safari not loading server

Safari Can’t Find The Server? 7 Ways To Fix It

Have you been facing the Safari can’t find the server error on your browser often? It’s frustrating, more so, even when the internet seems to be working fine. There are several reasons for this error, such as wrong DNS settings, outdated app, incorrect URL, etc.

So, I have jotted down everything you need to know to help you fix this issue and get you back to browsing on Safari.

How To Fix Safari Can’t Find The Server on Your macOS

Safari is by far the best browser I have used, but there are times such as these that might make you rethink some alternatives. However, we can still fix this. Let’s check out some methods you can try.

1. Disable Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protections

Apple introduced a new privacy and security feature for all Safari users to protect against trackers while browsing different websites. However, this might interfere with certain websites and prevent them from loading, so you have been getting the Safari can’t find the server error.

Time needed: 4 minutes

Let’s look at the steps to disable this.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Before jumping over to trying some difficult methods, you must start by checking your Internet connection. Here are some of the steps you can follow to check Internet connection on your Mac.

Open another tab on Safari, try Google.com, and see if it works.
Check with another browser, such as Google Chrome.
Reconnect your Wi-Fi on your Mac.
Restart your Router to be on the safe side.

Once you have tried all of this, open the Safari browser again and see if it works.

3. Change DNS Settings

If your internet connection works perfectly fine, you should check your DNS settings and make the necessary changes to it.

Here is what you can do.

Go to the Apple menu on the top-left corner of your desktop.

Click on DNS on the left.

Click on OK to confirm.

Wait for the signal to refresh and check if Safari is working again.

4. Disable VPN

Have you been using any VPN on your system? Well, VPNs route the traffic through their servers, which can occasionally cause connectivity issues. Hence, disabling the VPN if you are currently using it is best. Once done, reconnect the Wi-Fi and start using Safari again.

5. Remove Cache and Cookies

If none of the above methods has worked for you, you must clear the cache and cookies saved on your Safari browser. The saved data is sometimes outdated or even corrupted, which might cause Safari server errors. Let’s check out the steps to remove the cache and cookies.

Click on Remove Now on the dialog box on your screen to confirm.

To save the changes, click on done.

6. Renew DHCP Lease

This method worked for me like a charm. If your device is still facing any network-related issues, you must renew the DHCP lease. It will help resolve any communication issues with the server.

Go to TCP/IP on the left sidebar.

On the dialog box, select Apply.

Wait for the network settings to process in the background. Once done, try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi and check if the Safari error has been resolved.

7. Update Your macOS

Did any of the methods above work for you? If not, then you should try updating your macOS with the latest version that might contain bug fixes.

Go to General and click on Software Update

Wait for the system to check for updates, then install the latest version. The system will then restart to save the changes.

Furthermore, go to the App Store from the Dock below and check for any Safari updates that might be available. All the above methods have been tried and tested since I have had the same issue multiple times with Safari. Simply restarting your Mac might work, or you might have to change the DNS settings.

How to fix Safari can’t find the Server issue [11 Methods]

Web browsers are important tools that help you browse the internet. Every device out there has its own web browser – whether it’s preinstalled or your personal favorite one. With regards to Apple devices including Macs, the default web browser in these devices is Safari. Safari is indeed a very good web browser as it works flawlessly. However, there can be times when it might not work right. One of the most common issues that the Safari Web browser runs into is when it can’t find the server. If you are someone that has an Apple device and uses Safari as your main web browser, this is the guide for you to solve this issue.

Now, when Safari popup this message, there can be many reasons as to why it’s showing you this message. The bad part is you won’t be able to browse the particular web page. Well, the good part about this is the fact that you can easily fix this issue. You can read through this guide to know how you can solve the issue when Safari says Safari Can’t find the server.

Fix Safari Can’t Find the Server Issue

There are multiple ways you can try to fix the issue when Safari Can’t find the Server message. So, feel free to try any of the methods that have been mentioned in order to solve this issue.

Restart your Device

The most simple and popular troubleshooting method that is universally followed by everyone is to restart the device. Simply press and hold the volume and power button to slide across and restart the device. Older devices can press and hold the power button followed by dragging the slider to restart.

Check Your Internet Connections

Whether you are on mobile data or on WiFi, internet connections at times can be spotty. So, if you feel like a particular web page does not load and Safari throws up the Can’t find server message, it might be best to check your internet connectivity. Switch from mobile data to wifi or vice versa and see if the problem persists. If so, you might have to try out the next solution.

Ensure that the link is correct

If you might have been in a hurry to type in the website link or copied the link incorrectly, there are high chances that Safari would simply display the cant reach server message. So, always check and even, double-check the links for any spelling mistakes. It would also be advisable to check for the links to be properly formatted, as incorrectly formatted links will refuse to open.

Reload the Webpage

Now, this is similar to the first troubleshooting method that we mentioned. Well, as we said earlier, if you have a spotty internet connection, there are high chances of your webpage not loading at all because of poor coverage or super slow internet speeds. A quick reload of the webpage should help fix this issue.

Use a VPN Service

While there are a ton of websites for you to browse through using Safari, there can be a possibility of a few websites that have been blocked by your carrier or your ISP. These websites could be blocked either for reasons or simply just blocked out of the blue. If it is a website that you would regularly visit and get access to, it would be advisable to install a VPN and then visit the particular web page. If it does open, it could be that your website has been blocked and the only way to access it is by using a VPN.

Clear Safari Cache and Data

Just like a number of apps out there, Safari relies on the cache files and data that has been stored by it to load up the websites that you frequently visit. Sometimes, there could be a problem with the cache files which contributes to Safari displaying the Can’t Connect to Server message. Clearing the cache files and data is a troubleshooting method you can follow to fix this issue.

Do note that when you clear the cache and files, you will lose all data that is stored in Safari. This will include your history, saved passwords, and bookmarks. You will be able to restore the data provided you sign in with the same account that was previously used with Safari. You can follow the steps mentioned below to clear the cache files and data from Safari.

Open the Settings app on your device.
Scroll and select Safari from the list.
With the Safari page open, all you need to do is tap on Clear History and Website Data.
All the data and cache files will now be cleared from your Web Browser.
Simply launch Safari and visit the website that you weren’t able to visit earlier.
You should now be able to load the website and browse through it without any problems.

Check your DNS Settings

There are many reasons why you might want to change the DNS settings on your device. It could either be for faster connections, blocking unwanted content or just to have better protection. If you feel like the DNS settings that have been set up automatically arent perfect and you keep getting the Can’t connect to server message on Safari, it might be time to change the DNS Settings on your device. Follow these steps.

Open the Settings app.
Now, tap on WiFi.
You will now see all the available wifi networks as well as the WiFi Network that you are currently connected to.
Next to the network that you are connected to, you will see a small icon. Tap on the icon.
You should see an option that says Configure DNS. Tap on it.
If the DNS is set to Automatic, tap on Manual.
Tap on the Add Server option.
Over here you will be able to enter in any valid DNS that is publicly available.
Or, you can simply enter 8.8.4.4 or 8.8.8.8 which is DNS Server for Google.
Tap on the Save button and reload the web page on Safari. You should now be able to launch the webpage without the error message popping up.

Reset Network Settings

If you feel like some of the network setting that you might have made changes to are incorrect or you simply want to revert back to the default settings, Resetting your network settings should work perfectly.

Launch the Settings app on your Apple device.
Now, tap on General.
Scroll and you should see an option that says Reset Network Settings.
Tap on it. It will now ask if you confirm resetting your network settings. Simply tap on Confirm and your network settings have been reset to default.
Now, connect your device to the internet and reload the webpage that wouldn’t load on Safari.
You should now not have any issues or problems whatsoever.

Check for Updates

Updating your device software to the latest available version should help fix any bugs or issues with the device itself as well as the apps including Safari. Since Safari is a preinstalled app, it usually gets updated along with the OS. Here is how you can check for updates on your device.

Open Settings on your iOS device.
And finally, tap on Software Update.
If there are any updates available tap on Download and install. The updates should now be downloaded and installed onto your device.
Now, check and reload the web page on Safari. It should now be working as expected.

Switch to another browser

If you feel like none of the above troubleshooting methods worked, it would be time to switch to a better web browser. You can choose between Microsoft Edge , Mozilla Firefox , or even Google Chrome . If the particular websites load up correctly in other web browsers, then you already know what you should be switching to.

Reset your device

If for any reason whatsoever you only prefer to use Safari as your go-to web browser, it might be worth trying to perform a factory reset on your device to see if the issue repairs itself.

Open the Settings app and tap on General.
Now, select the transfer or Reset iPhone option.
And finally, choose Reset.
All you need to do now is tap on Erase All Content.
Your iPhone will now begin to rest itself. The reset process can take some time.
Once the rest has been completed, complete the one-time setup and finally launch Safari.
You should now be able to use Safari without any issues and neither be seeing the Can’t connect to server message.

These are the various troubleshooting methods that you can follow to solve the issue with Safari displaying the Can’t connect to server message. We hope at least one of the methods that have been mentioned above helps you solve the issue. If you have any queries or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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How to Fix Safari Can’t Find Server on Mac

Nothing is more frustrating than browsing the web only to be met with constant errors from Safari. The “can’t find server” error is all too common, and it can throw a wrench in your schedule. But what causes this, and how can you fix it?

As an Apple computer tech, I have had this issue stumble across my desk quite a few times. The good news is that there are a few troubleshooting methods you can use to fix the Safari can’t find server issue on Mac.

Let’s get to it.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Solution #1: internet connectivity, solution #2: remove and re-add wi-fi, solution #3: domain name system (dns), solution #4: incorrect or misspelled url, solution #5: website malfunction, solution #6: cache and cookies, solution #7: disable content blockers, solution #8: disable your virtual private network (vpn), solution #9: icloud private relay/ip address tracking, solution #10: firewall or antivirus.

Restarting your Mac is a simple initial step to address minor software issues.
Check your internet connectivity and ensure there are no outages in your area. Restart your modem and router if necessary.
You can also remove and re-add your Wi-Fi network if the connection seems faulty.
Change your DNS settings to use Google DNS servers for improved communication with the internet.
Verify the URL spelling and remove the ‘www.’ if necessary.
Check if a specific website is down using online services.
Clear cache and cookies on Safari to improve website access.
If that doesn’t work, disable content blockers or adblockers that may be hindering website loading.
Temporarily disable VPN if it’s affecting network speed.
Turn off iCloud Private Relay and disable IP address tracking in Safari settings.
Another solution is to Check if your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the website (be cautious and only disable them if you trust the site).

10 Solutions for Safari Can’t Find Server on Mac

Before doing anything, I suggest restarting your Mac. Oftentimes, turning your system off and on again will fix most minor software issues. Plus, it only take a minute to do, so you’re not wasting valuable time.

The first possibility of Safari giving you the “Can’t Find Server” error, is if your internet connectivity is down or weak. If your internet is down, this error will likely show on every page, or you will not be able to load the internet at all.

If this is the case, I would suggest starting by verifying with your internet provider that your network is working in your area. Internet providers often have an outage map available on their website, or you can call to check if there are any reported outages in your network area.

Another possibility is your modem and/or router(s) may be off or not working for some other reason; it sounds like you would know about something like this, but it can’t hurt to check.

If nothing appears to be obviously wrong, try restarting your network devices, starting at your modem and then working to your router(s) one at a time (that is, if you use separate devices. If not, simply restart your modem/router).

If that still doesn’t work, be sure to check the manual(s) for your modem and/or router(s) to ensure that all the lights appear to be correct. If needed, verify with the manufacturer’s help section that your network devices are working properly.

Sometimes the connection with your Wi-Fi becomes faulty. If you are seeing the “Can’t Find Server” on Safari, but your network devices appear to be fine, then you may want to remove your network from your computer and re-add it.

Step 1: Open the Apple Menu and click System Settings .

Step 2: Navigate to Network on the left and Wi-Fi . Select Details next to your connected Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Click Forget This Network .

Step 4: Click Remove to confirm.

Step 5: Find your Network Name and click Connect .

Step 6: Enter your Password and click OK .

Domain Name System or DNS is the system that your computer uses to translate domain names (example: google.com) to IP addresses (same example: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.8.4).

As humans, we relate to google.com much easier than we relate to its IP address of 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.8.4. This helps our computer to establish communications to the internet.

To change your DNS take the following steps:

Step 1: Open the Apple Menu and click System Settings , click network on the left and Details next to your connected Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: In the DNS tab on the left, click the ‘+’ under DNS Servers. Add Google DNS Server 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.8.4. Click OK .

If it seems like there is only one website that you are getting the “Can’t Find Server” error for, then there is likely an issue that is directly involved with that website.

First, whether you typed the URL directly or copied and pasted it, the website could have a spelling error: check the spelling of the entire web address . It could also help to remove the ‘www.’ from the beginning of the URL.

Another option if you are only finding that you are unable to access one specific website is that website may be down.

If other websites are not getting the “Can’t Find Server” error, you can check if the website is down using popular websites like: www.isitdownrightnow.com or downforeveryoneorjustme.com .

These websites will help you to recognize if the website that you are trying to access is running or not.

Another option that could be impacting your ability to access a website is the cache and cookies that are stored on Safari.

Cache is the information that a website stores in order for you to access the content quickly. Cookies are your user-specific data that websites store on Safari.

Sometimes, if you have too much of this content stored, it is possible that the website will slow down so much that you are unable to access it.

Clearing this information does not harm your storage or get rid of any saved passwords, etc. However, it may log you out of any websites where you are currently logged in.

To Clear Cache and Cookies on Safari take the following steps:

Step 1: Click Safari from the menu bar and select Settings from the drop-down.

Step 2: Choose the Privacy Tab on the top and click Manage Website Data .

Step 3: You can either select one specific website and select remove, or you can remove the information for all the websites that are listed.

If you select Remove All – Select Remove Now on the pop-up to confirm.

Another possible reason why you are unable to reach a website or if Safari is giving you the “Can’t Find Server” error may be that the content is blocked.

Often, content blockers cause websites to take longer to load, which may give the appearance to Safari that the Server is unable to be reached. Some websites won’t load at all if they prohibit the use of things like adblockers .

To disable Content Blockers, take the following steps:

Step 1: On the website you are trying to access, right-click (or click with two fingers on the trackpad) over the website name in the address bar. Then click Settings for…

Step 2: Deselect Enable content blockers so the blue checkmark turns into a gray box.

That’s it! Try to reload the webpage now. If that still did not work, proceed to the next step.

If you are using a VPN in order to access the internet, this may cause your network speed to drop considerably. If this is the case, it is possible that Safari is unable to load quickly enough and therefore is giving you the “Can’t Find Server” error.

Try disabling your VPN to access the website. All VPNs are disabled differently, so I cannot provide specific instructions on how to best do this in this article. If you need help, access the website for the VPN you use for assistance.

iCloud Private Relay is a service provided by Apple with an iCloud+ subscription that is designed to protect your IP Address. It hides your IP address information and location from websites for your safety and protection.

IP Address Tracking is a setting that is directly within Safari that is used for similar protection of your information. This could cause a connection issue with the website that you are trying to reach, which would cause the “Can’t Find Server” error.

To disable iCloud Private Relay (only necessary if you use iCloud+), take the following steps:

Step 1: Open the Apple Menu and click System Settings from the drop-down. Navigate to your name and iCloud .

Step 2: Click Private Relay under iCloud+.

Step 3: Ensure that Private Relay is turned off.

Step 4: Next, you’ll want to Disable IP Address Tracking.

In Safari, Click Safari from the menu bar and hit Settings from the drop-down. Under the Privacy tab, deselect the Hide IP address so the blue checkmark goes away.

Your Mac comes preinstalled with a Firewall that you may have turned on at some point in your usage. Antivirus software would be something that you install and enable on your own. These two things are very important for your safety while using the internet, but may be blocking the connection to the website that you are trying to reach.

Please note that if the website is blocked by the firewall or antivirus software, there may be a reason why this software is blocking the website.

Be sure you trust the website prior to disabling these important security features. Since Antivirus is specific to the person and which version you downloaded, I will not be able to provide instructions on how to disable the antivirus software. Please visit the website for your specific software for help in disabling antivirus software.

As for the firewall, the following is how we disable the Pre-installed Apple firewall.

Step 1: Open the Apple Menu and System Settings . Navigate to Network Settings on the left and click Firewall .

Step 2: Turn off the firewall by hitting the switch to the right.

This article ran through several solutions for the dreaded “Can’t find server” error on Mac.

First, restart your Mac to resolve minor software issues. Next, ensure your internet connectivity is stable by checking with your provider and restarting network devices if necessary. To attempt to establish a better Wi-Fi connection, remove and re-add your network on your Mac.

If you’re still having issues, consider changing your DNS settings. Or, in cases where you’re facing issues with a specific website, check if it’s experiencing downtime using online services. Clearing the cache and cookies in Safari can also improve access. If you have content blockers or adblockers enabled, try disabling them temporarily, as they may hinder website loading.

Furthermore, review settings related to iCloud Private Relay and IP address tracking, as they might affect connectivity. Lastly, exercise caution when configuring firewall or antivirus software, as they can sometimes block website access.

We would love to hear about your experiences and any additional tips you may have. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!

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Safari Not Working on Your iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It

Although iPhones and iPads support other apps to reach the Web, Safari remains the most favored and frequently used browser for iOS users. Troubleshooting on Safari can be frustrating, especially if its issues prevent you from searching for a solution online. Here are a few common reasons why Safari may not be working on your iPhone and how to fix the problems.

Turn on Mobile Data for the Safari App

Disable experimental features, change your network settings.

Also read: How to Make Mobile Safari Save Your Passwords on iOS

Test Your Internet Connection

To begin with, ensure that the problem is with Safari and not with your internet connection. For this, open, say, a non-Apple app like Facebook or Chrome, and see whether the website or the feed loads. If it does, then Safari is at fault. Otherwise, your internet connection is at fault. If it’s the former, move on to the next step.

If you’ve been exploring your iPhone’s data-saving features, which let you specify which apps have access to your phone’s mobile data, then there’s a chance that you turned off mobile data for the Safari app. That means Safari will work when you’re connected to Wi-Fi but not to mobile data. (Try running Safari over Wi-Fi to test this.)

If that’s the case, then to turn mobile data back on for Safari, go to “Settings -> Mobile Data,” and then in the “Mobile Data” list, make sure the slider next to Safari is in the green “On” position.

Also read: 20 of the Best Siri Shortcuts for iOS Power Users

You may not know about this, but Safari for the iPhone has a whole load of experimental features that you can disable and enable as you please.

The problem with these, as the name suggests, is that they are indeed experimental and subsequently don’t all work properly. Disabling them one by one can fix Safari if it’s not working and help you discover which exact feature was causing the problem,

On your iPhone, go to “Settings -> Safari -> Advanced -> Experimental Features.”

Turn On Cellular Experimental Features For Safari App

If you have more than one feature enabled here, disable just one, then check to see if Safari works normally again. If it doesn’t, re-enable that feature (if you want it) and disable the next one. Keep repeating this procedure until Safari starts working again.

Turn Off Experimental Features For Safari

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Using “Shared with You” in iOS 15

Try resetting your Wi-Fi connection and reconnecting to the network.

Go to “Settings -> Wi-Fi” and turn it off, then turn it back on after a few seconds.

If you’re using mobile data, go to “Settings -> Mobile Data” and turn “Mobile Data” off and back on after a few seconds.

If neither option works, go to “Settings -> Wi-Fi,” connect to a different Wi-Fi network, and try loading the web page again.

If the problem persists, try restoring your network settings to their original configuration.

Go to “Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset” and choose “Reset Network Settings.”

Also read: How to Fix Contact Names Not Showing, Appearing as Numbers in iOS

Common Problems With Safari And How To Solve Them

By following the fixes we’ve mentioned above, you should be able to revive Safari and make it work normally again. However, there are some specific issues that commonly come up with Safari. Here’s how to solve them.

Problem: Safari Crashed and Won’t Open

If you’ve ever panicked after Safari closed unexpectedly and couldn’t get the app to start, you probably encountered a bug that affects Safari’s search engine suggestions. This issue can cause the app to crash, freeze, or fail to start altogether. Although the bug usually plagues devices running iOS 10, it can affect just about any iPhone or iPad.

How to Fix It: Disable Search Engine Suggestions

Go to “Settings” and choose “Safari” in your list of apps. Here, find “Search Engine Suggestions” and turn it off.

This feature offers suggestions for what you can search for as you type into Safari’s search bar. Disabling it gets rid of the problem for many users.

Problem: Safari Is Gray (and Won’t Open)

Sometimes when you update your iPhone’s iOS to a newer version, you may encounter a bug that turns some apps gray and prevent them from opening.This bug causes Safari to stop working and turns its icon gray when you switch to another app while Safari is running in the background.

How to Fix It: Update Your Software

To solve this problem, update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Apple includes important bug fixes in each software update, so it’s important to keep your iPhone or iPad up to date. iOS 11.1 fixed this bug for most users, so be sure to update to 11.1 or greater if you’re running an older version of iOS.

Go to “Settings -> General,” choose “Software Update,” and install the latest update.

Also read: How to Update to iOS 17 Smoothly

Problem: Safari Is Slow

As powerful as your iPhone can be, it can get bogged down with all the extraneous information that it processes. If you notice that Safari takes longer to load pages or graphics, it may be time to do some housekeeping. Try clearing your browser history, website data, and cache to make Safari run more smoothly.

How to Fix It: Clear Your Data

To delete your cookies, cache, and browsing history, go to “Settings -> Safari,” choose “Clear History and Data,” and confirm that you want to go ahead. Safari will remember your AutoFill information if you choose this option.

To keep your browsing history but clear your cache and cookies, first go to “Settings -> Safari -> Advanced.”

There, choose “Website Data -> Remove All Website Data” and tap “Remove Now.” Note that Safari will not remember your AutoFill information if you choose this option.

To remove only a portion of your browsing history, cache, and cookies, start by opening Safari and tapping the Bookmark icon. Here, open your history and tap “Clear.” Now Safari will give you the option to clear your history, cookies, and browsing data from the past hour, the past day, the past 48 hours, or from your entire history. Pick the relevant option.

Problem: Safari Still Isn’t Working

Although it sounds cliche, turning your phone off and back on again can be the solution to any number of Safari-related issues.

How to Fix It: Restart Safari or Reboot Your Phone

If none of the previous fixes help solve your problem, try restarting the app or rebooting your phone.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and press on the screen when your finger is near the center to open the multitasking view, and then swipe up on Safari to close it. This will reset Safari.
To shut down your phone, press and hold the sleep/wake button until a slider appears. Slide to the right to power off your phone. For iPhone X and above, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the slider appears. Then slide it to the right to power off your phone.

Also read: How to Block Websites on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Android, and iOS

Frequently Asked Questions

How to fix "safari can't find server" on iphone.

The most probable and common reason behind the “Safari can’t find server” error is not with Safari but with your internet connection. Here are a few ways to fix it.

Reset your wireless router.
Turn mobile data off and turn it back on again.
Clear Safari cache and data.
Restart your iPhone.

How to reset Safari on iPhone?

To reset Safari on your iPhone, open the Settings app and scroll to the Safari settings. There, tap on “Clear History and Website Data” and the bottom of the page and follow up along with the pop-up on your screen to confirm the action. Once it’s complete, all your data and cookies will be wiped clean, and Safari will be as good as new.

Can you reinstall Safari on your iPhone?

Yes, just like any other app, you can uninstall Safari from your iPhone by holding down the Safari icon on the home screen and tapping “Remove app.” Then, visit the App Store, search for Safari, and reinstall it from there. Can’t find the Safari app to delete it? Here’s how to delete hidden apps .

Image credit: Flickr

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Ojash has been writing about tech back since Symbian-based Nokia was the closest thing to a smartphone. He spends most of his time writing, researching, or ranting about Bitcoin. Ojash also contributes to other popular sites like MakeUseOf, SlashGear, and MacBookJournal.

We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions.

Top 12 Fixes for Safari Not Loading Pages on iPhone and iPad

Mehvish Mushtaq is a computer engineer by degree. Her love for Android and gadgets made her develop the first Android app for Kashmir. Known as Dial Kashmir, she won the prestigious Nari Shakti award from the President of India for the same. She has been writing about technology for 6+ years and her favorite verticals include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, social media, and web apps. You can also find her posts on MakeTechEasier, TechWiser, and NerdsChalk.

The Safari browser comes pre-installed on Apple devices such as iPhone and iPad. Many iOS and iPadOS users prefer using it as the default browser . Sadly, the browser doesn’t work at times, for pages do not load in it. If you are from the unlucky ones, then you have landed on the right page. You can easily fix it when Safari does not open web pages on iPhone and iPad, as shown in this post.

iPhone and iPad users face different kinds of issues related to Safari . Some see a blank, white page and others get errors like ‘Safari cannot open the page because iPhone isn’t connected to the internet,’ or the browser freezes and crashes without loading any page.

The following fixes will help you resolve all kinds of problems related to Safari not loading pages on iOS and iPadOS. Let’s start.

1. Restart Phone and Modem

To start the troubleshooting process, restart your iPhone and iPad . Also, reboot your modem if you are using Wi-Fi. In case you are connected via cellular data, please turn it off for a few seconds and turn it on again.

Tip: You should also remove the SIM card from your phone for a while.

2. Check Network Connection

Next, verify whether the issue is with Safari alone or not. For that, check if other apps are working on your iPhone or iPad. If you cannot connect to the internet using other apps, then the problem is with your network connection. Switch to mobile data from Wi-Fi or vice versa.

Tip: Check out 8 fixes for can’t find server error on Safari .

3. Enable Airplane Mode

Another way to troubleshoot issues due to network connections is to put your device in Airplane mode . That will turn off and refresh all network connections. To enable Airplane mode on your iPhone or iPad, open Control Center and tap on the Airplane mode icon. Alternatively, go to Settings and enable Airplane mode. Keep it on for a few seconds, and then turn it off.

4. Turn off VPN

Are you using any VPN on your iPhone or iPad? If yes, disable it for a while and see if you can open web pages through Safari.

Tip: Find out whether you need security apps on your iPhone or iPad .

5. Update Software

Before you try the below-mentioned fixes, we would suggest you update the Safari browser from App Store. Often there is a bug in the app or phone’s software. So you should look for any available software updates and install them. To check for the phone’s software, go to Settings > General > Software update.

6. Check Cellular Data Settings

If you can load web pages on Wi-Fi, but pages do not load on cellular data, you must check mobile data settings. For that, go to Settings > Cellular data/Mobile data. Scroll down and make sure the toggle next to Safari is green. If it’s off, turn it on.

Tip: Check out other ways to fix iPhone apps only work on Wi-Fi and not mobile data .

7. Check Content Restrictions

You must check on your iPhone/iPad if any content restrictions are enabled. To do so, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If the Content & privacy restrictions toggle on the next screen is turned off, skip this fix and jump to the next one.

In case it is on, scroll down and tap on Content Restrictions. Go to Web content and select Unrestricted access.

Tip: Find out how to block and unblock certain websites on iPhone .

8. Enable JavaScript

You should check if the Safari browser has permission to use JavaScript. For that, open Settings on your iPhone and go to Safari > Advanced. Enable the toggle next to JavaScript.

9. Clear Cache and Browsing Data

This is one of the fixes that has solved the web pages not loading issue for many users. To do so, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone/iPad. Go to Safari.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Advanced.

Step 3: Tap on Website data. Scroll down and hit Remove all website data.

Step 4 : Restart the phone and see if you can open web pages. If the issue persists, come back to Settings > Safari. Scroll down and tap on Clear History and Website data. Confirm when asked. This will delete all your browsing history and other browsing data from all the Apple devices using the same iCloud account.

Tip: Find out how to fix if the Clear history and website data button is greyed out .

10. Reset Network Settings

Often the problem of web pages not opening on Safari happens due to some problematic network setting. The best way to fix this is to reset network settings. Doing so will not affect your personal data. Only settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., will be reset to their default values. You will need to set them up again. Find out in detail what happens by resetting network settings .

To reset network settings on iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset network settings.

11. Disable Content Blockers

If you have installed any content blocker on your iPhone or iPad, you should try disabling it for a while. To do so, go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers. Disable all of them and see if you can load pages now. Know what are content blockers and whether you should use them on your iPhone.

You should also try disabling various Safari experimental features one-by-one. For that, go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental features.

12. Change Wi-Fi DNS

Sometimes, the issue happens to a wrongly configured DNS server. You should change it to Google DNS and see if websites open in the Safari browser.

To do so, follow these steps:

Step 1 : Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.

Step 2 : Tap on the (i) icon next to the problematic Wi-Fi. Tap on Configure DNS.

Step 3: If Automatic is selected, tap on Manual > Add server. Enter 8.8.8.8, remove existing ones, and hit Save. If Manual is selected, tap on Automatic.

Change Default Browser

We are positive that at least one of the above fixes should solve issues with the Safari browser. We would also suggest that if you have a huge number of tabs open in the Safari browser, you should close at least some of them. If the issue continues, you can always use Chrome, and now you can even make it your default browser .

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 28 November, 2022

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Top Ways to Fix Google Chrome Not Loading Pages on Android and iPhone 1

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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How to Fix It When Safari Is Not Working on an iPad

Restarts, updates, and checking your network are common fixes

Swansea University, Staffordshire University

Wichita Technical Institute

Fixing Safari issues on iPad can take seconds to fix due to an unknown minor issue, or it can take a lot longer. Here's how to fix it when Safari won't work on an iPad.

Causes of Safari Not Working On iPad

There are many reasons why Safari may not be working on iPad. Try these troubleshooting tips to figure out what's happened.

Your iPad is out of date. If your iPad is not up to date, you may find yourself running into trouble loading standard apps including Safari.
You're offline. If your iPad doesn't have a data connection, Safari won't be able to load any websites, making it look as if Safari is the issue.
Your iPad has a major problem. If your iPad won't load any apps including Safari, the problem may be deeper than just the one app.

How to Fix Safari Not Working On iPad

If your iPad won't open Safari or it won't load correctly, it severely limits your ability to browse the internet. Here's how to fix Safari not working on iPad.

Restart your iPad . Many common issues are solved by restarting or rebooting the device in question. Restart your iPad to hopefully fix Safari.

Check your data connection . If your iPad is a Wi-Fi model, check you're connected to a Wi-Fi network with internet access. If your iPad has a cellular connection, check it has a signal and is working correctly. Tap Settings > Cellular and check the toggle next to Safari is On.

Check Airplane mode . Check if Airplane mode is enabled on your iPad. If it is, you won't be able to browse online.

Check content restrictions . If you have parental controls set up on your iPad, these may stop you from browsing using Safari. Check the settings to confirm this isn't the issue.

Clear your browsing history . If Safari opens but is unresponsive, clear your browsing history to see if that makes it work more effectively.

Disable Safari suggestions. Safari suggestions can sometimes cause Safari to crash. Try disabling them by tapping Settings > Safari > then toggle off the Safari Suggestions switch.

Update your iPad . If you haven't updated your iPad in a while, you may need the latest version of iPadOS to correct any issues. It's simple to do but set aside a while for the update process to complete.

Reset your iPad . Resetting your iPad to factory settings removes all your personal information but can sometimes solve an underlying issue previous steps haven't solved.

Contact Apple . If none of the above fixes work, you may have a hardware issue with your iPad. If you have remaining warranty or AppleCare+ , the appointment and fix may be free.

The first thing you should check is that you're entering the correct URL. If you're typing it manually, try finding a link. If you're following a link, try typing it by hand. The website may also be down, and you should try again later.

The best way is to delete your Safari data. Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data .

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If Safari isn't loading websites or quits on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

If you can't load a website or web page, or Safari quits unexpectedly, follow these steps.

Connect to a different network

Try to load a website, such as www.apple.com/au , using mobile data. If you don’t have mobile data, connect to a different Wi-Fi network , then load the website.

If you're using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), check your VPN settings . If you have a VPN turned on, some apps or websites may block content from being loaded.

Restart your device

Turn off your device and turn it on again.

Restart your iPhone

Restart your iPad

Restart your iPod touch

Clear website data

You can clear website data every so often to improve Safari performance.

Go to Settings > Safari.

Tap Clear History and Website Data.

Tap Clear History to confirm.

Turn on JavaScript

Turn on JavaScript if it's not already on.

Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced.

Turn on JavaScript.

Get more help

If the issue continues and only affects a certain website or web page, check if you have Private Relay turned on. You can temporarily turn off Private Relay in iCloud Settings . If Safari still doesn't load websites and you've tried all these steps, contact the website developer for more help.

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

How to Fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error (6 Solutions)

When you’re browsing the web, the last thing you want is to run into an error message. If you’re a macOS user, one of the issues you might come across is: “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” error.

While it may seem intimidating at first, this is a relatively common problem with a few simple solutions. All it usually takes is a little bit of troubleshooting before you’re able to effectively (and safely) access the site.

This post will explain what this Safari error message is and some of its common causes. Then we’ll provide you with six easy ways to fix the problem.

Let’s get started!

What’s the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error?

Some of the best features of Mac devices are their built-in security settings . Apple has created an experience designed to keep you and your device safe, especially while browsing the web.

This is why its native browser, Safari, will sometimes prevent you from accessing a website that it doesn’t deem as secure. When this happens, you’ll likely see an error message that says, “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server.”

A screenshot of the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” error.

The specific wording of the error may vary. For example, as you can see in the image above, you might also come across a notification letting you know that “Safari Can’t Open the Page.”

In a nutshell, this error message means that the browser doesn’t trust the encrypted data on the site. Alternatively, Safari could not access and verify the information successfully. For example, this might happen when a site doesn’t have a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate properly configured.

Using SSL and Secure Shell Access (SSH) is critical for websites today. This is especially true when you have a site that handles sensitive customer data, such as a WooCommerce store .

However, if you know the site that you’re accessing is secure, the problem is likely with Safari. Many people experience this error message when accessing popular websites, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Google.

What Causes “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error?

There are many different reasons you might be seeing this error message. As we mentioned, the main explanation is that Safari can’t verify that the website you’re trying to access is secure enough to protect your data.

However, it’s essential to understand why it deems the site unsecured to know how to resolve it. Sometimes, you may not know what the culprit is until you try troubleshooting it.

With that said, there are a handful of common causes behind the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” message. For example, the issue may be attributed to a third-party extension or add-on you have installed on your browser. It could be something as simple as having outdated cache data. However, it could be a more complicated problem, such as the Internet Protocol (IP) version you’re using.

How To Fix the “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” Error (6 Solutions)

Now that we understand more about the issue and its potential causes, it’s time to look at how to fix it. Below are six solutions you can use to resolve the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” error.

1. Clear Your Browser Data

When you visit websites, Safari will store some of the information in the browser cache and cookies. If this data includes outdated details relating to the site’s SSL or encryption , it can be the reason you see the error message.

Therefore, one of the quickest and simplest methods you can use to resolve this error is to clear your browser cache . To do that in Safari, you can start by opening up the browser.

Next, click on Preferences > Privacy , then select Remove All Website Data .

After it finishes loading (it may take a minute or two), you can decide which websites to clear the data from. For example, you can select them all or simply the one you’re having trouble accessing.

When done, click on the Done button at the bottom of the screen.

Next, to clear your entire browsing history, you can navigate to Safari > History > Clear History .

Clearing your entire browsing history in Safari.

When finished, try revisiting the site that was showing the error message. If it’s still there, you can move on to the next solution.

2. Check Your Device’s Date and Time

While it may seem odd, sometimes having the incorrect date and time on your Mac device can cause some issues within Safari. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that yours is set to the correct time zone and date.

To get started, you can click on the Apple icon, then navigate to System Preferences > Date & Time .

Find the date and time option in preferences

From here, you can verify that you’re using the right date and time.

Verify you are using the right date and time.

Under the Time Zone tab, you can also enable your device to sync to your current location automatically. When you’re done, you can exit the window and try re-accessing the site.

3. Change Your DNS Settings

If the error is still there, you might want to check out your Domain Name Server (DNS) settings. In a nutshell, your DNS acts like a phonebook that allows devices and sites to reach each other. Safari uses your DNS settings to connect to websites.

If there are issues with your DNS settings, it might be why you see the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” message. To see if this is the case (and resolve it), you can try changing your DNS addresses. For example, you could use Google’s Public DNS.

To get started, browse to Apple > System Preferences > Network .

From this window, select your connection, then click on the Advanced tab, followed by DNS . Next, click on the (+) icon next to IPv4 or IPv6 addresses .

Then you can enter the new DNS IP addresses. For example, if you want to use Google’s Public DNS, you can enter “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4”.

When you’re finished, click on the OK button. Recheck the website to see if this process removed the error message.

4. Uninstall or Disable Your Browser Extensions

As we mentioned earlier, an extension or add-on in your browser may be conflicting with Safari’s ability to connect to a site securely. Sometimes, this is common with anti-virus programs and security-related extensions.

Therefore, the next step is to try deactivating all your browser extensions. To do this, you can open Safari, then navigate to Preferences and click on the Extensions tab.

A list of your extensions will display in the left column. You can click on the checkmark next to the add-on name to disable it.

Once you’re done, try revisiting the site. If this solves the problem, you’ll need to pinpoint which extension was to blame. You can do this by systematically enabling each add-on and visiting the site after each time.

5. Disable IPv6

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that controls how data moves across the internet. IPv6 is a newer protocol version. However, some websites still use the older version, IPv4. If this is the case, it might be why you’re running into the “Safari can’t establish a secure connection” message.

Therefore, you can try disabling IPv6 on your network. To do so, navigate to System Preferences > Network once again, then click on your network connection, followed by the Advanced button.

Under the TC P/IP tab, click on the dropdown menu under Configure IPv6 and select Manually .

When you’re done, click on the OK button. This should resolve the issue if IPv6 were the problem. If not, there’s one last solution you can try.

6. Make Sure Keychain Trusts the Certificate

Earlier, we mentioned how Safari could sometimes present the connection error message if it cannot verify the validity of the site’s SSL certificate. If this is the case, you can bypass the issue by configuring settings in your macOS’s Keychain Access app.

Keychain Access is the application that stores your passwords , account details, and application certificates. It keeps your data secure and can control which sites are trusted by your device. As such, you can tell it to accept a site’s SSL certificate moving forward.

To do this, you can go to the website showing the error message, then click on the lock icon to the left of the address bar, followed by View/Show Certificate > Details .

Check if Keychain trusts the certificate in preferences

With the Details panel expanded, click Control + Space Bar . A Spotlight Search bar will appear in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Enter “Keychain” in the search field.

Next, on the left, click on System Roots . Search for the website’s certificate. Once you locate it, go to the Trust section. Then click on the dropdown menu next to When using this certificate section and select Always trust :

Select the Always Trust option under certificates

That’s it! You should now be able to access the site successfully.

Trying to access a website only to be met with an error message can be highly frustrating. While Safari is simply trying to keep your data protected, sometimes it can get misconfigured. In this case, the browser may unnecessarily present a security notification such as “Safari can’t establish a secure connection.”

There are six methods you can use to fix this issue when it happens:

Clear your browser data, including the cache and cookies.
Check your device’s data and time.
Change your DNS settings.
Uninstall or disable your browser extensions and add-ons.
Disable IPv6.
Make sure Keychain trusts the SSL certificate.

Do you have any questions about fixing the Safari secure connection issue? Let us know in the comments section below!

Content & Marketing Editor at Kinsta, WordPress Web Developer, and Content Writer. Outside of all things WordPress, I enjoy the beach, golf, and movies. I also have tall people problems ;).

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Tried as much of this as possible, and Safari still doesn’t work. Couldn’t try some things, because I’m running it on a PC, and not on a Mac.

However, I am able to access all sites with FireFox, so teh problem does seem to be with Safari. Too bad.

Thank you so much!!! My date was wrong and it fixed the issue thank u ❤️👍

I tried all six of the fixes you offered. All seemed to work – except I did not fully grasp the extensions one. Also cannot get to the lock on the website I’m trying to open (gov.uk) because that website won’t open so no lock is shown.

Fixing date and time worked for me

Great information. I went through every step and got to the SSl certificate section. There is no certificate for the site I’m attempting to visit. Safari will not allow me to visit many sites. So it isn’t just the one site.

10 Ways to Fix Safari Not Working on an iPhone

Follow these simple troubleshooting steps to fix Safari if it isn’t working properly on your iPhone.

Safari is the native browser for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. It comes pre-installed on almost every Apple device, and it's designed to be fast and efficient for them. However, there are times when Safari doesn't work.

When this happens, it usually means there's a setting or software issue. There are even cases where you might not be able to access the internet at all on your iPhone or iPad. Luckily, there are a variety of things you can try to get Safari working again.

1. Restart Your Device

You hear it all the time—turn your device off and on again. While this may sound too simple to work, restarting your iPhone or iPad has been known to clear your usable memory, which can speed up Safari.

If Safari is frozen or just a blank white screen, restarting your iPhone or iPad can also fix these problems. Before you try anything else, just make sure you cover the basics.

If you're new to Safari or Apple devices, you might want to check out our beginner's guide to Safari for iPhone and iPad users .

2. Turn Off Safari Suggestions

Turning off Safari Suggestions is one of the simplest and most common fixes for Safari not loading or crashing on an Apple device. While we aren't sure why this works, many users have reported that turning this off fixes the problem.

To turn off suggestions, head to Settings > Safari > Safari Suggestions and turn this off. You can also turn off Search Engine Suggestions while you're there too, as some users reported this also fixes the issue.

Some users have also said that blocking Safari popups on your iPhone can improve the memory usage of Safari. So, you may also want to give this a try.

If this fixes your issue, then you're all set. If not, try the following steps.

3. Turn On Cellular Data for Safari

If you're frequently connected to Wi-Fi, you may have cellular data off for Safari to save internet data. While helpful, if your Wi-Fi isn't functioning right, connecting to cellular data could fix your issue.

To do this, head to Settings > Cellular > Safari and turn this on. If it was off, this was most likely the cause of your issue. Alternatively, you can turn off Wi-Fi if you're connected and just connect with cellular data. If you can connect this way, that means there's a network issue with your Wi-Fi network.

4. Edit Your Screen Time Settings

If you've ever changed your Screen Time settings or blocked certain websites through Screen Time, try turning these settings off. To block websites, you need to enable Content Restrictions which can inadvertently block websites you still want to use. If you can't load a link from an email or text message, this could also be a sign that content restrictions are on.

To fix this issue, head to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn this option off. If it was on, then this was most likely your issue. If it was off already, proceed to the next fix.

5. Clear All Safari's Data

If you frequently use Safari, you might have a lot of data stored within the app, making it fail to load correctly. This is especially true if you're using an iPhone or iPad with a lower storage capacity. If you get low storage notifications, this fix could resolve your issue.

To clear Safari's data, head to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data . This will erase all extra data in the Safari app. Some users report this works, but you'll need to do it often if you can't eliminate storage space elsewhere on your iPhone.

6. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Some users have reported that updating iOS resolves issues with Safari. Whether Safari isn't loading, is crashing, or just isn't connecting to websites, try updating iOS on your iPhone .

Apple does a great job of fixing widespread issues with iOS updates. So, if there is an issue that Apple is aware of, it could get fixed by a subsequent update.

7. Reset Your Network Settings

If you've had issues with your network before, like not getting service or pages timing out, resetting your Network Settings could help.

To reset the Network Settings on your iPhone or iPad, head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (iPad) > Reset > Reset Network Settings . This will reset only your Network Settings and won't erase any other data on your iPhone.

After you finish this, try opening Safari to see if it's working again. If not, proceed to the next fix.

8. Reset to Factory Default Settings

If all else fails, you can try resetting your iPhone to the default settings. This will erase all the data on your iPhone, and you'll have to set it up from scratch. However, this is also a very effective way to resolve all kinds of software problems. To do this, head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (iPad) > Erase All Content and Settings .

After resetting to the default settings, test out the Safari app before you install your usual apps. If Safari is working then but stops working when a certain app is installed, that means the app installed is interfering with Safari.

If Safari isn't working when you have a fresh install, make sure you didn't restore a backup of your iPhone or iPad . If you restored a backup, there could be something interfering with Safari that transferred over. If you reset your device without a backup and Safari still doesn't work, you can try one of the two last troubleshooting steps.

9. Turn On JavaScript

JavaScript is on by default on most iOS devices. However, if you're having issues with Safari, it's likely that JavaScript is off. Sometimes, one might turn JavsScript off as some websites might not support it.

If you've turned JavaScript off or want to check if it's off and turn it back on, head to Settings > Safari > Advanced on your iOS or iPadOS device.

10. Use an Alternative Browser

If the above fixes didn't work, then unfortunately, there might be an iOS bug with Safari, and you'll need to wait for the next update and hope it's patched. Until then, you can try using an alternative browser to access the internet on your device. There are many great browsers available in the App Store that can cater to your needs.

Be sure to check back for iOS updates and see if Apple has addressed the bug. You can also start a new discussion in the Apple Discussions Community to see if anyone else is experiencing the same issue.

Safari Not Working on Your iPhone or iPad? It's Most Likely a Software Issue

Cracked screens and broken buttons are easy to diagnose as we can instantly see what's wrong. But when Safari or other apps on your iPhone stop working, that usually means a software issue is at play.

You can usually fix these issues by updating iOS, changing your settings, or resetting your device. However, if the issue still isn't fixed after trying everything above, you might need to post in the Apple forum about your issue for more help.

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How to Fix Safari Cannot Find Server on iPhone

Got an error “Safari cannot find server iPhone”? If you are seeking the ways to fix it then you are on the right page. In this guide, you will get to know several solutions that you can try to fix the common error that Safari browser shows.

No matter on which iPhone model you are facing the Safari cannot connect to server iPhone error, solutions that we have mentioned in this guide are applicable for every iPhone model. Default Safari browser of iPhone many times unable to load some Webpages due to various reasons that you will get to know at the end of this article. Safari browser is the first preference for most iPhone users. There are some ways that can fix the common error of Safari and you can also try to be able to use your favorite browser hassle-free.

To fix other Safari issues, you can check the tips below:

Safari Not Working on iPhone iPad After iOS Update? Here’re Solutions >
How to Fix: Safari Cannot Open the Page on iPhone >

8 Solutions for Safari Cannot Connect to Server on iPhone

Solution 1: check internet connection.

Sometimes, due to your minor mistakes, you put yourself in big problems. So, check if you have enabled the Wi-Fi or cellular network from Settings. And also check if the Airplane mode is not enabled. Even the very bad Internet connection causes Safari to load a webpage. So, whether you are using a Wi-Fi or mobile network, make sure that you have a good Internet connection before using Safari.

Solution 2: Recheck the Website URL

Entering a website address manually? Then, recheck the URL to make sure that it is 100% typed correctly. Even a very small mistake can’t be able to load a webpage or also refresh the page numerous times as it might be able to load the page.

Solution 3: Clear Safari Cache and Data

Checked the internet connection, URL and nothing is wrong with them. But, still, getting a “Safari cannot find server iPhone”. Then, it might be the case that Safari browser is conflicting data from the previous browsing sessions. To fix this issue, you need to clear Safari website data and cache.

Step 1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone and then, move to the “Safari”.

Step 2. After that, tap on the “Clear History and Website Data”. Then, again open the Safari browser and load a webpage and check if the issue is fixed or not.

How to Fix Safari Cannot Find Server on iPhone

If you want to manage passwords saved on Safari, you can check: How to View and Edit Passwords Saved on Safari >

Solution 5: Use IP Address

You can also enter the IP address of the URL for searching it on Safari and if you don’t know its IP address, then you can use a tool to find out it by its domain name from the Internet. If it works, then it’s indeed a DNS server problem that you need to fix it. In the next solution, we have discussed how you can do this.

Solution 6: Modify DNS Settings

Another reason why you are receiving a “Safari cannot connect to server iPhone” error can be because you are not using a reliable DNS server to load a webpage. DNS is a domain name system that is used in loading webpage on the internet. It converts the webpage URL into the IP Address automatically as it is easy to remember the domain name rather than IP address. That’s why the domain name system is invented. So, use the Google DNS server which is more reliable and efficient to use. To check and modify the DNS server, follow the below simple steps on your iPhone.

Step 1. Launch the “Settings” app on your iPhone and then, move to the “Wi-Fi” option. After that, click on the icon that is next to the domain name as shown below.

Step 2. Thereafter, click on the “Configure DNS”. Then, if it is “Automatic”, then change it to the “Manual”. From the “Add Server” option, add the Google DNS server either 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.

How to Fix Safari Cannot Connect Server on iPhone

Solution 7: Reset Network settings

Clear the cache and change DNS settings, but again encountered with Safari cannot connect to server iPhone issue. Then, reset the network settings which will remove all the Wi-Fi passwords and even the DNS settings.

Step 1. Go to the “Settings” menu and then, “General”. After that, tap on the “Reset” option to move forward.

Step 2. Eventually, tap “Reset Network Settings” and when the dialog box appears for confirmation of modifying the settings, then go for a reset.

Solution 8: Restart iPhone forcibly

The last solution that you can try is resetting your iPhone forcibly. This will solve many minor software issues which may cause the Safari browser to show the server error. Here, we have mentioned the reset process for every iPhone model. You can do it according to your iPhone model.

For iPhone 8 or earlier, or iPad, press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the slider appears. For iPhone 12/11/X/XS (Max)/XR, you need to press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the slider appears on the screen.

Bonus Tip: Fix iPhone System Issues with AnyFix

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The Bottom Line

In this article, there are all possible solutions that you can have to fix the “Safari cannot find server iPhone” error easily. We hope the solutions that we have complied with may resolve this error from your iPhone model. You must also share this guide with your friends who are iPhone users to help them to resolve the error.

Safari Not Working on iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It

What to know.

If Safari is not working, be sure to check your cellular and Wi-Fi connection.
Confirm that you have not set any Screen Time limits for Safari.
If all else fails, try clearing Safari history and browsing data.

It can be incredibly frustrating when Safari is not working on iPhone. Whether web pages are not loading or you’re getting a “Safari cannot open page” error message, we’re going to go over a few different fixes that should help resolve any issues you are having with your web browser.

Why Is Safari Not Working?

How to Check Screen Time Settings

How to Clear Safari Browsing Data

There are a few different reasons why Safari is not working on your iPhone, so we'll recommend multiple solutions to help resolve the problem. Let’s get started with how to fix Safari on iPhone.

How to Check Cellular & Wi-Fi Connection

Like any web browser, Safari needs an internet connection to work. For more Safari troubleshooting fixes, like how to fix the Safari cannot open page error, be sure to sign up for our Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, to fix any problems with Safari not working on your iPhone, let’s first check your cellular and Wi-Fi connection:

Swipe down from the top right edge of your screen to open the Control Center.

If these settings are already enabled, but your web browser is still giving you trouble or Safari can't find server, there are other solutions to try.

How to Enable Cellular Data for Safari

One of the iPhone’s many useful features is that you can restrict certain apps from using your cellular data . This is great for those who do not have unlimited data plans. However, that also means that if you disable data for Safari, then the web browser will be unable to load any web pages if you're not connected to Wi-Fi. If Safari is not working on your iPhone, here’s how to check your cellular data settings:

Open the Settings app, and tap Cellular.

Once you've confirmed that cellular data is enabled for Safari, try opening a web page to see if the issue has been resolved.

Safari Won’t Open on iPhone? Check Screen Time Settings

Screen Time is a handy feature that is designed to help you reduce the amount of time you spend on your phone, including restricting access to a particular app. If you played around with Screen Time settings in the past, you might have accidentally set an App Limit for Safari by accident. If Safari won't open this is one of the first things you should check. Here’s how to check your Screen Time settings when Safari is not working on iPhone:

Open the Settings app, and tap Screen Time.

If you do not see Safari in this list, then you have not set any Screen Time limits for your web browser. If Safari is still not opening on your iPhone, the issue could be elsewhere.

Sometimes clearing out old website history and data can help with issues related to Safari not working. Here’s how to do it:

Note: Clearing this data will log you out of your online accounts and clear recent websites from your browsing history. While that is not a huge loss for most people, it can be a bit annoying when you get Safari working again, so it is best to use this option as a last resort.

Open the Settings app, scroll down, and tap Safari.

If Safari is not working on your iPhone after clearing your browsing data, try closing the app completely.

Close & Re-open Safari

If Safari is still not working on iPhone, try closing and re-opening the app . Sometimes apps stop functioning correctly so completely closing it can help resolve things. When you close the app and re-open it, this effectively restarts the app.

If Safari cannot open a page, the above fixes should help resolve any underlying issues. However, if you are still having trouble with Safari not working on iPhone, you may need to seek further assistance from Apple Support . Next, find out how to block or allow pop-ups in Safari .

How do I get the Safari icon back on my iPhone? Safari is one of the few Apple apps that cannot be removed from your iPhone. However, if it has somehow vanished from your phone, there are a few different ways to get Safari back on iPhone . Our article covers each method in detail, ensuring you can find the app.
Why won't Safari open on my iPhone? If Safari won't open at all, the problem could be your Screen Time settings. If you don't have any Screen Time restrictions, you could be experiencing a software bug, in which case, I would recommend reaching out to Apple Support for help.
How do I reset Safari on my iPhone? You can close and re-open Safari to reset it. However, if that does not work, you can follow the above steps for clearing your browsing data .

Author Details

Rhett Intriago

Rhett Intriago is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life, offering his expertise in all things iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. He enjoys writing on topics related to maintaining privacy in a digital world, as well as iPhone security. He’s been a tech enthusiast all his life, with experiences ranging from jailbreaking his iPhone to building his own gaming PC.

Despite his disdain for the beach, Rhett is based in Florida. In his free time, he enjoys playing the latest games, spoiling his cats, or discovering new places with his wife, Kyla.

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iPhone getting Safari not connect to server

When I am trying to open a file on my iPhone 8 in safari, I keep getting a message that safari can’t connect with the server.

This seems to be a new problem and usually when I am opening something within an email.

Posted on Aug 25, 2020 6:48 AM

Posted on Aug 25, 2020 6:50 AM

Is it maybe a work website that can only be reached while being connected to a corporate VPN?

Try the following:

Airplane mode on then off Navigate to Settings, then slide Airplane Mode to On, wait a few seconds, then slide it back to Off. It seems that discontinuing and restarting the EDGE and WiFi components in the iPhone can restore connectivity.
Reset network settings Tap Settings, tap General, tap Reset, tap Reset Network Settings. This will cause your iPhone to restart, and will delete any stored Wi-Fi passwords as well as DNS settings and more. It can restore your ability to join a stubborn wireless network, let you access stalled Web pages, or eliminate issues with EDGE data access that can occur for various reasons.
Reboot your iPhone Hold down the home and sleep buttons simultaneously until you see the white Apple logo, indicating that your iPhone has restarted.