8 Effective Solutions to Resolve Safari Not Loading Websites Issue on Mac

ByJim Miller

The popularity of the Mac lineup is soaring to new heights, thanks to the groundbreaking Apple M1 chip. While the Safari browser that comes pre-installed on macOS is generally reliable, there are times when you may encounter issues with websites not loading. Instead of resorting to alternative browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, try out the following troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.

Check Internet Connection

Ensure that your Mac is properly connected to the internet. A sketchy internet connection can interfere with website loading, particularly when accessing pages with heavy content like images and videos. To check your connection, go to the Wi-Fi icon in the macOS menu bar and make sure you are connected to the 5G network instead of the 2.4G network.

Reset Router

If you are unable to connect to the internet on any device, including your Mac, the issue may lie with your router. In such cases, try resetting the router or updating its firmware to the latest version available. Once done, attempt to browse the web and see if the problem persists.

Disable Extensions

Extensions play a significant role in a browser's functionality. However, outdated or incompatible extensions can prevent Safari from loading websites on your Mac. To identify the problematic extension, follow these steps:

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Click on the Safari option in the Menu bar.
  3. Go to Preferences.
  4. Navigate to the Extensions menu.
  5. Disable each extension one by one by selecting them and clicking the Uninstall button.

Uninstall AdBlocker

Certain system-wide adblockers, such as AdLock, can impact webpage performance on your Mac. If you have such software installed, consider uninstalling it. Open Finder, go to Applications, locate the adblocker app, and move it to the Trash.

Disable VPN

VPN apps provide secure and private network connections, but they may restrict access to certain websites. If you are using a VPN, try disabling it and then attempt to load the website again. Most VPN apps for Mac offer a shortcut through the menu bar, where you can turn off the service.

Clear Cache

Clearing cache and cookies from your browser periodically can help resolve website loading issues. To clear the cache in Safari, follow these steps:

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Click on the Safari option in the Menu bar.
  3. Go to Clear History.
  4. Select the option to delete all browsing history, cookies, and related website data.

Update macOS

Sometimes, issues with Safari not loading pages stem from bugs in the macOS version you are using. Check for any available updates by going to System Preferences > Software Update, and install the latest macOS build.

Switch to a Chromium Browser

If all else fails, consider switching to a Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Some websites are designed specifically for the Chromium rendering engine, and switching to one of these browsers might resolve the loading issue.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve the problem of Safari not loading websites on your Mac. Personally, I have found that clearing the cache and disabling VPN usually do the trick. Give these solutions a try and enjoy smooth browsing on Safari once again.