8 Ways to Fix Some Websites Won't Load on Mac [2024]

Having trouble loading websites on your Mac? It can be frustrating when pages fail to load or load slowly. The issue could originate from your browser, internet connection, or the website itself. Thankfully, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get websites loading properly again. This article outlines 8 methods to try when facing sites that won't open on a Mac computer. Following these solutions will help identify and resolve the underlying cause so you can browse the web smoothly.

1. Check your internet connection

Your internet connection could be the culprit behind sites not loading. Make sure you have a stable, fast internet connection on your Mac.

Your internet service provider delivers your internet connection. Connectivity issues like a slow connection speed, disconnects, or network congestion can prevent pages from loading properly.

How to do it:

• Restart your router, cable modem, or other network equipment. This can clear up any network congestion.

• Connect your Mac directly to the modem or router via ethernet cable instead of using WiFi. This ensures a more reliable wired connection.

• Run a speed test to check your download and upload speeds. Contact your ISP if speeds are consistently low.

• Check for any service outages in your area using your ISP's website or social media.

2. Update your browser

An outdated browser can cause compatibility and performance issues. Update to the latest version. Web browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Firefox are constantly updated by developers. New versions fix bugs, add features, and improve compatibility with sites.

How to do it:

• In Safari, go to System Settings> General > Software Update to check for updates.

• In Chrome, click the three dots at the top right > Help > About Google Chrome to see your version and update if needed.

• In Firefox, click the three lines at the top right > Help > About Firefox to see your version and update.

3. Try a different browser

If a site has issues on one browser, it may work properly in another. Test different browsers. Different browsers render web pages slightly differently due to variations in their HTML, CSS, and JavaScript engines. One may work better than another for a problematic site.

How to do it:

• Download and install a browser you don't already have like Firefox, Chrome.

• Open the problem website in the new browser and see if it loads properly.

• You can keep multiple browsers installed and switch between them for compatibility.

4. Clear your browser cache

Clearing cached browser data may help resolve page load issues.

Your browser caches (stores) files, images, and data from sites you visit to speed up load times. But outdated cache can cause problems.

How to do it:

• In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website data > Remove all.

• In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data

• In Firefox, go to Options > Privacy & Security > Clear data

5. Check site accessibility on Mac

Some websites may have known issues or bugs on Macs specifically. Check their help site or forums.

Sites may use certain code, plugins, or features that don't function properly on Macs, causing load failures. Sites may post solutions.

How to do it:

• Search the website's help center or knowledge base for information on Mac issues.

• Google the site name plus "not loading on Mac" to find relevant forum discussions.

• See if the site offers a Mac-specific app or instructions that could help.

6. Try disabling browser extensions

Some browser add-ons and extensions can interfere with page loading.

Extensions add extra functionality but can sometimes conflict with sites or slow down performance. Disabling them prevents this.

How to do it:

• In Chrome, go to Settings > Extensions and toggle off any unnecessary extensions.

• In Firefox, go to Add-ons > Extensions and toggle off problematic extensions.

• In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Extensions and uncheck boxes to disable them.

7. Reset browser settings

Resetting your browser's settings to default can resolve irregular issues.

Browser settings can become corrupted over time leading to strange errors. Resetting clears out any problematic settings.

How to do it:

• In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings >Restore settings to their original defaults

• In Safari, go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced and check "Show Develop menu". Then go to Develop > Empty Caches to reset.

• In Firefox, go to Help > Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox to reset settings.

8. Try loading sites in Safe Mode

Booting in Safe Mode loads only required macOS files and apps.

Mode isolates software issues by preventing third-party apps and services from loading at boot. Sites may load properly here.

How to do it:

• Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key after hearing the startup chime.

• Let go when you see the login screen to continue in Safe Mode. Now try loading problematic sites.

• Exit Safe Mode by restarting your Mac as normal.

Conclusion

In summary, website loading issues on Mac can often be resolved through browser updates, clearing cached data, trying different browsers, checking for Mac-specific bugs, and modifying browser settings. Isolating the problem requires methodically testing different solutions. Don't hesitate to contact your internet service provider if you think the problem lies with your connection speed or reliability. With persistence and a systematic approach, you can troubleshoot most website loading failures on a Mac.

Explore more topics:

• 8 Ways to Fix iCloud Photos Not Syncing on Your Mac

• M2 Pro and the M2 Max - What’s the difference?

• How to Open the Task Manager on a Mac[Complete Guide]

• 7 Ways to save Macbook battery