensions

Even if the Safari browser doesn't open, it's better to be able to see the Safari menu bar by clicking the Safari icon in the taskbar.

1. Click the Safari icon in the taskbar > click Safari in the top menu bar and choose Preferences from the drop-down menu.

Open Safari Preferences on Mac

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

Remove Safari Extensions on Mac

For those who wish to use extensions, disable all extensions by unchecking them and try opening the Safari browser.

If you can't open Safari, this confirms that the problem is due to one of the many extensions that you need to determine and remove.

You can do this by enabling the extensions one by one until you find the one that is causing the problem.

6. Delete Safari preferences file

Corrupted information in Safari's preferences folder can prevent Safari from opening.

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

Go to folder on Mac option

2. In the Go To window, sort ~/Library and click the Go To button.

Go to the library folder on the Mac

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

After deleting the Safari preferences file, you should be able to open the Safari browser better.

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