How to Fix the Safari Cannot Open the Page Error in Safari Web Browser

It happens to us all. You're browsing contentedly in Safari, when suddenly Safari can't open the page you're trying to navigate to. So what causes this Apple Safari issue, and what can you do about it? We’ve laid out five easy ways to fix the Safari Cannot Open the Page error. Let's get started.

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1. Easiest Fix for Safari Not Working on Mac, iPhone, or iPad

Whenever there are internet issues and Safari can’t open pages or Safari is not working on iPhone, it’s best to try the most straightforward fixes first, such as swiping between tabs to see if the issue persists on all webpages or just one. Start with these steps before you move on to the more involved troubleshooting options. If they don't work, don't worry! There are plenty of other ways to fix the Safari Cannot Open the Page error.

  1. First, check your Wi-Fi or data connection. Sometimes a loss of connection happens briefly and then resolves on its own, or you may need to reconnect manually.
  2. Next, try refreshing the page via the Refresh icon.


     
  3. Next, try closing the Safari app altogether, and then reopen it. To do this, open the App Switcher and close Safari by swiping up on it.


     
  4. If these methods fail, restart your iPhone or other Apple device, then try again.

If the above steps still haven't resolved the Safari Cannot Open the Page error, move on to the next section for further troubleshooting.

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2. Safari Can’t Open Page? Extensions May Be to Blame

While extensions are helpful sometimes, they may interrupt the connection to a website you’re trying to load, especially ad blockers or VPN extensions. You can remove all your Safari extensions or one or two and try to open pages again. Once you can open pages you’re trying to reach, you can re-enable the extensions using the same steps.

3. Safari Won’t Load? Anyone Can Do This Easy DNS Server Trick

Another common cause for the Safari Cannot Open Page error message is the DNS server, which helps your device connect to web pages correctly. If needed, you can manually change your DNS server in Settings to use Google’s DNS. This can sometimes help with the Safari Cannot Load Page error. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds! For iPhone or iPad, use the steps below. To change DNS on Mac to Fix Safari issues, skip ahead.

How to Change DNS on iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Settings.

    tap settings when safari not working on iphone
     
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.

    WiFi for apple safari settings iphone
     
  3. Tap the Wi-Fi network to which you’re connected.

    tap connected WiFi when safari can't find server
     
  4. Scroll down and tap Configure DNS.

    tap configure DNS for internet issues on Safari web browser
     
  5. Tap Manual.

    manual DNS settings to open pages in safari web browser
     
  6. Tap Add Server.

    add google server when safari can't find server
     
  7. Type 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 in the new server line (it doesn't matter which one you choose).

    try google server 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 when safari cannot connect to server
     
  8. Tap Save.

    save apple safari web browser settings

Try loading the page again and see if this helps. If not, skip to the next Safari troubleshooting step.

Fix Safari Cannot Open Page Error: Change DNS on Mac

  1. Open System Preferences, either from your Dock or the Apple Menu.

    open settings if safari not working on mac
     
  2. Click Network.

    click network for apple safari internet issues
     
  3. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

    Wifi settings when safari can't find server
     
  4. Click Advanced.

    advanced for more safari web browser settings
     
  5. Click the DNS tab.

    DNS tab for internet issues when safari cannot connect to server
     
  6. Click the + button.

    plus button to add server 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 to apple safari web browser
     
  7. Enter the Google DNS server address 8.8.8.8, then click the plus icon again and add server 8.8.4.4 as well.

    add Google Servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 to apple safari
     
  8. Click OK.

    click ok to save to add server when safari not working on mac

In most cases, this will resolve your Safari Cannot Open Page error. If not, continue on to the next troubleshooting step.

4. Clear Safari Cache to Fix Safari Won't Load Issues

Another way to resolve the Safari cannot open the page error is to clear your Safari cache. Doing this saves valuable storage space and is key to fixing quite a few Apple Safari issues, but it does mean a little bit of extra work signing back into everything you used to be logged into online. Clear the Safari cache on iPhone or iPad and see if it helps. To clear teh cache in Safari on Mac, use the steps below.

  1. While in a Safari window, click Safari from the menu bar.

    click safari for safari web browser menu
     
  2. Click Preferences.

    click apple safari preferences
     
  3. Click Privacy.

    click privacy when safari cannot open page
     
  4. Click Manage Website Data.

    manage website data when safari not workin on mac
     
  5. Click Remove All.

    click remove all to delete safari web browser cache
     
  6. Click Remove Now.

    click remove now to clear cache on apple safari
     
  7. Click Done.

    click done to save settings when safari cannot connect to server

Still having trouble with Safari loading? Read on.

5. How to Fix Safari Cannot Open Page Error If Above Steps Didn’t Work

If you're still getting the Safari Cannot Open the Page Error, you may need to use a different web browser, such as Chrome. If the webpage opens with another browser, the issue likely lies with Safari. If it does not open on any browser, it's probably a problem with the site itself, such as a temporary outage.

Hopefully these steps helped you fix Safari browser issues! Know of another trick we didn't cover here? we'd love to hear it in the comments below.

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Author Details

Emma Chase's picture

Author Details

Emma Chase

Emma Chase is a freelance writer for iPhone Life. She has her Bachelors degree in Communication from the University of Northern Iowa. Emma has worked in many sectors in her professional career, including the higher education, finance, and nonprofit. Emma lives in small-town Iowa with her husband and two children. When she’s not geeking out over the newest Apple product or wrangling her kids, Emma enjoys a good book, crocheting, and trying new foods.