If you have stopped counting the number of times Safari crashed in the last 48 hours, you are not alone. An increasing number of Mac users report Safari keeps freezing on their systems.
Some of the reasons behind this could be too many open tabs, an outdated Mac, problematic extensions, low RAM, and a bunch of other factors.
What to do if Safari freezes on Mac, iPhone, or iPad? The following fixes should get the browser up and running like new – closing multiple tabs, clearing out browser history and caches, using a different Browser, updating Mac, disabling Extensions, freeing up space, turn off malware scanners, resetting Safari, and lots more.
So here’s a step-by-step guide to prevent Safari from crashing:
#1. Closing multiple tabs
If tabs are overcrowding your browser window, it is probably causing Safari to slow down and eventually crash. So the best bet here is to close them down. If you are a Mac user, press Alt/Option Key and then click on ‘File’. Next, click on ‘Close other tabs’.
Alt/Option > File > Close Other Tab
If you are on the iPhone, go to the bottom right of the screen and touch and hold ‘Tab’. You will see a list of options like Close This Tab, New Tab, etc. Tap on ‘Close All (number) Tabs.
Tab > Close All (Number) Tabs
#2. Clearing out browser history and caches
Cookies accumulate over time and impact browsing performance. If Mac shuts down repeatedly, it’s time to delete browsing history and cached files. Open Safari and go to the option ‘Clear History’. Next, set the time frame for deleting data. Finally, click on ‘Delete History’.
Safari > Clear History > Select time > Delete History
This works for all your synced devices (Mac, iPhone, or iPad) and removes website data and files that may be the cause of the crash. However, it is helpful to note that this step deletes all data from browsers and things like usernames and passwords of frequently visited sites have to be entered the next time you visit them.
#3. Using a different Browser
Safari malfunctions are sometimes set on repeat. If you won’t stand for recurring trouble, you might want to make a move towards a different browser. Kingpin, for instance, doesn’t come with many other issues that bug other browsers. For instance, it doesn’t save cookies or cached files. It doesn’t store extensions or popups. There are no ads and no tracking. The browser doesn’t remember passwords and user data, like credit card details.
All this comes in handy when you are trying to work or watching a show or just commenting on social media – without a frustrating number of browser crashes to put a damper on things.
#4. Updating Mac
Often the simplest of fixes are the most effective ones. If you have been using an outdated version of the operating system, it’s time to switch to a more recent edition. This will make the software provide better security and better performance.
Mac users can fix this by clicking on the Apple icon on the right of the screen. This will show ‘About this Mac’. Click on it to display ‘Software Update‘. If Apple has released a new edition, click on ‘Update Now’. If there is an update, Mac will begin upgrading. However, if there isn’t any, it simply means, your operating system is running on the latest version.
Apple Icon > About this Mac > Software Update > Update Now
On an iPhone, go to Setting and tap on General. Then tap on Software Update.
Settings > General > Software Update.
#5. Disabling extensions
Rouge Extensions are like bugs on your system. Uninstalling those helps Safari avoid crashing time and time again. Just go to Safari and click on Preferences. Then, click on Extensions. This will display the list of all active Extensions. Deselect them one by one to lighten up the browser. This way you can also find out which Extension might be causing everything to crash.
Safari> Preferences> Extensions > Deselect
#6. Freeing up space
Browser performance is linked to RAM. If you think or find out that you are running low on storage, it could explain why Safari fails to run smoothly. It might take more than a minute to sort what to keep and what to discard. Besides, when you are clearing out cookies and extensions, you are freeing up some space. Back up your important data and give your system a deep clean.
#7. Disable malware scanners
Sometimes, the problem could lie with the malware scanner you have installed on Mac. To find out if it’s your antivirus software that’s causing the crash, try installing it and relaunching Safari. If the browser doesn’t freeze, your malware scanner has to go. Install a different one though since Safari is prone to virus attacks.
#8. Discontinue syncing between Safari and iCloud
Syncing your devices gives you several advantages but it could be the real reason Safari crashes on Mac. On your iPhone, first, go to Settings and click on your account – the Apple ID Name. It will display among other things, the iCloud. Tap on it to see what all features you have synced. Find Safari and toggle the switch in front of it to the left. Now you have disabled syncing. However, you may need to enable it to enjoy a seamless experience between your Apple devices.
Setting > Apple ID name > iCloud > Safari > Disable
#9. Use Safari in the Reader mode
The Reader mode could also be a quick fix to the safari crashing/freezing issue. Click on the Reader mode icon on the left of the URL bar in Safari. This will display the current website you are viewing in Reader mode. You can also set it to default. Just right-click on the Reader symbol and click on Use Reader Automatically on Website (name)
Safari > website > Reader mode >Use Reader Automatically on Website (name)
#10. Restart Mac and iPhone
If the crashes are brought about by temporary files, restarting your devices might just solve the issue. It helps your systems recover.
To sum up
Safari crashes on Mac and iPhone frequently but there are fixes to help you control the damages. From clearing browser data to updating the browsing software, you can try a number of solutions. There is also the option of migrating to a different browser like Kingpin that you can use as a backup browser. Whatever tweaks you make to your system, it is helpful to keep a backup of your important files, bookmarks, and other data. So the next time you are faced with the question, ‘How do I stop Safari from crashing?’ try a combination of these fixes.
