Fix Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection to the Server

Among the internet browsers, Safari is the most popular for its security features. Safari secures user privacy and provides a smooth browsing experience. Safari has HTTPS features that are automatically enabled to empower secure website browsing and protect against phishing and malware.

You may have faced the error “Safari Can’t Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” while surfing. This error can occur for many reasons such as Safari can’t verify the website’s SSL certificate, outdated Mac version, network issues, conflicting browser extensions, etc. Websites need an SSL certificate to establish a secure connection between the server and a browser. Whenever a user tries to access information on Safari, it will first ask for a valid certificate from the server. Safari rejects a connection and displays the error message if your certificate is expired or misconfigured. Similarly, if your Mac version is outdated, it can harm your website connection on the Safari browser.

How to fix "Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection to the Server"?

To resolve this, I have mentioned the most feasible solutions for it.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

• The first thing you need to check is your internet connection to solve this problem. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
• Check your WiFi connection to ensure your internet is working properly. You can restart your router if required.
• You can also run that website on other browsers, like Google or Firefox. If the URL is working properly over there, you can troubleshoot other solutions.

2. Update Safari and macOS

• Make sure yo-u keep the Mac version updated to the latest one. If you are using an old device and the version is older, there can be issues.

• However, due to the massive backward compatibility iOS devices get, you may have devices that get the latest version. So, ensure you check for updates regularly.
• Once you update your macOS to the latest version it will automatically update your Safari because it is integrated with an operating system.

3. Clear Safari Cache and Cookies

• Safari saves information for each website locally on the first connection and shows the same each time a user requests data. Now if this cache is outdated or misconfigured data about your website it can lead to an error message.
• So, to fix Safari can't establish a secure connection to the server you need to clear the cache and retry connecting. If the issue is, cache and cookies it will be resolved, and a proper connection will be established.
• To clear it go to the “Preferences” from the browser’s top menu bar. Click on the privacy tab and go to “Manage Website Data”. To remove all data, click on “Remove All”.

4. Check Date and Time Settings

• Your Mac device allows time and date adjustment. Go to the system setting and go to "General" and then click on “Date & Time”. Here you can change the time and date manually.

• In the “Date & Time,” you can find the setting under the “Time Zone” tab; enable sync with the current location automatically.

5. Disable or Uninstall Browser Extensions

• Another best practice that you can use to reduce the chances of a “Safari can't establish a secure connection to the server “error is removing or disabling unwanted browser extensions. To remove the extension, go to "Settings" and click on the extensions. Then to uninstall the extension, select the extension and hit the uninstall button.
• To disable an extension, you can uncheck the box next to your desired extension you want to disable. This can reduce the chances of outdated extensions hindering the connection between server and browser.

6. Reset Network Settings

• Another troubleshooting you can do is reset your network settings. To do this go to the system settings and click on “Network” from the sidebar.
• Choose the network interface you want to reset such as WIFI or ethernet. Now to remove click on “-” and confirm the remove.
• Now to Re-add click on “+” and choose the type of interface you want to add. Click on “Create” then apply settings as required. Reset network settings will clear misconfigurations and restore to default settings to establish secure connections.

7. Check for Firewall and Security Software

• Firewalls and security software are built to protect your system but sometimes they prevent legitimate connections. Firewalls control the network traffic based on a predefined set of rules. If firewalls block certain ports that are essential to building secure connections. It will display the message “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server”.
• To adjust your firewall settings, go to the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences). Then click on “Network” or “Security & Privacy”.
• Now by clicking on the “Firewall Options” you will have a full list of services and apps that are allowed or blocked. Cross-check that list if any essential connections are blocked you can add them by clicking on the plus (+).
• You can also temporarily deactivate the firewall to identify if the firewall causing the error message.
• Also, if you are using any security software on your device, check the settings of it. You can verify the settings related to HTTPS filtering, and web protection and can make the changes if required.

8. Contact Website Support

If none of the troubleshooting is not helpful you can contact the website support. Provide the details of the issue by creating a support ticket. The team will do the needful to fix your error.

Conclusion

Getting “Safari Can't Establish a Secure Connection to the Server” is annoying but by troubleshooting the right method you can establish a secure connection and access the website. In a way, “Safari can’t establish a secure connection to the server” is the best way to check if there are some security issues with the website. However, there are many reasons each with a different way to fix the error. Which one to choose will depend on your system, website issues, and the cause of the error.