• This guide provides ten effective solutions to resolve the Safari not working or crashing issue on macOS Sonoma, ranging from basic fixes to more advanced troubleshooting.
• While these methods have worked for many users, the effectiveness may vary based on individual situations, and all system changes should be approached with caution, ensuring data backups.
• If the problem persists, seeking assistance from Apple Support or a qualified technician is advisable for a more personalized solution.

When it comes to web browsers for Apple users, Safari has been the trusted default choice, seamlessly integrated with Apple devices and known for its reliability. However, with the introduction of macOS Sonoma, the fourteenth iteration, Safari seems to have hit a rough patch.

Many users have reported Safari not working or crashing on Sonoma. Some can’t even load a webpage before it crashes and abruptly closes. Even when it does function, it’s plagued by lags and freezes, disrupting the typical browsing experience. If you find yourself encountering these issues, this guide is here to help. Let’s explore the solutions to get Safari back on track for macOS Sonoma users.

Fixing Safari Crashing and Not Working on macOS Sonoma

If you’re facing issues with Safari on macOS Sonoma, here’s what you can do:

Solution 1: Restart Your Mac

A simple yet effective fix is to restart your Mac. Often, a quick reboot can resolve the problem. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the Apple logo at the top left corner.
2. Select “Restart.”

After your Mac restarts, check if it has resolved the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma. If the problem persists, continue with the next workaround.

Solution 2: Restart Safari Processes

If Safari’s backend services are causing issues, it’s a good idea to restart them to improve the browser’s overall performance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Launchpad and search for “Activity Monitor,” then open it.
2. In the Activity Monitor, locate “Safari” in the list of processes.
3. Click on the “x” icon at the top to quit the Safari process.
4. Confirm by clicking “Force Quit” in the dialog box.

After this, check if it resolves the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma. If the problem persists, proceed to the next fix.

Solution 3: Update Safari

Sometimes, the Safari issue may be related to a buggy update. To address this, developers release patches that you should apply promptly. However, Safari doesn’t receive standalone updates; instead, it’s bundled with the OS upgrade. If you have a pending macOS update, it’s essential to install it:

1. Click on the Apple logo at the top left and select “About This Mac.”
2. Then, click on “Software Update.” Your Mac will search for available updates.
3. If there’s an update available, download and install it immediately.
4. After installation, restart your Mac and check if Safari is now working properly.

This update can resolve the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma. If the problem persists, proceed to the next workaround.

Solution 4: Delete Safari Cache

Accumulated temporary data in your browser can cause issues over time. It’s a good practice to clear this cached data regularly. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Safari browser on your Mac.
2. Click on “Safari” in the top menu bar and select “Preferences.”
3. Go to the “Advanced” tab and check the box that says, “Show Develop menu in the menu bar.”
4. Click on “Develop” in the top menu bar and choose “Empty Cache.” This will delete the browser’s cache.
5. Check if this resolves the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma.

This step can significantly improve Safari’s performance. If the problem persists, let’s move on to the next solution.

Solution 5: Disable Safari Extensions

Third-party extensions can sometimes disrupt browser performance. To determine if this is causing your issue, it’s a good idea to disable all extensions and then enable them one by one to identify the culprit. Here’s how:

1. Open the Safari browser on your Mac.
2. Click on “Safari” in the top menu bar and select “Preferences.”
3. Go to the “Extensions” tab and uncheck all the extensions listed on the left-hand side.
4. If the issue is resolved, re-enable one extension at a time until the problem reoccurs.
5. The last enabled extension causing the issue should be removed from the browser.

By following these steps, you can isolate the problematic extension and improve Safari’s performance on macOS Sonoma. If the issue still persists, let’s explore the next potential solution.

Solution 6: Delete Safari Preferences

When the preferences of your browser become corrupted, it can lead to various issues. Deleting the preferences plist file and allowing Safari to recreate it from scratch might help. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch Finder, click on “Go” in the top menu, and select “Go to Folder.”
2. Type in the following location and press “Enter”:
   ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Safari/Data/Library/Preferences/
3. Delete the “com.apple.Safari.plist” file from that location.
4. Next, navigate to the following location using Finder’s “Go to Folder”:
   ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist
5. Delete the “com.apple.Safari.plist” file from that directory.
6. Force quit Safari (as described in Solution 2) and then restart it.
7. Check if this resolves the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma.

Deleting corrupted preferences can often resolve browser issues and improve its performance. If the problem persists, we have one more solution to explore.

Solution 7: Disable Back/Forward Cache in Safari

Safari’s hidden Back/Forward Cache feature is an experimental optimization that provides instant navigation. However, it may cause issues in some cases. Disabling this feature can help. Here’s how:

1. Enable the Safari Debug menu on your Mac.
2. Click on “Debug,” then go to “Miscellaneous Flags,” and select “Disable Back/Forward Cache.”
3. Force quit Safari (as described in Solution 2) and then restart the browser.
4. Check if this resolves the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma.

Disabling the Back/Forward Cache can sometimes improve Safari’s performance. If the issue persists even after trying these solutions, it may be advisable to contact Apple support or a qualified technician for further assistance.

Solution 8: Disable iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay is a robust privacy feature designed to protect your online activity. However, in certain cases, it can be overly protective, leading to issues with browser performance and network speed. Here’s how to disable it and see if it resolves the problem:

1. Open “System Preferences” and click on “Apple ID.”
2. Select “iCloud” from the left-hand side.
3. Uncheck “Private Relay” from the right-hand side.
4. Check if this resolves the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma.

Disabling iCloud Private Relay may help improve the performance of Safari and your network speed. If the problem persists, you can explore additional solutions or seek technical support.

Solution 9: Delete Safari Data

Corrupted or outdated stored browser data can lead to conflicts and issues with your browser’s performance. Deleting this data and allowing Safari to rebuild it from scratch might help. Here’s how to do it (please ensure your browser data is synced with your Apple account beforehand):

1. Open the Safari browser on your Mac.
2. Click on “Safari” in the top menu bar and select “Preferences.”
3. Go to the “Privacy” tab and click on “Manage Website Data.”
4. Finally, click on the “Remove all” button.
5. Check if this resolves the Safari crashing or not working issue on macOS Sonoma.

Clearing out old data can often improve browser performance. If you continue to experience the issue, let’s move on to the final solution.

Solution 10: Try Safari Beta

If none of the previously mentioned methods have resolved the issue, your final option is to consider using the Beta version of Safari. It’s possible that the current version you’re using has some bugs causing problems. Beta versions often receive quicker updates, and if the issue is fixed, the Beta version will be the first to get the update. Although the Beta build may be slightly less stable, it generally won’t significantly hinder your day-to-day browser usage.

Note: In addition to the Beta, there’s also a Technical Preview build, which undergoes frequent A/B testing, making it potentially the most unstable of the three. However, this also means it’s the first to receive updates, which then move to the Beta build and, ultimately, to the stable version. You can give it a try if you prefer.

To try Safari Beta:

1. Visit the Safari Beta page and sign in with your Apple account.
2. Agree to the terms and conditions to access the latest Safari beta package.
3. Download and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
4. Once installed, launch it, and you should no longer encounter issues.

These ten methods should help you fix the Safari not working or crashing issue on macOS Sonoma. If you have questions about any of these steps, please let us know in the comments, and we will provide assistance promptly.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored ten effective methods to tackle the Safari not working or crashing issue on macOS Sonoma. These solutions range from simple fixes like restarting your Mac to more advanced troubleshooting steps such as disabling extensions, clearing caches, and even trying the Safari Beta. It’s important to identify the solution that works best for your specific situation, and hopefully, you’ll be back to enjoying a seamless browsing experience on your Mac.

Disclaimer: While the methods detailed in this guide have been successful for many users, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these fixes can vary based on individual circumstances. Additionally, any alterations to system settings or files carry a degree of risk, so it’s advisable to proceed with caution. Always ensure that your important data is backed up before attempting any changes. If the issue persists or if you have concerns about your device, consider reaching out to Apple Support or a qualified technician for more personalized assistance. Your satisfaction and the proper functioning of your device are of paramount importance.