How To Fix Safari Can’t Find Server – [Step By Step Guide #2023]

People truly like the Safari browser, and they prefer it to the competitors in most ways (even Google Chrome). Though they will be the first to say that no Apple product is flawless. Despite the fact that it’s most popular on iPhones and iPads, it’s still rather popular among Macbook users. In this article, we will discuss how to fix Safari can’t find server

One of the most typical issues with the Safari browser is that it is unable to connect to the server. It’s a rather common blunder, and there are a few different approaches to dealing with it.

If you see a notice saying Safari can’t locate the server, it’s possible that something is blocking it from accessing the internet. Your wi-fi connection, DNS settings, or the software on your device might all be to blame.

You’ll want to look over these to make sure you’ve covered all of your bases. We’ll take a closer look at them to see where your problem could be.

Check Internet connectivity

If your Safari isn’t operating properly, the most likely cause is that your gadget isn’t connecting to the internet properly. This is true for both Macbooks and iPhones, as utilizing the browser requires an internet connection.

You’ll be able to check if you’re connected to a wi-fi network, a hotspot, or mobile data in your Settings. If you aren’t, connecting your device to a network should get Safari up and running again shortly.

If you’re not connected to the internet, you might not see this server notification in the latest Apple operating systems. Instead, a new warning will appear: You Are Not Connected to the Internet.

So it’s unlikely to be the reason for your server warning on fully updated Macbooks. If you haven’t updated your device in a while, it may still appear.

Remove any VPNs and anti-virus software, and change the firewall settings

Following a lack of internet connection, an issue with one of the programs you’re using is the next most likely cause of this problem.

The Mac Firewall on your device should be the first item to look at. We want to make sure it’s turned off and that it’s not preventing you from seeing particular sites.

We can accomplish this easily by heading to System Preferences and then to Firewall settings. To make any changes, you’ll need to enter your Admin password.

You should see that your Firewall is switched off once you’ve clicked through. Whether it isn’t, try turning it off to see if it fixes your server problem – obviously, this will depend on what settings are already in place.

Then we’ll check to see if you have any other software installed that might be interfering with your server connection. The most common of them is extra virus prevention software, which can frequently create connectivity problems.

Make sure you’ve removed this, even if it’s only to see whether it’s the source of the problem. Following that, you’ll want to do the same with any VPN software you’ve been using. When concealing your own IP address, they might cause problems.

Install the latest version of your operating system

An out-of-date operating system can create a slew of issues, including connectivity issues with your server.

You may simply accomplish this by navigating to the About This Mac area of your toolbar, which is located under the Apple symbol. You should be able to find the Software Update option in this section, which will allow you to get the most recent operating system.

If your operating system hasn’t been updated in a while, now is the time to do it in preparation for Big Sur. But be warned: you’ll need a lot of room to finish the upgrade, so be sure you have enough.

 

Customize DNS settings

DNS (Domain Name System) settings allow us to transform domain names such as spacehop.com into IP addresses for their corresponding servers. It’s possible that if they’re not properly mapped out, you won’t be able to connect to the server.

In your System Preferences, you can see what options you have. Then choose Network, followed by Advanced. Your internet provider should have automatically inserted the right server under the DNS tab.

We can try changing the DNS to determine if this is the source of the problem. Entering 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as the two servers is the easiest method to achieve this. These are Google’s DNS servers by default.

If you press OK, you’ll be prompted to enter your Admin Password. Changing your DNS should restore Safari to its previous state.

 

Utilization of Safe Mode

Safe Mode is possibly the most underappreciated computing feature by the typical Windows and Macbook user.

All it does is turn on your device without any of the extra software installed. That implies it won’t start up with VPN or antivirus software installed, as well as any other potentially problematic apps. It’s a cinch to figure out whether the problem is caused by a third-party program.

To enter Safe mode, just turn on your Macbook while holding down the Shift key. Then go about your business as usual and open Safari. If it works in Safe Mode, you can be certain that the issue is due to a software or app you’ve installed.

 

Clear your cookies and cache

After you’ve gone through the steps above, make sure to clear your cookies and cache to check whether the problem has been fixed.

Even if you’ve fixed the root of the problem, you might not be able to see the server error page if your Safari browser has cached it. Because it’s basically utilizing the old page as a shortcut to what was previously there, it’ll continue to display you the old page — it’s still taking the wrong path.

By heading to System Preferences and then to Privacy, you may accomplish this easily. It’s worthwhile to check to see whether you’re still viewing a cached page.

 

Conclusion

If you’re having troubles with Safari, these are some fast and easy fixes. While it is normally dependable, there are situations when it may not perform as expected.